21st Sunday in Ordinary Time August 21, 2022

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time August 21, 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 a guide for people of all beliefs, languages, and life-status that leads us through the narrow gate to the eternal life of heaven.  We pray to the Lord.
2. That as Jesus passed through towns and villages during his time on earth, may his teachings pass through cities and communities in our day inspiring people from the east and west and from the north and south to recline together to reveal the kingdom of God.  We pray to the Lord.
3. That on this International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism may we strengthen our resolve that “victims and survivors are always heard and never forgotten^[1]” and that our efforts and prayers may prevent more victims in the future.  We pray to the Lord.
4. That those who labor as missionaries to the distant coastlands that have neither heard of the Lord’s fame nor seen his glory will be agents of peace and fraternity who bring all our brothers and sisters as an offering to the Lord.  We pray to the Lord.
5. That the trials we endure in our lives will be accompanied by grace that strengthens our drooping hands and weak knees and makes straight paths for our feet so that what is lame may not be disjointed but healed.  We pray to the Lord.
6. That parents will be blessed with insight guiding them to encourage their children to interact with the frail and elderly, even as they near death’s door, so that the alliance between the elderly and children may save the human family.^[2]  We pray to the Lord. 
7. That citizens of nations of Africa who face starvation due to failures in distribution of food and who thirst due to droughts that have plagued their lands for years will find relief in the compassion of their neighbors and concerted efforts to mitigate shortages.  We pray to the Lord.
8. That tensions between the Church and civil authorities in Nicaragua, China, and other nations where freedom of worship is being suppressed may be eased by constructive dialogue and respect for the rights of all individuals.  We pray to the Lord.
9. That we will live humbly not declaring who is “first” and who is “last” but leaving those judgements to God as we join with all who knock on the door of the house of the master.  We pray to the Lord.
10. That the savagery of war will be repudiated by all civilized people as they turn to negotiation, compassion, and mercy is seeking resolution of disputes.  We pray to the Lord.
11. That the trials Fr. Christopher has endured will lead to the peaceful fruit of righteousness when one of the many doors he has knocked on will be opened with an offer of relief.  We pray to the Lord.
12. That those who are ill will find healing of body and spirit through trust in God’s love, the care of their friends and family, and by inspired medical care.  We pray to the Lord.
13. That those who have shared in the Eucharist and who, at the time of death, knock at heaven’s door will be welcomed into the company of heaven with all the angels and saints.  We pray to the Lord.

God, our Father, we offer these prayers to you confident in your steadfast kindness toward us, assured of your enduring fidelity, as we seek to know and do your will.  We make these prayers through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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^[1] Quote from António Guterres, U. N. Secretary-General.

^[2] Based on the General Audience of Pope Francis, August 17, 2022.