Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time, February 14, 2021
We turn to the Lord with our prayers, begging him to heal us and provide for all our needs.
- That the Church will mirror the compassion of Jesus and welcome all who come forward with their problems, hurts, and failures so that they may be healed. We pray to the Lord.
- That politicians and government officials may do everything for the glory of God, not giving offense, not seeking their own benefit, but imitating St. Paul in seeking the well-being of all. We pray to the Lord.
- That all people may reflect and work together to overcome the pandemic, as followers of Jesus who heals, to construct a better world, full of hope for future generations.[1] We pray to the Lord.
- That even as vaccines become more widely available, we will remember to reach out to those afflicted by covid and who have lost loved ones to offer them consolation and solace in their sorrow.[2] We pray to the Lord.
- That we may have the courage to approach Jesus, bringing him all our failings, illnesses, and heartaches with the confidence of the leper who declared, “If you wish, you can make me clean.” We pray to the Lord.
- That in our times of trouble, we may not wallow in self-pity or depression but may turn to the Lord who fills us with the joy of salvation. We pray to the Lord.
- That women who are victims of cowardly acts of violence that degrade all humanity may be protected by society and have their sufferings considered and heeded.[3] We pray to the Lord.
- That refugees from war, famine, or lack of work in Syria, Venezuela, Afghanistan and other troubled areas who struggle to survive may find relief from their suffering, paths to a better life, and the support of those who are able to insist on a better world. We pray to the Lord.
- That the lives of Nicholas Black Elk, Thea Bowman, Augustus Tolton, Solanus Casey, other Servants of God, and those saintly people we have encountered may inspire us to be their imitators, as they are of Christ. We pray to the Lord.
- That Fr. Christopher and those among us suffering from surgery or sickness will find healing and have their health and lives restored. We pray to the Lord.
- That those who suffer from diseases that cause them to be socially excluded will have access to the medical care, medicines, and compassion that will cure them and enable them to throw off the stigma that surrounds their illnesses and degrades their lives. We pray to the Lord.
- That the faults of those who have died will be taken away by the Lord as they enter into the perfect life of heaven with all the angels and saints. We pray to the Lord.
Almighty God, heal our broken world and remove all obstacles that divide us and separate your people from each other and from you. With gratitude for your mercy, we make these prayers through Christ our Lord. Amen.
[1] From Pope Francis’ audience on August 5, 2020.
[2] Based on remarks of Cardinal Peter Turkson on the World Day of the Sick, February 11, 2021.
[3] Intention of Pope Francis for February, 2021
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