Weekly Prayers of the Faithful

Nineteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, August 13, 2023

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Nineteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, August 13, 2023

Although Jesus went up the mountain to pray by himself, we know that he never abandoned his disciples.  Humbly, we join him in prayer knowing that he is always with us.     

  1. That in the tumult that accompanies disputes in the Church over abuse, liturgy, and the need to provide welcome, we may hear the tiny whispering sound of the Holy Spirit that guides us.  We pray to the Lord.
  2. That world leaders and people of all nations will be “sensitive to situations all around us, to other cultures, to the pleas of the poor and vulnerable, and to the cry of our wounded and mistreated Earth.”[1]  We pray to the Lord.
  3. That Pope Francis’ “dream of peace, the dream of young people praying for peace, living in peace, and building a peaceful future”1 will be realized in our time.  We pray to the Lord.
  4. That when the Lord calls to us to leave the comfort of our boats and come to him, we will walk with faith and without doubt, even in troubled waters.  We pray to the Lord.
  5. That despite heavy winds, earthquakes, fires, and other natural disasters, we will know the presence of the Lord in all that we encounter.  We pray to the Lord.
  6. That migrants who travel in boats tossed about by the waves will be kept safe from harm and encounter gentle winds and smooth water.  We pray to the Lord. 
  7. That as we navigate the difficulties and joys that life presents, we will know Jesus among us, recognize him, and declare in faith, “Truly, you are the Son of God.”  We pray to the Lord.
  8. That young people returning to school will find truth through their studies and come to understand the beauty of God’s creation through science, poetry, literature, history, and the friends they make.  We pray to the Lord.
  9. That as we commemorate the 19th anniversary of Hurricane Charley, we may know that in the midst of all storms the hand of Jesus reaches out to save us.  We pray to the Lord.
  10. That those who are ill, who are in fear from their sickness, will find comfort through friends and know the hand of Jesus which stretches out to catch them as it caught Peter.  We pray to the Lord. 
  11. That those who have died from violence, war, neglect, or poverty may be welcomed with joy into the peace of the eternal banquet of heaven.  We pray to the Lord. 

God, our Father, we know that you answer all our prayers.  May we not be so concerned with our own plans and actions that we fail you hear the whisper of your response that comes in every moment of our lives.  We offer these prayers through Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen.

[1] From address of Pope Francis at World Youth Day, August 6, 2023.

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