25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 18, 2022

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 18, 2022

We approach the Father asking for the grace to abandon our trust in the wealth of this world that we may seek the true wealth of service to God and to those in need.     

1. That the Church may inspire the world through its stewardship of power and wealth used to uplift the poor and suffering and to lead all people to Jesus.  We pray to the Lord.
2. That no people or leaders may grow accustomed to war or be resigned to its perceived inevitability but instead will insist that genuine efforts be made to achieve peace.^[1]  We pray to the Lord.
3. That those who are lowly and suffering in the dust of their lands parched by drought will be lifted up by gentle rains, by compassionate care, and by faith in God.  We pray to the Lord.
4. That those who trample upon the needy and destroy the poor of the land will repent and turn to the message of the Gospels for guidance and renewal.  We pray to the Lord.
5. That residents of lands torn apart by war may become able to lead quiet and tranquil lives in all devotion and dignity as those in authority turn their efforts to doing what is good and pleasing to God our savior. We pray to the Lord.
6. That those in every place clinging to disagreements, grudges, and disputes with their neighbors will pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or argument.  We pray to the Lord.
7. That we may be prudent and honest stewards of our talents, resources, and the Earth which have been entrusted to us by our Master. We pray to the Lord.
8. That we will place our trust in God, not in earthly wealth or what belongs to others, so that we may serve the Lord with full devotion and receive the true wealth of heaven.  We pray to the Lord.
9. That the death penalty, which attacks the dignity of the human person, may be legally abolished in every country.^[2] We pray to the Lord.
10. That the world may learn how to build peace, not least by limiting the arms race and converting the enormous amounts spent on war into concrete assistance for people; and that each of us may be heralds of peace and unity.^[3]  We pray to the Lord.
11. That Fr. Christopher’s service to the Gospel will be trustworthy and not deterred by those who seek to serve dishonesty and division.  We pray to the Lord.   
12. That those who are seriously ill will find affordable medical care that reflects respect for God’s creation exceeding the desire for material wealth.  We pray to the Lord.
13.  That those who have died from floods, violence, hatred, or other human failings will be welcomed into the peace of the eternal dwellings of heaven.  We pray to the Lord.

O God, we offer these prayers confident that you hear and answer them all in ways that enable us to serve you above all things.  We make these prayers through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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^[1] Based on address of Pope Francis at the end of Mass in Kazakhstan, September 14, 2022.

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

^[3] Based on address of Pope Francis at the end of Mass in Kazakhstan, September 14, 2022.