Thirty-First Sunday of Ordinary Time, November 04, 2018

Thirty-First Sunday of Ordinary Time, November 04, 2018

We approach the Lord, as did the scribe, with uncertainties about life, faith, and living the commandments.  We present our petitions asking for God’s grace, mercy, and wisdom.

1. For the Church, that we may take to heart the words of Moses to love the Lord, our God, with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our strength. We pray to the Lord.
2. That those suffering persecution, poverty, and violence may not lose hope and may inspire all people to work for a world marked by peace, humility, and love of neighbor. We pray to the Lord.
3. That we may replace burnt offerings and material sacrifices with actions that speak of God’s love for us and of our unshakeable faith in the Lord. We pray to the Lord.
4. That our generosity to refugees, victims of hurricanes and natural disasters, and to those in our local community in need of assistance and encouragement may show Christ to the world and demonstrate love of neighbor as ourselves. We pray to the Lord.
5. That the culture of cover-up and dishonesty that infects the Church in matters of abuse may be expunged through renewed dedication to Jesus’ call to love God above all things. We pray to the Lord.
6. That entering his third year of administrative leave, Fr. Christopher may receive the support of his parish and remain resolute in seeking justice, in working for truth, and in preserving his call to the priesthood. We pray to the Lord.
7. That violence and hatred in the Middle East and between people of different cultural and religious backgrounds everywhere may give way to mutual respect through appreciation of God’s creation and Jesus’ call to love one’s neighbor. We pray to the Lord.
8. That those living out their days in nursing homes, those whose illnesses force them to face death, and all who suffer from serious disease may know that they are beloved neighbors and may face their suffering with faith and hope. We pray to the Lord.
9. That our deceased friends, family, and parishioners may be received into the Lord’s loving embrace and rejoice forever for the gift of eternal life. We pray to the Lord.
10. For our own intentions that we recall in silence…….. We pray to the Lord.

O God, we know you are our strength, our rock of refuge that delivers us from all that threatens us.  We offer our prayers assured that you answer all our requests that we may may be “not far from the kingdom of God.”  We humbly make our prayers through Christ our Lord.   Amen.