Weekly Prayers of the Faithful

Thirteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, July 2, 2023

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Thirteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, July 2, 2023

As we endure the disputes and divisions in society, we come to the Lord asking for the strength to take up our crosses and be agents of unity and healing.    

  1. “That Catholics may place the celebration of the Eucharist at the heart of their lives, transforming human relationships in a very deep way and opening to the encounter with God and all their brothers and sisters.”[1]  We pray to the Lord. 
  2. That the horrific fighting in Ukraine, civil wars in many nations, and wanton terrorist attacks will cease through recognition of the fact that offering a cold cup of water will provide peace that killing cannot.  We pray to the Lord.
  3. That millions in Myanmar who have lost their homes in Cyclone Mocha and are facing starvation due to governmental barriers may be given access to food and drink that satisfies their hunger and thirst and relieves their suffering.  We pray to the Lord. 
  4. That as we rejoice this week over the freedom our country enjoys, we will renew our commitment to freedom for those among us who are persecuted, victimized, and consigned to the margins of society.  We pray to the Lord.
  5. That the fireworks lighting up our skies this week will be beacons of hope and inspirational spectacles with each dazzling flare serving as a reminder of the true light of Christ which has blessed our country in uncountable ways.  We pray to the Lord. 
  6. That this Religious Freedom Week will inspire us to contemplate the importance of freedom to express our faith openly and to be supportive of those who suffer because religious belief is suppressed and the faithful are persecuted.  We pray to the Lord.
  7. That those who work in the searing heat of summer to rebuild our communities damaged by hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods may be respected and treated with gratitude for their heroic and generous efforts.  We pray to the Lord.
  8. That we who were baptized into Christ might live with joy in the newness of life offered through his Resurrection by the glory of the Father.  We pray to the Lord.
  9. That we may love Jesus above all things on Earth, take up our crosses and follow him, and in losing our lives for his sake find true life.  We pray to the Lord.
  10. That the forest fires in Canada will be extinguished so that they will not cause further harm to the environment or to those who suffer from asthma or breathing issues aggravated by the smoke.  We pray to the Lord.
  11. That those who have died defending and protecting our country so that we might have freedom will receive a gracious reward in the peace of heaven.  We pray to the Lord. 

O God, as we celebrate our country while observing the difficult challenges plaguing the world, we ask that through your answer to our prayers, our nation, and all nations, may become righteous and receive a righteous person’s reward.  We offer our prayers through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

[1] Intention of Pope Francis for July, 2023.

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