32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time, November 7, 2021
We approach the Father with our prayers asking that he will grant our needs and the needs of the world.
- That the Church may be freed of those enamored with long robes, greetings in the marketplaces, seats of honor at church gatherings, and places of honor at banquets whose recitation of lengthy prayers belies sincerity of heart. We pray to the Lord.
- That political leaders may find constructive ways to relieve starvation among the children of Afghanistan and in other parts of the world ravaged by poverty where jars of flour approach emptiness and jugs of oil are running dry. We pray to the Lord.
- That the United Nations Climate Change Conference will find committed and creative leaders who will formulate realistic and achievable goals for protecting the well-being of our planet and all its inhabitants. We pray to the Lord.
- That we may not cling to our surpluses but may recognize that all we have comes from God’s gifts to us so that we will generously give from our hearts in using our talents and treasures in service to those in need. We pray to the Lord.
- That those who suffer from depression, burn-out, and hopelessness will find support and a light that opens them up for life.[1] We pray to the Lord.
- That in observing Veterans Day this week, we may show gratitude to our fellow citizens who have served us in the military, take “pride in the heroism of those who died, [and eagerly embrace] the opportunity [for] America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of nations.”[2] We pray to the Lord.
- That in commemorating the destruction of the Berlin wall on Tuesday, we will commit ourselves to destroying all walls that persist as signs of hatred, mistrust, and division among people. We pray to the Lord.
- That during this International Year for the Elimination of Child Labor, we may join our prayers, actions, and voices with those of Pope Francis so that the desire for “excessive profit that condemns children and young people to the brutal yoke of labor exploitation may give way to a logic of care.”[3] We pray to the Lord.
- That violence against Christians in North Korea, China, Pakistan, and other countries perpetrated by governments who favor ideology over truth will be mitigated by an outcry against hatred of those who are different and recognition of the brotherhood of all humanity. We pray to the Lord
- That as he enters the sixth year of his struggle for his priesthood, Fr. Christopher will be strengthened by knowledge that the Lord keeps faith forever, secures justice for the oppressed, and raises up those who are bowed down. We pray to the Lord.
- That those among us inflicted with illness will battle with courage, grace, and joy aided by friends, family, and medical professionals, sustained by the Lord as they seek a return to health. We pray to the Lord.
- That the memories of those who have died during this past week will inspire us to live lives of faith, and may they be received with joy into the eternal light of heaven. We pray to the Lord.
O God, we ask that you answer our pleas and strengthen us to be among those who approach you with the humility of the widow who gave all that she had. We make these prayers through Christ our Lord. Amen.
[1] Pope Francis’ intention for November.
[2] Quote based on address of Woodrow Wilson to fellow-countrymen, November 11, 1919.
[3] Based on letter on behalf of Pope Francis to the Director of the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, November 2, 2021
parishionersforjustice.com 