Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 14, 2023
We offer our prayers to the Father crying out with joy and praising God knowing that he does not refuse us but offers us his kindness.
- That the Holy Spirit will be received by all who lead our holy mother, the Church, so that their decisions will be guided by wisdom, compassion, and mercy. We pray to the Lord.
- That despite the many devastating tragedies affecting the world, all people may be hopeful because Christ suffered for sins once so that both the good and the evil might be led to God. We pray to the Lord.
- That we will grow in our acceptance of the Spirit of truth as we strive to observe the commandments and to increase our love of Jesus. We pray to the Lord.
- That mothers, grandmothers, God mothers, and foster mothers will be blessed on this day with grace and gratitude for their selfless dedication to their children and families. We pray to the Lord.
- That women who have given birth in difficult circumstances will receive support from their communities that reflects genuine reverence for their lives and the lives of their babies. We pray to the Lord.
- That mothers who have been separated from their children by the evils of war, their struggles as refugees, or through kidnapping may be consoled and be reunited with their loved ones. We pray to the Lord.
- That we may cultivate charity first of all in and among our communities, harmonizing differences of culture, age, and mentality, embracing the poor and children in a sprit of service.[1] We pray to the Lord.
- That we may humbly seek to do good knowing that our deeds are not our work but God’s as we are not alone but are moved by the Spirit and docile to His action.[2] We pray to the Lord.
- That the worsening situation of religious freedom and persecution in China, Iran, Nicaragua, Russia and many countries may be deterred by promotion of respect for the efforts of individuals to determine the will of God in their lives. We pray to the Lord.
- That farsighted leadership and practical policies may relieve the sufferings of many who lack access to sufficient food due to armed conflict, corruption, mismanagement of agricultural systems, or selfish demands that deny the importance of love of neighbor.[3] We pray to the Lord.
- That those in need of support due to cancer, surgery, life-changing illnesses, or depression may know that Jesus does not leave them as orphans but is with them in their suffering. We pray to the Lord.
- That those who die violently on battle fields, on city streets, or in seeking to serve others may see the Father and reside with him in the eternal peace of heaven. We pray to the Lord.
O God, may this Easter season inspire us to be acutely aware of our need for your presence in our lives. We ask that you answer our prayers which we offer through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.
[1] Based on general remarks during audience of Pope Francis with the Italian Conference of Missionary Institutes, May 11, 2023.
[2] Based on Pope Francis’ comments regarding the works of God during his audience with the Italian Conference of Missionary Institutes, May 11, 2023.
[3] Based on address of Pope Francis to participants of the conference “Food and Humanitarian Crises: Science and Policies for Their Prevention and Mitigation,” sponsored by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences. May 10, 2023
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