Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time, A, February 16, 2020

Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time, A, February 16, 2020

We come to the Lord knowing that His law is a guide for our lives and asking that we may be blessed with the wisdom and grace to follow that law.

1. That the Church may be faithful to its laws and traditions while seeking the inspiration of the Spirit in ministering to those who are troubled, marginalized, and in need of reconciliation. We pray to the Lord.
2. That when faced with the opportunity to choose between life and death, good and evil, politicians and government leaders will decide with the wisdom of the Lord and act with justice. We pray to the Lord.
3. That the dreams of Pope Francis for the Amazon region will be realized for the welfare of the environment, for justice for the people of that region, and for the well-being of all humanity. We pray to the Lord.
4. That people of good will and of faith will fight for the rights of the poor and the least of our brothers and sisters so that their voices can be heard and their dignity advanced.^[1] We pray to the Lord.
5. That the distinctive cultural riches and traditions of native peoples and ethnic communities throughout the world will be respected so that the beauty of humanity may shine forth in so many varied ways.^[2] We pray to the Lord.
6. That we may jealously preserve the overwhelming natural beauty we find in land, waters, rocks, beaches, and mountains and preserve the superabundant forms of life that teem in rivers, oceans, forests, jungles, and all elements of this great Earth. We pray to the Lord.
7. That Christian communities will be capable of generous commitment to the diversity of people that inhabit the earth that we might see the face of God in every individual. We pray to the Lord.
8. That those areas of the world suffering from the effects of the corona virus be kept safe from the spread of this disease and overcome its harmful effects. We pray to the Lord.
9. That Fr. Christopher may resist those who sow seeds of division and use his priesthood to build up the sense of unity in our community. We pray to the Lord.
10. That those who are suffering from health issues that require aggressive treatments will not be discouraged but will pursue a return to health with the help of caring medical professionals and supportive friends and family. We pray to the Lord.
11. That those in our parish, members of our families, and friends who have died may find joy in heaven as they receive what God has prepared for those who love him. We pray to the Lord.
12. For our own intentions that we recall in silence…….. We pray to the Lord.

O God we ask that we may choose to live your commandments, acting with justice and avoiding all temptations of sin.  May we know that you answer all our prayers and satisfy all our needs. We make these prayers through Christ our Lord. Amen.

^[1] Petitions 4 — 7 are adaptations of the four dreams of Pope Francis for the Amazon region as expressed in his post-synodal apostolic exhortation Querida Amazonia such that those dreams can be imagined in a broader context.

^[2] Those interested in learning about a myriad of Catholic traditions in cultures throughout the world might enjoy visiting the Catholics & Cultures web site:  https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/