Twenty-First Sunday of Ordinary Time, August 23, 2020

Twenty-First Sunday of Ordinary Time, August 23, 2020

O God, we hear the question, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” asked in all the activities and encounters of our lives.  We offer these prayers so that we may better know the answer and its importance in all that we do.   

1. That the Church will be successful in its mission of evangelization so that people of all nations will join with Peter in recognizing Jesus as “the Christ, the Son of the living God.”  We pray to the Lord.
2. That leaders and demagogues who strive only to be masters of their palaces will be thrust from their offices, pulled down from their stations, and be replaced by those who seek the honor of serving those in need.  We pray to the Lord. 
3. That those whose lives are threatened by fires, winds, floods, and droughts, and those who work to protect them, will be kept safe from harm and be hopeful for the future.  We pray to the Lord.
4. That those who have lost their jobs and are seeking new employment will be undeterred in these difficult times and will find satisfying opportunities.  We pray to the Lord.
5. That school boards and administrators will make prudent decisions to ensure that students and teachers returning to school will be kept safe and will have rewarding educational experiences.   We pray to the Lord.
6. That we will be grateful that the Father has revealed Jesus to us as the Son of God and joyfully strive to live our faith in ways that promote peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation.  We pray to the Lord.
7. That on this International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, we will resolve to respect the dignity of each individual through our actions as we pray for an end to the enslavement of people which persists to this day.  We pray to the Lord. 
8. That as we are weakened by the isolation, uncertainty, and separation imposed by the coronavirus, we will be mindful that when we call upon the Lord, he will answer us and build up strength within us, for his love is eternal.  We pray to the Lord.
9. That Fr. Christopher and all priests will be strengthened in living their vocations in ways that proclaim their deep faith in Jesus and their sharing in the keys to the kingdom of heaven.  We pray to the Lord.
10. That those who are battling disease will be lifted up by our prayers to God mindful that the Lord’s kindness endures forever and that he does not forsake the work of his hands.  We pray to the Lord.
11. That those who have died in serving the suffering, the poor, the outcasts, and victims of violence, war, and natural disasters will find peace with all the angels and saints in heaven.  We pray to the Lord.

O God, you show us your love through the gift of the Church built upon the rock that is Peter.  Through the Church, may we be drawn closer to you and come to better understand those things on earth and in our lives that have been bound and loosed.  We make our prayers through Christ our Lord.  Amen.