Twentieth Sunday of Ordinary Time, August 16, 2020

Twentieth Sunday of Ordinary Time, August 16, 2020

O God, we come to you hoping to exhibit the persistence and faith of the Canaanite woman as we offer our prayers of petition.     

1. That the Church will reach out to the alienated, those of other faiths, and people of every nation in drawing people closer to God.  We pray to the Lord.
2. That politicians and government officials participating in elections will be honest, humble, and forthright in their campaigns seeking to serve rather than to satisfy personal agendas.  We pray to the Lord. 
3. That the farmers in Iowa whose crops were devastated by the derecho and all farmers who toil in difficult circumstances will be appreciated and strengthened to remain steadfast in their efforts to feed our nation and all who are hungry.  We pray to the Lord.
4. That the looming global hunger crisis due to the pandemic lockdowns and the related disruption of food production and distribution systems will be averted by prudent action and compassionate generosity.  We pray to the Lord.
5. That in fighting the coronavirus, and in all aspects of our lives, we will shun indifference and individualism that ignore the needs of others and look only at our own interests as we recognize the dignity of each person.^[1]  We pray to the Lord.
6. That bishops and pastors will be responsive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and act so that all churches will be houses of prayer open for all people of faith.  We pray to the Lord.
7. That the young people returning to school, and their teachers, will act to protect their safety and the safety of those they contact so that an environment of learning about the world God has created can take place without fear.  We pray to the Lord.
8. That those who sacrifice their safety to serve in this time of pandemic – medical workers, maintenance personnel, and those who work in stores and restaurants – will be protected from illness and be treated with courtesy and respect.  We pray to the Lord.
9. That we will be joined with the people of China, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Afghanistan, Vietnam, and many other countries who are being persecuted for their faith in pleading, “O God, let all the nations praise you!”  We pray to the Lord.
10. That Fr. Christopher may find relief from the intimidation he has endured and be restored to the full exercise of the priestly ministry to which God has called him.  We pray to the Lord.
11. That those struck down by the coronavirus may quickly find relief from their suffering and be spared any long-term consequences to their health.  We pray to the Lord.
12. That those who have died from illness, violence, or neglect in this past week may find joy in the everlasting light of heaven.  We pray to the Lord. 

O God, we offer our imperfect prayers bringing our needs and the needs of the world to you.  May your response to us be as that to the Canaanite woman, “Great is your faith!  Let it be done for you as you wish.”  We make our prayers through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

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^[1] Based on Pope Francis general audience of August 12, 2020.