Seventeenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, July 30, 2023

Seventeenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, July 30, 2023

We come to the Father with our needs praying that we will recognize his presence in all our activities.     

1. That the Holy Spirit will inspire all participants of World Youth Day to work for a holier Church that welcomes all people and transforms a suffering world.  We pray to the Lord.
2. That world leaders will stop the insanity of using the weapons of their armies to destroy food stores, churches, homes, and the lives of the vast majority who desire to live in peace and harmony with all their neighbors.  We pray to the Lord.
3. That we will have the humility of Solomon to admit that we often do not know how to act in the confusions of our lives, and to ask for an understanding heart that enables us to distinguish right from wrong. We pray to the Lord.
4. That if we find treasure buried in fields, pearls produced by oysters, or heirlooms in our attics, we will know that they are nothing compared to God’s gifts of faith, hope, and love.  We pray to the Lord.
5. That the nets of the Church will reach out to draw all people to the Lord, leaving it to God’s judgement to distinguish between the good and the bad.  We pray to the Lord.
6. That attacks against Christians in Israel, China, Guatemala, and other countries will cease and give way to respect of the fundamental right of all citizens and communities to worship God. We pray to the Lord.
7. That arranged and forced marriages, forced conversions, and exploitation of children will come to an end through increased awareness of the dignity of all people and their rights to determine their own future.  We pray to the Lord.
8. That this World Day Against Human Trafficking will provide motivation to end this scourge of humanity and serve as a reminder that the right to life must be extended to the unborn, infants, the weak, the elderly, and anyone who is abused by society.  We pray to the Lord.
9. That the hot weather, tornadoes, floods, and hurricanes of summer will inspire individuals and policy makers to implement practices that ensure the welfare of people most threatened by climate change.  We pray to the Lord.
10. That those who are sick, suffering from disease, heatstroke, or mental anguish will find places of rest and recovery where they will be restored to good health.  We pray to the Lord.
11. That children who have died from neglect, war, disease, lack of resources, or neglect will find comfort as images of God in eternal life.  We pray to the Lord. 

O God, we ask you to hear our prayers and grant your abundant blessings that are desperately needed in this world that longs for the comfort of your kindness.  We offer these prayers through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.