Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time, February 17, 2019

Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time, February 17, 2019

With the bishops gathering in Rome this week, we join together in prayer for our needs and the needs of the world.

1. That the presidents of all Catholic bishops’ conferences gathering with Pope Francis in Rome, and all bishops, may be blessed with grace and wisdom to overcome the sexual abuse crisis, and all abuses of power, in the Church. We pray to the Lord.
2. That the world may be renewed in peace, understanding, care for the marginalized, and a cessation of human trafficking through inspired leadership of those meeting in Rome that works to vanquish all abuse. We pray to the Lord.
3. That all bishops, clergy, and Christian people may trust in the Lord, their hope, and live without fear, avoid distress, and bear fruit that is the peace and joy of Christ. We pray to the Lord.
4. That bishops may not be among those who follow the counsel of the wicked and walk in the way of sinners so that through the prayerful exercise of their office they may bear fruit. We pray to the Lord.
5. That all bishops may by their actions bless the poor, feed the hungry, bring laughter to those who weep, and love to those who are despised. We pray to the Lord.
6. That this period of cover up of sexual crimes and other forms of abuse by the powerful in the church may end by a commitment to service, humility, and charity. We pray to the Lord.
7. That Fr. Christopher will be strengthened by knowledge that his mistreatment places him among those who are excluded and insulted so that he may leap for joy with firm belief that his reward will be great in heaven. We pray to the Lord.
8. That the sick, those in mental institutions, those in nursing homes, and all people in need of compassionate care may find the help they need and be spared abuse from neglect, intolerance, and selfishness. We pray to the Lord.
9. That the faith of those who have died in poverty with sadness and without friends may enjoy the great rewards of heaven for all eternity. We pray to the Lord.
10. For our own intentions that we recall in silence…….. We pray to the Lord.

O God, we know that Jesus’ Resurrection from the dead signals that good will always overcome evil.  We pray this day that the evil we experience in our lives through failure to heed the call of the beatitudes may be overcome through the strengthening of our faith and the gift of your grace.  We make our prayers through Christ our Lord.   Amen.