Universal Prayer Ideas for the Feast of Exaltation of the Holy Cross - September 14, 2025

Joe Milner

1. For the Church: that we who were signed with the cross at our baptism, may walk with Christ through the Paschal Mystery and allow God to guide us through all of life's trials

2. 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

3. For the grace to love unselfishly: that Christ's example of picking up the cross for us, may empowered us to love as Christ loved and never count the cost

4. For all who are being persecuted or discriminated against for their Christian faith: that the cross of Christ will bring them strength and courage to remain faithful and continue to give witness to the Gospel

5. For the ability to accept our vulnerability: that like Christ who emptied himself for us, 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

6. 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 walk with them through the pain and into new life

7. For all who have long-term illness or disability and for their families: that they may draw strength from the sufferings of Christ and hope from his resurrection

8. For health and safety in our schools and colleges: that God will protect all students and faculty from violence and disease and help everyone to learn and grow in the coming months

9. For leaders in governments, business, education, and religion: that they may follow the example of Christ and become servants to all the voiceless and marginalized of society

10. For families who are broken and in turmoil: that Christ's example of love and service may guide them toward reconciliation and compassion for one another

11. For all who are facing death: that the cross will bring strength and grace to those with terminal illness, those who live in danger of violence, and those who are awaiting execution, and lead them to Christ who is the resurrection and life

12. 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

13. For peace: that the cross of Christ may illumine a new way to settle conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and South Sudan and open a path toward forgiveness and reconciliation