Weekly Prayers of the Faithful

Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time, February 04, 2024

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Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time, February 04, 2024

We offer our prayers to the Father, asking that we may be like Paul, doing all that we do for the sake of the Gospel so that we too may have a share in it.  

  1. That the Church may be a beacon of hope shining the light of Christ into lives that are a drudgery and where there is fear that happiness will never be seen again.  We pray to the Lord.
  2. That the world being overwhelmed by the sicknesses of violence, war, and hatred may be touched by the hand of Jesus that drives out illness and the workings of demons.  We pray to the Lord.
  3. That the humanitarian project that brings seriously injured children of Gaza to hospitals in Italy will open eyes to see the depravity of war and serve as a catalyst that stimulates the growth of tangible signs of charity and mercy.  We pray to the Lord.
  4. That the stories of the healings of Jesus throughout the whole of Galilee will inspire the residents of that area to overcome the physical, spiritual, and emotional ills that plague the region.  We pray to the Lord.
  5. That we may observe this International Day of Human Fraternity by committing ourselves to bridging divides, fostering religious understanding, and [promoting] cooperation among people of all cultures and beliefs so that together we may forge a path toward a more peaceful, just, and harmonious world.[1]  We pray to the Lord.
  6. That we may practice prayer, with our community and going off to deserted places to be with the Lord, so that we may be strengthened to accomplish the purposes of our lives.  We pray to the Lord.
  7. That through the intercession of St. Toribio Romo, patron saint of migrants, those fleeing their homes due to poverty, violence, or repression, may find safety and the opportunity to rebuild their lives.  We pray to the Lord.
  8. That when we are tempted to the despair that Job expressed, we will recall that the Lord heals the brokenhearted and binds up all their wounds and remain faithful to our belief in His love for us.  We pray to the Lord. 
  9. That those with terminal illness, and their families, may receive the necessary physical and spiritual care and accompaniment.[2]  We pray to the Lord.
  10. That as we observe World Cancer Day today, we remember friends and family who have been taken from us by this terrible disease and ask that the Holy Spirit will enlighten the minds of those seeking methods to prevent and cure cancer which causes so much anger, pain, suffering, and sorrow.  We pray to the Lord.

God, our Father, Simon declared to Jesus, “Everyone is looking for you.”  May we be among those who find you through your answer to our prayers which we offer through your Son who is Christ the Lord. Amen.

[1] Slight paraphrase of statement by UN Secretary-General António Guterres concerning the International Day of Human Fraternity observed on February 4.

[2] Intention of Pope Francis for February, 2024.

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