Second Sunday of Advent, December 04, 2022
In this season of expectation, we offer these prayers as we look to the flourishing of justice and the fullness of peace forever; and we anticipate the glorious dwelling of your Son more completely in our lives.
- That the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, of counsel and of strength will guide the Church in embracing all people and drawing them to faith. We pray to the Lord.
- That Russia and Ukraine, Palestine and Israel, and all neighboring nations who cling to hatred and engage in war will be moved by the images of the wolf who is guest of the lamb, and the leopard who lies down with the kid to ensure that no further harm or ruin will be rained upon the Earth. We pray to the Lord.
- That as we endure the challenges and disappointments of life, the endurance and encouragement of the Scriptures may lead us always to glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. We pray to the Lord.
- That during Advent, the words of John the Baptist may enter our hearts so that we will acknowledge our sins and repent, knowing that the kingdom of God truly is at hand. We pray to the Lord.
- That we may look beyond strange appearances and see in the poor, refugees and the marginalized the image of God calling us to repentance from our sins that separate us from God’s will. We pray to the Lord.
- That our repentance may encourage and guide us to be trees that produce good fruit evident in the love we have for God and for our neighbors. We pray to the Lord.
- That we may reflect on the moments of our own baptism when our parents, sponsors, and Godparents prayed that we might have faith, and that the water poured over us may continue to cleanse us from sin and protect us from the fires of evil. We pray to the Lord.
- That volunteer non-profit organizations committed to human development may find volunteers dedicated to the common good as they ceaselessly see out new paths to international cooperation.[1] We pray to the Lord.
- That our prayers may help us discern what God expects of us at each moment, guiding us to choose between different possibilities in our search for the true good.[2] We pray to the Lord.
- That those who are suffering from viruses and cancers may receive the care they require, know the Lord’s mercy, and join their sufferings with those of Jesus on the cross. We pray to the Lord.
- That those who have died from war, violence, and natural disasters will be gathered as wheat into the barn of the Lord where they may be free of all wrath and fear. We pray to the Lord.
Heavenly Father, may your answer to our prayers instill in us the will to repent, the grace to sustain us in our weakness, and the humility to be guided by your Word. We make our prayers through Christ our Lord. Amen.
[1] Monthly intention of Pope Francis for December, 2022.
[2] Based on statement of Pope Francis at his General Audience, November 30, 2022.
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