These ideas are designed to be starting points for the prayers of a particular community of faith.

Joe Milner

1. For the Church: that we may be like Mary, treasuring God's words and deeds in our hearts and drawing wisdom from them for our daily lives

2. For a deeper awareness of the Spirit in our lives: that we may know our adoption as children of God and live in freedom and friendship with God

3. For the grace to ponder: that we may recognize and reverence the work of God in our lives and come to a deeper realization of how much God loves us

4. For the grace to begin again: that God will free us from all that holds us bound and invigorate us to live life fully for God’s glory and the service of our sisters and brothers

5. For God’s blessing on the New Year: that God will free us from the Covid virus, renew the gifts of the Spirit within us, and inspire us with new ways to show God’s love and compassion to others

6. For awareness of the deepest desires God has placed in our hearts: that the Spirit will help us recognize the desires and visions that God has planted within us and give us the courage to pursue them

7. For the ability to listen better: that we, like the shepherds, may truly listen to the words spoken to us, find meaning in them, and act wisely upon them

8. For the ability to forgive and let go: that God will help us to forgive all who have injured us and release our pain into God’s hands so that we can live freely and vigorously in this new year

9. For all leaders of the Church: that they may exercise authority with the wisdom of the Spirit and the love of Christ in their hearts

10. For peace and healing within nations: that leaders and all who hold public office may faithfully fill their duties and work to relieve the suffering of the poor and marginalized

11. For all who are suffering: that God will bring relief to the homeless and those in refugee camps, new beginnings for those recovering from natural disasters, and safety to those who live amid violence

12. For our common home, the earth: that God will help us to be good stewards of creation and guide us to wisely use the natural resources for the good of all the human family

13. For all who are ill: that God will bring healing to the sick, comfort to those in isolation, strength to caregivers, and health to all of us

14. For the blessing of peace: that the Spirit of God will open us to the presence of God around us and guide us along new paths that will heal divisions and end bloodshed

15. For all who have died during this past year: that God’s face will shine upon them and give them eternal peace in God’s presence