Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 21, 2024

That whether be near to him or far off, we come to the Father seeking peace in our lives.

1. That Catholic flocks scattered by misleading shepherds will be gathered back to the meadow of the Lord and be led by new shepherds so that they need no longer fear and tremble; and none shall be missing.  We pray to the Lord.
2. That Christ, who is peace, will break down dividing walls of enmity between warring parties in the Holy Land, Africa, and Ukraine reconciling combatants with God and putting all enmity to death.  We pray to the Lord.  
3. That we may find deserted places, away from the noise and activities of our lives, so that we might rest, pray, and be with Jesus.  We pray to the Lord.
4. That we may be humble, recognizing our need for guidance that overcomes our self-reliance, so that we might hear and embrace the many teachings of Jesus in the Gospels.  We pray to the Lord 
5. That refugees, those seeking better lives, and those fleeing poverty will encounter mercy and people moved with pity who follow Jesus’ example of care for sheep without a shepherd.  We pray to the Lord.
6. That all who live in our nation will embrace the freedoms we enjoy and act responsibly and peacefully throughout this election cycle as we seek leaders who will serve in the interests of our country, our communities, and all people.  We pray to the Lord.
7. That we will “care for and promote the practice of welcoming the poor and the marginalized so that places we inhabit, and churches themselves, can be an open portico to the world, offering consolation and assistance to the many forms of poverty that characterize our lives.”^[1]  We pray to the Lord.
8. That Christ will transform the natural optimism of children into authentic love; a love that knows how to sacrifice, that is sincere, real, and genuine so that their youth will be a gift for Jesus and for the world^[2].  We pray to the Lord.
9. That those who are suffering with severe illness will not fear its evil but will know the Lord to be at their side giving them courage.  We pray to the Lord.
10. That those who have died from the searing heat, storms, or drought of summer will be led to cool and restful waters where they may dwell without want for all eternity in the house of the Lord.  We pray to the Lord.

God, our Father, we offer these prayers as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior and listen for the call of his voice.   We make these prayers through Christ our Lord.   Amen.

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^[1] From letter of Pope Francis marking the 1500th anniversary of the veneration of Santa Maria in Portico, July 17, 2024.

^[2] From message of Pope Francis to a gathering of youth ministers in Paraguay. July, 2024.