Third Sunday of Advent A, December 15, 2019
On this day we hear of John the Baptist, the messenger sent ahead to prepare the way of the Lord. May we heed John’s call to repentance as we seek to encounter Jesus through the prayers that we offer.
- That Church leaders may take to heart their call to bring God’s joy to all Catholic people and to the world. We pray to the Lord.
- That world leaders may work for justice, truth, the eradication of poverty, and the opportunity for all people to rejoice over the blessings in their lives. We pray to the Lord.
- That those with feeble hands, weak knees, and frightened hearts may be uplifted by Isaiah’s exhortation, “Be strong, fear not! Here is your God , he comes to save you.” We pray to the Lord.
- In thanksgiving for those in Sanibel who join with St. Veronica in defying guards to offer consolation, encouragement, and charity to those who are oppressed and in need. We pray to the Lord.
- That the veil of sadness that covers St. Isabel Church and the Diocese of Venice will be lifted so that all may rejoice at the coming of the Lord into our lives. We pray to the Lord.
- That we may wait in joyful hope for relief from what disturbs us with firm hearts and with the patience of the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. We pray to the Lord.
- That as he celebrates his 83rd birthday on December 17, Pope Francis may be blessed with good health, wisdom, and grace so that the Church may experience the conversion of his policies and pronouncements into actions. We pray to the Lord.
- That every country will take the measures necessary to prioritize the future of the very young, especially those who are suffering[1]. We pray to the Lord.
- That those who are unable to practice their faith openly because of government oppression and religious persecution may find joy in their knowledge that the Lord God keeps faith forever and secures justice for the oppressed. We pray to the Lord.
- That Fr. Christopher may rejoice on this Gaudete Sunday confident in the nearness of the Lord’s coming even as he endures the rebukes of the bishops of the Church he has served so faithfully. We pray to the Lord.
- That as John the Baptist in prison was strengthened by knowledge that through Jesus the blind regained sight, the lame walked, lepers were cleansed, and the deaf heard, those who are ill will rejoice in the knowledge that Jesus is with them in their suffering . We pray to the Lord.
- That we may rejoice over the lives of deceased friends and family that we have shared, and pray with confidence that they may now reside in the everlasting joy of heaven. We pray to the Lord.
- For our own intentions that we recall in silence…….. We pray to the Lord.
O God, we offer our prayers this day recognizing the need for joy to overcome the many sources of sadness that we bring before you. We pray that you will hear and answer our prayers as we prepare our hearts and minds for the joyful coming of your Son, Jesus, to us at Christmas. We make our prayers through Christ our Lord. Amen.
[1] Pope Francis’ monthly intention for December, 2019
parishionersforjustice.com 