For the Church: that we may enter into the Paschal Mystery and surrender ourselves to God who abides with us through all trials and raises us to new life

For a renewal of faith: that the lifting up of Christ may open our hearts to experience God’s great love and lead all to a deeper relationship with Christ

For the grace to love unselfishly: that we may be empowered to love as Christ loved and never count the cost

For a spirit of appreciation: that we may recognize and give thanks for all the blessings which God has given us

For the ability to accept our vulnerability: that like Christ who emptied himself, we may accept our limits, be emptied of pride and the need to control, and allow God to work through us even when we feel weak

For all who work for justice and peace: that they may be renewed and emboldened as they seek to bring the reign of God forth in our society

For healing for all who are broken: that Christ’s victory may heal all burdened by guilt, shame, or confusion

For all who are suffering: that the power of the cross will bring courage and hope to all who are working through difficult times in their lives

For all who are being persecuted, particularly the Christians for Syria, Iraq and Nigeria:
that the cross of Christ will bring them strength and that they may have courage to witness to the Gospel

For all who are awaiting execution: that they may find grace in the cross and come to know Christ who has shared all their fear and pain

For all who are sick, particularly those with the Ebola virus: that they may look upon Christ lifted up, find healing and be reunited with their loved ones

For all recovering from storms and floods: that God will ease their pain, speed the assistance which they need, and fill them with courage and strength

For all world leaders: that they may follow the example of Christ and become servants to all the voiceless and marginalized of society

For all who carry the cross each day; for parents of troubled children; for those struggling with addiction: and for those who have been abused: that Christ who has been lifted up will show them the way through the pain towards a life of wholeness and hope

For families who are broken and in turmoil: that Christ’s example of love may be an instrument of healing and reconciliation for all struggling families

For freedom from war and violence: that the cross of Christ will show the way to peace and new beginnings for all experiencing violence and bloodshed