Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 27, 2021

We approach the Lord somewhat timidly asking that he will cure us of all evil and free us from those maladies that separate us from his love. 

1. That as it celebrates the Feast of St. Peter this week, the Church will follow his admonitions to be rid of all malice, and all deceit, insincerity, envy, and all slander and to be of one mind, sympathetic, loving toward one another, compassionate, and humble.  We pray to the Lord.
2. That the world will speak with one voice and act with unified purpose on behalf of children, against the use and killing of child-soldiers, in preventing attacks on schools and hospitals, and to respect the dignity of children who suffer at the hands of abusers^[1].  We pray to the Lord.
3. That when we approach the Lord with our prayers and grow impatient in awaiting an answer, we may be like Jairus and hear the Lord’s voice, “Do not be afraid; just have faith.”  We pray to the Lord.
4. That we may have the confidence to reach out and touch the hem of Jesus knowing that any small action motivated by faith will bring salvation and peace.  We pray to the Lord.
5. That the ultimate example of Jesus’ self-giving love may inspire us to be generous toward those who suffer from poverty, illness, war, hunger, and the ravages of oppression. We pray to the Lord.
6. That peace may be restored in the Tigray region of Ethiopia; that the exposure to sexual violence, exploitation, increased maternal mortality, and deprivation of health care services will end; and all abuses of human rights may end.  We pray to the Lord. 
7. That when the Lord enters our lives or the lives of others in ways that are surprising, we may have the wisdom not to offer ridicule but the faith to be utterly astounded at his generous love.  We pray to the Lord.
8. That the meeting this Thursday of Pope Francis with the Christian leaders of Lebanon to “pray together for the gift of peace and stability” will be a source of renewal that overcomes the instabilities in that country and provides hope for the many refugees that have fled there seeking safety.  We pray to the Lord. 
9. That people and nations afflicted with covid will have the humility of the woman afflicted with hemorrhages to reach out to the Lord for healing recognizing the healing power of faith.  We pray to the Lord. 
10. That Fr. Christopher may join with Jairus’ daughter and be healed from the physical and psychological pain he has endured these past months that threaten his well-being.  We pray to the Lord. 
11. That those who suffer with chronic illnesses and all who care from them will have the faith that saves them so that they may find relief from their afflictions.  We pray to the Lord.
12. That those who have died due to the many conflicts in this world that degrade human life will rejoice forever in the salvation offered by our Lord.  We pray to the Lord.   

God our Father, may we be like Jairus and the woman with the hemorrhages who asked your Son to help them despite their unworthiness and uncertainties.  May we know the presence of the Lord in our lives always and in our times of great need.   We make these prayers through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

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^[1] Based on Vatican News coverage of UN report that over 8500 children were used as soldiers in 2020.