29th Sunday of Ordinary Time, October 22, 2017 Prayers of the Faithful

29th Sunday of Ordinary Time, October 22, 2017

We approach the Lord with our prayers and petitions, not seeking to entrap him, but with conviction that his answers will show us that toward the rising and setting of the sun we may know there is none besides him.

1. For the Church, that we may live Pope Francis’ exhortation to see each day as a new opportunity to be attentive to God, to welcome the day as his gift, and to live that day by offering our good works to him. We pray to the Lord.
2. That on this World Mission Day, we may be inspired to better live the mission of the church to transform the world through the joyful Good News of the Gospel. We pray to the Lord.
3. That world leaders may recognize their first duty is to give the Lord glory and honor by seeking peace, security, and the well-being of all people. We pray to the Lord.
4. That Christians may be strong people of truth who follow the way of God in accordance with that truth despite pressures that point to a different set of values and norms. We pray to the Lord.
5. That the heroic efforts of children to overcome horrendous disease may inspire all people to value human life in all it stages from conception until natural death. We pray to the Lord.
6. That Fr. Christopher may be inspired, as was Jesus, to respond with wisdom and truth in dealing with those who plot to entrap him with disingenuous and false charges. We pray to the Lord.
7. That Catholics facing persecution, from those whose churches are being bombed to those whose church communities are under attack, may be wise and resolute in their efforts for religious freedom and for justice. We pray to the Lord.
8. That we may always act with knowledge that our material gifts are from God and are to be used for the well-being of all people. We pray to the Lord.
9. That those friends and members of our community who are ill and their families may be strengthened by the knowledge that no matter what we may suffer, life has its purpose and deeper meaning, and that the merciful Lord will greet us at its end. We pray to the Lord.
10. That those who have died in the service of others in the military, as first responders, and in generous self-sacrifice may rest forever in peace and comfort in the arms of God. We pray to the Lord.

O God, we look upon our lives with confidence and hope, knowing that the future is not guided solely by the work of our hands or by our prayers but by God’s providence as we offer our petitions through Christ our Lord.  Amen.