First Sunday of Advent, November 28, 2021

First Sunday of Advent, November 28, 2021

As we enter into the Advent season of expectation of the coming of the Lord, we offer our petitions knowing that the Father hears and answers all our needs.  

1. That during this Advent season, the Church may increase and abound in love for one another and for all to strengthen our hearts to be blameless in holiness at the coming of the Lord Jesus.  We pray to the Lord.
2. That we may commit ourselves and have the strength to enable the coming of the Lord into our communities, into our nation, and into our world to overcome the darkness of violence, hatred, and fear.  We pray to the Lord.
3. That Pope Francis may be an instrument of reconciliation between Greeks and Turks, between Catholics and Orthodox, and between refugees and those asked to receive them during his visit to Cyprus, Greece, and Lesbos.  We pray to the Lord.
4. That the “Beatitudes for Bishops^[1]” shared by Pope Francis will inspire all bishops to be shepherds who give witness to the Gospel, have hearts for the misery of the world, serve the weak with meekness, and work for peace and reconciliation nourished by daily prayer.  We pray to the Lord.
5. That all people of faith will be moved by the “Beatitudes for Bishops” to console those who suffer, to fight for God’s dream of justice, to find good in the midst of evil, and to be resolute in living the Gospel against the current of secular society.  We pray to the Lord.
6. That the talks between the US and the Taliban resuming in Qatar will lead to forceful action against terrorism; protection of the rights of minorities, women, and girls; and educational opportunities that will build a stable and peaceful Afghanistan.  We pray to the Lord.
7. That the people of Myanmar, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Sudan, China, North Korea, and other countries who are victims of the military, economic collapse, governmental persecution will be sustained by international support and knowledge of God’s love and the promise of the second coming.  We pray to the Lord.
8. That young people will be passionate about truth so that their dreams will not be captive to the mindset of the world and they may be free to reign with Jesus for justice, love, and peace.^[2] We pray to the Lord.
9. That the period of waiting to free Fr. Christopher from the difficulties he has endured will meet with success even as we observe this season of waiting for the Lord to enter more fully into our lives.  We pray to the Lord.
10. That as the nations of Earth are in dismay, perplexed by roaring of the sea, damage caused by storms and drought, consumed by raging fires, and overwhelmed by the pandemic, we may stand erect, raise our heads, protect our environment, and find the strength to escape these tribulations.  We pray to the Lord.
11. That our hearts may not become drowsy from the anxieties of daily life so that we may be vigilant at all times and have the strength to withstand tribulations.  We pray to the Lord
12. That covid, cancer, heart disease and all illnesses that challenge individuals and their families will be treated effectively while their victims receive the peace of Christ which overcomes all evil.  We pray to the Lord.
13. That those who have died during this past month will be welcomed with joy into their eternal reward and that all who mourn the loss of loved ones will be consoled by friends and the presence of the Lord in their lives.  We pray to the Lord. 

O God, as we await the second coming of your Son into the world, may we not fail to recognize his presence with us in all aspects of our lives and in the answer to all our prayers.  We make these prayers through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

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^[1] https://www.ncronline.org/news/francis-chronicles/pope-gives-italian-bishops-beatitudes-be-good-shepherds

^[2] Based on homily of Pope Francis on Solemnity of Christ the King, Nov 21, 2021.