29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 16, 2022

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 16, 2022

We lift up our eyes toward the mountains asking that the Lord, who made heaven and earth, will guard us from all evil, and from all that might do us harm.     

1. That the Church may never tire in its prayers for peace, justice, and joy despite the obstacles, frustrations, and disappointments that are encountered.  We pray to the Lord.
2. That people of all faiths and nations may unite in prayer so that walls of enmity between nations, religions, and cultures may be torn down.  We pray to the Lord.
3. That we may be like Moses and keep our hands raised up to God so that we will have the better of the fight against evil, poverty, and war.  We pray to the Lord.
4. That we may have friends who support us in prayer, as Aaron and Hur supported Moses, helping us to overcome the challenges of our lives.  We pray to the Lord.
5. That we may persist in proclaiming the word, whether it is convenient or inconvenient, and be patient and loving as we seek encouragement in faith.  We pray to the Lord.
6. In thanksgiving for first responders who care for others and for the many good private citizens who have reached out to those in need offering food, water, and assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.  We pray to the Lord.
7. That judges, legislators, and politicians with power to be of service will act with justice in response to the pleadings of the people who seek their assistance.  We pray to the Lord.
8. That as we note the 60th anniversary of the opening of Vatican II, the goals of the Council to revitalize the Christian faith in an increasingly secularized world, to give new vigor to the Catholic Church’s mission, and to adapt Church practices to new circumstances will be pursued with hope and zeal.  We pray to the Lord.
9. That the Church may always preserve the integrity of its doctrine as it offers the modern world the medicine of mercy rather than severe condemnations^[1].  We pray to the Lord.
10. That the Holy Spirit may “transform the hearts of those who hold the fate of the war [in Ukraine] in their hands so that the hurricane of violence may cease and peaceful coexistence in justice may be rebuilt.”^[2]  We pray to the Lord.
11. That refugees and those who suffer from excessive heat, exhaustion, and despair in the face of war, natural disasters, and poverty may find respite and hope through faith and caring neighbors.  We pray to the Lord.
12. That those whose lives have been taken by bombing, persecution, hatred, and injustice may rejoice with all the angels and saints in the peace of eternal life.  We pray to the Lord.

God, our Father, we ask for the grace to persist in prayer, to be like the widow who continued her pleas confident that she would be rewarded for her perseverance.   We make our prayers through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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^[1] Based on opening speech of Pope John XXIII to Vatican II.

^[2] Quote from Pope Francis in his General Audience, October 12, 2022.