20th Sunday in Ordinary Time August 14, 2022

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time August 14, 2022

We offer our petitions to the Lord asking that we might be his instruments of unity rather than division. 

1. That the Church will be on fire with zeal, inspired by the words of Jesus to spread the Gospel to all people.^[1]  We pray to the Lord.
2. That the forest fires in the West, the fire in Cuba, and the gunfire in so many parts of the world will be replaced by the fire of Jesus’ love that calls all to reconciliation and peace.  We pray to the Lord.
3. That in times of hardship when we feel as if we have been thrown into a cistern and are sinking into the mud, we will have the faith of Jeremiah who was confident that the Lord was with him to deliver him from all his trials.  We pray to the Lord.
4. That we will not be discouraged by the inhumanity that has infected our world, but will persevere in running the race before us, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith who offers us joy through the cross he endured.  We pray to the Lord. 
5. That divisions between Israelis and Palestinians, between Russians and Ukrainians, between neighboring nations, and between people who harbor long-standing enmity will be healed by the fire of the Holy Spirit that draws all things together in the Lord.  We pray to the Lord.
6. That households suffering from division between husband and wife, father and son, daughter and mother, or between in-laws will overcome their disagreements and be united through mutual determination to seek the well-being of all family members.  We pray to the Lord.
7. That in the midst of economic and social crises, small and medium-sized businesses will find ways to continue operating and serving their communities.^[2]  We pray to the Lord.
8. That farmers may be blessed with abundant harvests, and that food will be distributed well throughout the world feeding all of humanity including the poor who face the threat of starvation.  We pray to the Lord.
9. That as we commemorate the 18^th anniversary of Hurricane Charley this week, may we remain resolute that no storm can shake our inmost calm as the peace of Christ makes fresh our hearts.  We pray to the Lord.
10. That Fr. Christopher may draw strength from seeing how Jesus endured opposition from sinners and may not grow weary and lose heart in his own struggle against sin.  We pray to the Lord.
11. That those who are ill and afflicted will know that the Lord thinks of them and is their help and deliverer, and that they will receive the care and compassion needed to overcome the physical, mental, and spiritual challenges they face.  We pray to the Lord.
12. That those who have died in prison camps, refugee camps, and from crimes of intolerance and hatred will be received with joy into heaven where all divisions among people are vanquished.  We pray to the Lord. 

Almighty Father, with we ask the fire of Holy Spirit may blaze across the earth renewing all people to do your will.  We make these prayers through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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^[1] St. Ignatius of Loyola instructed departing missionaries to “set the world on fire.”

^[2] Intention of Pope Francis for August, 2022.