Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 18, 2021

We offer our prayers asking that our minds and hearts may be open to the many things that Jesus teaches us.

1. That Pope Francis’ pastoral care for cancer patients, even as he recovers from his own surgery, will inspire the bishops of the Church to selfless care for those who are weak and for all they were ordained to serve.  We pray to the Lord.
2. That the crowds of the impoverished, the sick, and those fleeing their homes in search of peace will encounter kindness, mercy, and political leaders who will be moved to pity for them and who follow Jesus’ example of care for his sheep.  We pray to the Lord.
3. That the efforts of the apostolic nuncio, the Congregation for Bishops, and Pope Francis will result in the appointment of bishops who will shepherd their people so that they need no longer fear and tremble; and none shall be missing.  We pray to the Lord.
4. That the people of Haiti and Cuba will find paths to peace and stability through the turmoil they are enduring as they long for food, medicine, basic needs, and lives of hope.  We pray to the Lord.
5. That our evening prayers will be times to gather together with Jesus to report on all that we have done each day as he calls us to rest a while and be refreshed.  We pray to the Lord.
6. That Jesus’ preaching of peace to those who are far off and to those who are near to him will break down the walls of enmity that keep people apart so that all may be reconciled with God.  We pray to the Lord.
7. That nations suffering from the pandemic will gain access to adequate supplies of vaccines, use the vaccines responsibly, and ensure that those most in danger from the virus receive gentle and loving care.  We pray to the Lord.
8. That the continuing horrific discoveries of unmarked graves of native children in Canada will foster commitment to protecting and shepherding children in all nations where the innocence of youth is destroyed by ethnic intolerance, religious hatred, poverty, and war.  We pray to the Lord.
9. That Fr. Christopher and those in the flock of the Lord’s pasture who have been scattered by shepherds who have misled them and driven them away will be renewed in faith and returned to the meadow of the Lord.  We pray to the Lord.
10. That those who are walking in the dark valley of illness will fear no evil confident that the Lord is at their side with his rod and staff that give them courage.  We pray to the Lord.
11. That members of our families who have passed away shall find repose in verdant pastures, be led beside restful, refresh their souls, and dwell in the house of the Lord for years to come.  We pray to the Lord.

O God we often act as though we are sheep without a shepherd.  May your response to these prayers that we offer enable us to hear your voice, follow you, and know that you are always present guiding us in our lives.  We make these prayers through Christ our Lord.   Amen.