Weekly Prayers of the Faithful

Second Sunday of Ordinary Time, January 14, 2024

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Second Sunday of Ordinary Time, January 14, 2024

We offer our prayers to the Father who calls each of us, regardless of our state of belief or unbelief, with hope and confidence that God hears and answers all our needs.   

  1. That the Church may be consistent, strong, and clear in encouraging all people to seek peace and that the seeds of peace may be sown in the hearts of the authorities of all countries engaged in war.[1]  We pray to the Lord.
  2. That soldiers, law enforcement officers, and first responders will be agents who bring peace between nations, within communities, and for individuals suffering from violence, poverty, or natural disasters.  We pray to the Lord.
  3. That those who are not familiar with the Lord may hear his call, as did Samuel, and eagerly respond, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” We pray to the Lord.
  4. That those unable to rest peacefully due to insomnia, sleep disorders, or the disturbances of exploding bombs may enjoy tranquil nights in which the Lord reveals his presence, calling them by name.  We pray to the Lord.
  5. For unity among Christians through the guidance of the “Holy Spirit [who] reminds us first and foremost that we are children loved by God — everyone equal in God’s love and everyone different.”[2]  We pray to the Lord.
  6. That we will know our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit and in all things use them to glorify God.  We pray to the Lord. 
  7. That as Andrew brought his brother Simon to Jesus, we may bring others who do not know Jesus to him so that they may find the Messiah.  We pray to the Lord.
  8. That those who are suffering this weekend from the extreme winter cold may find warm hearts and warm places so that their lives may be renewed.  We pray to the Lord.
  9. That in the Holy Land where Peter and Andrew first encountered Jesus, Jesus may be encountered by the hostages, those driven from their homes, those unjustly imprisoned, and by those who seek to provide medical care or humanitarian aid. We pray to the Lord.
  10. That those trapped in the doldrums due to illness, the darkness of winter, or family tragedies may be freed by the light of Christ that accompanies all on our Earthly journeys.  We pray to the Lord. 
  11. That our deceased friends and family members, whose absence is strongly felt at this time of year, may live forever in the eternal life of heaven and remember us in their prayers.  We pray to the Lord.

Heavenly Father, your Son is our Rabbi and Teacher.  May our ears, our minds, and our hearts always be open so that we may we hear and know your will.  We make our prayers through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

[1] Based on statement of Pope Francis at his General Audience of January 10, 2024.

[2] Quote from video of Pope Francis accompanying his prayer intention for the month of January, 2024 inviting Christians to embrace the diversity of charisms in the Church as a richness.

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