Weekly Prayers of the Faithful

Twenty-Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time, October 1, 2023

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Twenty-Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time, October 1, 2023

At this momentous time in the life of the Church, we offer our petitions to the Father asking for blessings on the Synod and on all human life.   

  1. That the Holy Spirit will inspire those preparing for the Synod while on retreat this week with insights, compassion, and mercy.  We pray to the Lord.
  2. That in this world troubled with so many conflicts that have arisen from selfishness and vainglory, political leaders and disputing people will humbly regard the needs of others as more important than their own and look out for the interests of all.  We pray to the Lord.
  3. That in observing Respect Life Month, we will better understand that “the loss of even one human life is a momentous event [in which] abortion, nuclear war, poverty, euthanasia, and capital punishment all share a common identity in their denial of the right to life.”[1]  We pray to the Lord.
  4. That the Church may adopt listening and dialogue as a lifestyle at every level, and allow herself to be guided by the Holy Spirit towards the peripheries of the world.[2]  We pray to the Lord.
  5. That the 21 new cardinals installed this weekend will be men of wisdom, constantly seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit as they serve the Church and all the people of God.  We pray to the Lord.
  6. That each of us and all people will have a concern for justice and work for peace in every place and way possible in solidarity with those who live in places of war, violence, persecution, and desperate poverty.  We pray to the Lord.
  7. That in observing the first anniversary of Hurricane Ian, those who are suffering from this disaster, or from other natural or human disasters, may not lose heart as they strive to rebuild their lives and their communities.  We pray to the Lord.
  8. That this International Day of Older Persons may increase recognition of the elderly as “invaluable sources of knowledge and experience who have much to contribute toward peace, sustainable development, and protecting our planet.”[3] We pray to the Lord.
  9. That we might not see our lot in life as unfair but may always be grateful for the many unearned gifts given to us by God.  We pray to the Lord,
  10. That we will do the will of the Father knowing that our acts of faith matter far more than any pious words we might say.  We pray to the Lord.
  11. That the lives of those who are suffering from physical or mental infirmities will be cherished as gifts from God to their family, friends, and communities.  We pray to the Lord.
  12. That those whose lives have been stolen from them at any age of their existence on Earth will be restored in the everlasting life of heaven with all the angels and saints.  We pray to the Lord.

O God, we ask that you hear and answer all our prayers, granting us our needs so that we may better serve you with love for all your creation.  We make our prayers through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

[1] Cardinal Blase Cupich in his address on September 26, 2023 at Fordham University.

[2] Intention of Pope Francis for October, 2023 for the Synod.

[3] Statement of UN Secretary General António Guterres regarding the UN International Day of Older Persons, observed on October 1. 

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