Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time C, September 15, 2019

Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time C, September 15, 2019

We hear in the Gospel for today that Jesus does not overlook us even when we are lost, like one sheep from a flock or a single coin from among many.  We come to the Lord confident that our sincere and quiet prayers for the Church and for the world will be heard above the din that seems to drown out the message of the Gospels.

1. That the Church may never cease to search out those who are lost and welcome them with joy into our communities of faith. We pray to the Lord.
2. That nations may welcome with open arms those who have been displaced by war, violence, natural disasters, and poverty; and that all will rejoice when those who have suffered find relief. We pray to the Lord.
3. That the people of the Bahamas may receive the strength and support needed so that they will again find their islands to be a slice of heaven characterized by calm waters, warm breezes, and panoramic beauty. We pray to the Lord.
4. That we may reject the molten calves of riches, power, and prestige that are worshiped in our time and turn to the Lord who provides true peace and joy. We pray to the Lord.
5. That students beginning their school year will be grateful for the opportunity to obtain an education and be able to see the hand of the Lord in all that they learn. We pray to the Lord.
6. That breeches in our families between parents and children, husbands and wives, and brothers and sisters will be healed by a generous spirit of welcoming that reflects God’s love for all his creation. We pray to the Lord.
7. That the people of St. Isabel Parish will overcome divisions and be restored to a community of faith that reflects the ideals of the Gospel. We pray to the Lord.
8. That Father Christopher may be welcomed by his bishop so that he may be able to live the promises of his ordination to be a faithful steward of the mysteries of God in the Holy Eucharist and to discharge faithfully the sacred office of teaching . We pray to the Lord.
9. That those who are ill may be comforted knowing that the Good Shepherd keeps track of all his sheep and by receiving help and support from other members of the flock. We pray to the Lord.
10. That the outcast from society who have died will be welcomed with great rejoicing among the angels of God as over a lost sheep who has been found. We pray to the Lord.
11. For our own intentions that we recall in silence…….. We pray to the Lord.

O God, we recognize the many divisions that exist in our society.  We offer our prayers seeking to be instruments of unity that proclaim your praise with a contrite spirit and humble heart confident that our prayers and petitions are never spurned. We make our prayers through Christ our Lord.  Amen.