Eighth Sunday of Ordinary Time, March 03, 2019
We come to God trying to see clearly through the wooden beams in our eyes as we offer prayers and petitions for the needs of the world.
- That the Church may exercise leadership in word and action in eradicating the problem of the sexual abuse of minors that infects it and “continues to be a widespread phenomenon in all cultures and societies.[1]” We pray to the Lord.
- That the world may unite in denouncing all human trafficking, which enslaves more than 21 million people, and take forceful action so that its victims may have lives of dignity and freedom. We pray to the Lord.
- That the Church may take firm action to revise “inadequate procedures for determining the suitability of candidates for the priesthood and the religious life; insufficient human, moral, intellectual and spiritual formation in seminaries and novitiates; and a misplaced concern for the reputation of the Church and the avoidance of scandal, resulting in failure to safeguard the dignity of every person.[2]” We pray to the Lord.
- That we may observe the coming season of Lent with sacrifices that renew our faith, serve those in need, and prepare us spiritually for the great celebration of Easter. We pray to the Lord.
- That the distractions, responsibilities, and challenges of life may never make us too busy to give thanks to the Lord, proclaiming his kindness at dawn and his faithfulness throughout the night. We pray to the Lord.
- That we may heed St. Paul’s admonition to be firm, steadfast, always fully devoted to the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord our labor is not in vain. We pray to the Lord.
- That Fr. Christopher may continue to produce good out of the store of goodness in his heart and be undeterred by those seeking destruction. We pray to the Lord.
- That those who are ill may be visited, comforted, and cared for by friends and family knowing that the Lord never abandons us in our trials. We pray to the Lord.
- That those who have died may be planted in the house of the Lord where they will praise and thank God for all eternity. We pray to the Lord.
- For our own intentions that we recall in silence…….. We pray to the Lord.
Lord God, you see us clearly as we notice the splinters in other’s eyes while failing to perceive our own wooden beams. We ask that you answer our prayers that we may see the world clearly and become servants of your will for us and for all people. We make our prayers through Christ our Lord. Amen.
[1] Pope Francis’ closing remarks at the meeting on the protection of minors.
[2] Pope Benedict as quoted by Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna at the meeting on the protection of minors
parishionersforjustice.com 
all good prayers for us to pray as lent begins—–I pray too for an increase in my faith and for the faith that we sometimes question——–
I believe in God and I believe in Jesus Christ—-I believe in the Holy Spirit——-and life everlasting!
I pray for our church to be what it professes and claims to be !
I do not want it to disappoint anyone! It has to be truthful in all it teaches——–as it carries on its mission.
We pray for justice for Fr Christopher and in thanksgiving that he is able to find new strength each day from all who pray and act in his defense.
We pray for all young people to be able to look to the church as a true model for their faith and for their hope and let them see real Christian love and real charity-not just words!
— and let our church be the church that Jesus intended it to be! From the top down— it has to be honest! I pray that the Bishops will honor what they have discussed and decided and will see that it is implemented immediately! For the church to go on — we need to see actions and no longer just meaningless words!
My faith has been important to me and I do not want to lose it and I ant other to know it is available to them –but it will take lots of work ! NOW!
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