Third Sunday of Easter, April 26, 2020

Third Sunday of Easter, April 26, 2020

The disciples walked with Jesus on the road to Emmaus and came to know him in the breaking of bread.  We offer our prayers asking that we may not be slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke.

1. That during this period of stress for the world, Pope Francis may be kept safe from harm and disease as he leads the church with hope and Easter joy to a more profound faith in our risen Lord. We pray to the Lord.
2. That world leaders will be wise in addressing the immediate problems posed by the coronavirus and also prepare for a changed world where the poor and hungry will be in greater need and face increased economic hardship. We pray to the Lord.
3. That during these difficult times as we journey along the unexpected roads of our lives conversing and debating, we may know that Jesus himself is near and walks with us.  We pray to the Lord.
4. That each day as evening draws near, we may urge Jesus to stay with us through the night and awaken us to a new day where our hearts are burning with the flame of faith. We pray to the Lord.
5. That the Eucharist we celebrate may open our eyes to recognize the many times and ways that Jesus is with us, calling us to share the good news of the Resurrection. We pray to the Lord.
6. That those confined in nursing homes, prisons, and medical facilities may be kept safe from the coronavirus and experience Jesus, who is not deterred even by locked doors from offering his peace to all people. We pray to the Lord.
7. That those who labor selflessly to provide medical care, civil services, food, and basic needs will be protected from harm, receive the grace to labor with courage, and know the gratitude of the many people they serve. We pray to the Lord.
8. That Fr. Christopher and those who are tormented by injustice will have an Emmaus experience and be astounded by a new light of realization that they are with Christ who found it necessary to suffer in order to enter into his glory. We pray to the Lord.
9. That refugees who flee on the roads and pathways of this world may encounter Jesus through our care, concern, and support so that they may realize the truth of the Resurrection as their lives are renewed. We pray to the Lord.
10. That those families separated by the coronavirus may be protected from heartache and find love and consolation through the support of their friends and faith communities.  We pray to the Lord.
11. That those who are ill may not feel abandoned but may know the love, support, and prayers of friends and family who are not able to be present with them in their suffering. We pray to the Lord.
12. That those who were killed in shootings in Nova Scotia, Nigeria, and South Africa and all victims of violence will be received to a life of joy in heaven where death has no sting. We pray to the Lord.

Heavenly Father, as we anxiously turn our attention to the coronavirus and its impact on our lives and the lives of all people, may we remember that we have been ransomed from our futile conduct by the precious blood of Christ so that our faith and hope will be in you who live and reign forever through Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen.