Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 7, 2023
In the Gospel for today, we hear Jesus saying, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” In response to this exhortation, we offer our prayers to the Father asking to be freed from our worries through faith in God.
- That we may welcome and serve the wounded and isolated in the world and in the Church as an essential aspect of the mission given to us by the Lord, Jesus.[1] We pray to the Lord.
- That Pope Francis’ efforts to facilitate the return of children forcibly taken from Ukraine to Russia will be embraced internationally as an issue of humanity and justice.[2] We pray to the Lord.
- That deacons may be inspired by the holy deacon Stephen and his confreres to live their vocations of service to the Church with determination, zeal, and humility. We pray to the Lord.
- That we may be living stones, built into a spiritual house, that announce the praises of him who called us out of darkness into his wonderful light. We pray to the Lord.
- That Church movements and groups may rediscover their mission of evangelization each day, placing their own charisms at the service of the needs in the world.[3] We pray to the Lord.
- That the evil plague of mass shootings that has infected our country may be ended through prayer, responsible action, and renewed recognition on the sanctity of all human life. We pray to the Lord.
- That the suffering of the people of Sudan, Ukraine, and other civilian populations displaced and terrorized by warring factions may be eased through efforts by all parties to peacefully negotiate a path of justice, security, and hope. We pray to the Lord.
- That during this month of Mary, we may honor her by dedicating ourselves to following her example of accepting the will of God, even when it surprises us and calls us away from our daily expectations. We pray tot he Lord.
- That the medical professionals who labor in difficult circumstances to alleviate sickness and suffering will find success in their work and know that God is with them and their patients. We pray to the Lord.
- That those who have died will be welcomed by St. Joseph, the patron of a happy death, and Mary, the life-giving mother of Jesus, into the eternal life and joy of heaven. We pray to the Lord.
O God, we offer these prayers knowing that through belief in you we will be able to do your will in this world. We ask for your grace to know your response to our petitions. We make our prayer through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
[1] Based on priority #2 in For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission, North American Final Document for the Continental Stage of the 2021-2024 Synod (2023).
[2] Based on comments of Pope Francis to journalists on his return flight to Rome from Hungary, April 30, 2023.
[3] Pope Francis’ monthly intention for May, 2023.
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