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

Joe Milner

For the Church: that we may commend our lives to God each day and be renewed in spirit by God’s faithful presence

For the grace of humility: that we may allow God to empty us of selfish desires and the need to control so that God can raise us to fuller life

For all who are suffering in mind, body or spirit: that they may find healing in the wounds of Christ

For the grace to accompany others: that like Simon, God will help us to enter the suffering in the lives of those around us, particularly those overburdened by life, grieving loss, or burdened with illness

For all who are preparing for the sacraments of initiation: that God will lead them through dying and rising to New Life in Christ

For all who have experienced abandonment, who have been deserted by family or friends, or who have been accused unjustly: that they may know God’s presence with them and have strength to hold to the truth

For the leaders of government: that they recognize in Jesus, the King of the Jews, how to be true leaders and servants to those entrusted to their care

For all people of Good Will: that every heart may reject violence and force as a way to resolve conflicts and seek new means of reconciliation and healing

For all who have failed to live up to their commitments: that they may recognize their failures and like Peter, repent and begin anew

For all who are terminally ill and for those who have been condemned to death: that they may have strength and hope in the God of life

For all who have hit bottom with their addiction: that they may find in the crucified one the strength and hope to start life again

For all who are grieving: that they may experience God’s presence with them and God’s gift of peace

For all who face insult and ridicule because of religious belief, race, gender or physical appearance: that God renew their dignity and heal their spirits

For immigration reform: that the Spirit will inspire members of Congress and the Administration with ways to assist all whose lives are at risk and to respect the dignity of each person

For peace: that God will open new ways to resolve conflicts with Russia and North Korea, bring an end to the violence in Syria, Afghanistan and South Sudan, and bring all members of the military home safely