Nineteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, August 9, 2020

Nineteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, August 9, 2020

O God, the complexities of our lives can cause us to think that we are dependent on our own abilities to overcome the challenges that we face.  As Jesus went up the mountain to pray by himself, we turn to you in humble prayer knowing that you are the source of all that is good.

1. That as we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Church will commit itself to action that brings peace and that echoes the words of Saint Pope Paul VI, “No more war, war never again.” We pray to the Lord.
2. That today’s celebration of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People may raise awareness of the plight of indigenous people as they strive to overcome poverty, gain respect for their cultures, seek adequate health care, and resist the particular threat that the pandemic poses to their way of life. We pray to the Lord.
3. That as the world is rocked by the massive explosion in Beirut, by the aggressive spread of the coronavirus, and the strident bickering of political leaders, we may find the Lord in the quietness of our lives as we are isolated from friends, family, and our desired activities. We pray to the Lord.
4. That in this stormy season marked by hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods, we may not be terrified but instead may look for the Lord who comes to us in all our circumstances. We pray to the Lord.
5. That when Jesus calls us to come to him amidst the turbulence of our lives, we may set out with faith that he will save us from sinking and lead us to refuges of calm waters and gentle breezes. We pray to the Lord.
6. That through prayer and the sacraments we will be transformed from people of little faith who doubt into those able to proclaim to Jesus, “Truly, you are the Son of God.” We pray to the Lord.
7. That the reopening of schools will be informed by wise administrators who make decisions that are in the best interests of the health, well-being, and education of the children they serve. We pray to the Lord.
8. That in commemorating the damage caused to St. Isabel Church by Hurricane Charley sixteen years ago and the inspired leadership of Fr. Christopher that led to recovery, we will grow in confidence that the current forces that seek to destroy the parish and the faith of the people of the Diocese of Venice will be overcome. We pray to the Lord.
9. That the Catholic people of Burma, China, Eritrea, Iran, and other countries who face brutal religious persecution may cherish their faith and know that Jesus walks toward them in the midst of their suffering and fear. We pray to the Lord.
10. That those who are ill in mind or body may find the support they need to carry on in these difficult times and overcome the challenges imposed by pain, confusion, and despair. We pray to the Lord.
11. That those who have died may see the kindness of the Lord and be granted eternal salvation. We pray to the Lord.

O God, may we know that you answer all our prayers, not in heavy winds, or earthquakes, or fire.  May we find your response in the tiny whispering sounds that are present in every moment of our lives.  We offer these prayers through Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord.  Amen.