Weekly Prayers of the Faithful

Fifteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, July 16, 2023

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Fifteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, July 16, 2023

We offer our petitions to the Father, asking that we will hear his word so that we might achieve the ends for which he sent us into the world.   

  1. That in celebrating the 700th anniversary of the canonization of Thomas Aquinas, the Church will seek the traits of great spiritual and human wisdom that he exemplified without an air of superiority from his knowledge that was always edified by charity.[1]  We pray to the Lord.
  2. That world leaders will form alliances between countries for the purpose of building up societies that enjoy peace, prosperity, and security and not with the aim of expanding capabilities to wage war.  We pray to the Lord.
  3. That the word of God will water the Earth making it fertile and fruitful, not returning to him void, but achieving the end for which he sent it.  We pray to the Lord.
  4. That we will be people of optimism and hope knowing that the sufferings we see around us at this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us.  We pray to the Lord.
  5. That those who are enslaved by exploitation, abuse, or corruption will be set free to share in the glorious freedom of the children of God.  We pray to the Lord.
  6. That we will take the time to ponder the parables of Jesus so that we will look and be able to see, hear and come to understand.  We pray to the Lord.
  7. That we may be rich soil for the word of God that is sown on us like seeds so that the faith which grows may have deep roots that persist through tribulation and persecution, bearing much fruit.  We pray to the Lord.
  8. That farmers who sow their seeds so that the Earth may be fed will be blessed with an abundant harvest and satisfaction over the fruits of their labors.  We pray to the Lord.
  9. That those suffering from the current floods in Vermont and from oppressive summer heat in Florida, Texas, Arizona, and many parts of our country will have access to services and neighbors who help in providing support and relief.  We pray to the Lord.
  10. That refugees fleeing tragedy and oppression in their native towns and countries will receive the respect and care deserved by all individuals whose lives are instances of God’s creation.  We pray to the Lord.
  11. That those suffering from physical, mental, or spiritual illnesses may receive healing that does not come from human endeavor but that is a healing only God can bring about.[2]  We pray to the Lord.
  12. That our beloved deceased will be part of the rich harvest in heaven for all eternity.  We pray to the Lord. 

O God, we ask that you answer our prayers, even as we groan within ourselves, waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.  May our faith in your love for us never wither or be choked. We make our prayers through Christ our Lord. Amen.

[1] Based on reports of letter of Pope Francis, written in Latin, as reported on the Vatican web site in regard to the celebration of the canonization of Thomas Aquinas to be observed on July 18, 2023,

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-07/pope-recalls-great-spiritual-and-human-wisdom-of-thomas-aquinas.html

[2] Inspired by comments of Cardinal-elect Stephen Brislin, Archbishop of Cape Town South Africa, on healing of relationships needed in a broken society. 

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