19th Sunday in Ordinary Time August 7, 2022

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time August 7, 2022

We offer our prayers to the Lord as his servants, longing to be ready to open our ourselves to him when he comes and knocks. 

1. That despite the disappointment, sadness, and anger that infects so many in the Church, we may hear the voice of Jesus rising above the din calling us with the words, “Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.”  We pray to the Lord. 
2. That nations of the world entrusted with much will be faithful and prudent stewards distributing food, water, and hope to those who suffer from hunger, drought, and despair.  We pray to the Lord.
3. That bishops may be blessed with “solid faith, good morals, piety, zeal for souls, wisdom, and prudence”^[1] so that they may be stewards who teach, govern, and sanctify with the love of Jesus.  We pray to the Lord.
4. That our faith may be the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.  We pray to the Lord.
5. That we may have the faith of Abraham who responded to God’s call not knowing where he was to go because he thought the one who made the promise was trustworthy.  We pray to the Lord. 
6. That the inexhaustible treasure in heaven will be our treasure and also where our hearts will be.  We pray to the Lord.
7. That we will live with vigilance always ready for the Lord to come into our lives, eager to do and accept his will for us.  We pray to the Lord.
8. That we may receive the wisdom to act on Pope Francis’ insight that when we overcome barriers between people, “we realize that there is more that unites us than separates us.”^[2] We pray to the Lord.
9. That Fr. Christopher’s faith may be his treasure that sustains him in difficult times as he endures the physical and spiritual stress that might distract him from God’s continuing care and love.  We pray to the Lord.
10. That those who suffer — from war as refugees, from hunger and thirst, from fires and floods, and from anxiety and despair — will wait with lighted lamps, ready to open immediately when the Lord comes and knocks to bring them peace.  We pray to the Lord.
11. That those who are challenged by the pain and ravages of cancer, dementia, and heart disease and those who care for them will have the courage to overcome these adversaries through faith and trust like that of Abraham.  We pray to the Lord.
12. That those who have died will find their treasure in heaven as their hearts are united with all the saints in glorifying and praising God.  We pray to the Lord. 

Almighty Father, with hope and humility we ask that you help us strive for the true treasures that you offer so that our hearts may be there in all that we see and do.  We make these prayers through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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^[1] From Canon 378 on characteristics of a bishop.

^[2] From letter of July 20, 2022 from Pope Francis to Fr. James Martin, S. J.