Weekly Prayers of the Faithful

23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time, September 08, 2024

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23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time, September 08, 2024

We offer our prayers to the Father asking that our hearts may not be frightened as we recognize the many ways God comes to us to save us. 

  1. That Pope Francis’ travels to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore will demonstrate that “in a world wounded by wars and violence, peace is built through encounters, sincere relationships, and by overcoming selfishness.”[1]  We pray to the Lord.
  2. That the challenges of countering extremism and intolerance [based on] distorted religion [that] attempts to impose views using deception and violence may be met by eliminating prejudices and establishing a climate in which mutual respect and trust can grow.[2]  We pray to the Lord.
  3. That we will offer charity to those in need so that we will see things better, in the light of love, rather than through self-interest that destroys creation and divides communities.2  We pray to the Lord.
  4. That those administering polio vaccines in Gaza and all who work to serve the troubled, heal the broken, and feed the starving will be kept safe from harm as they demonstrate God’s love in parts of the world torn apart by hatred.  We pray to the Lord.
  5. That the women of Afghanistan, now banned from showing their faces or speaking in public, will overcome this effort to turn them into faceless, voiceless shadows so that their country may emerge from the darkness of repression.  We pray to the Lord.
  6. That “each one of us will hear and take to heart the cry of the Earth… and undertake to personally care for the world in which we live.”[3] We pray to the Lord.
  7. That the “cry of… victims of natural disasters and climatic change”3 will inspire nations, governments, and individuals to relieve the suffering of those affected and limit the threat of future catastrophes.  We pray to the Lord.
  8. That we will not judge others based on economic status or appearances but will strive to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom because we recognize the image of God in all his creation.  We pray to the Lord. 
  9. That our ears may be opened to hear God’s word, our lives may proclaim our faith, and those who encounter us may understand that God has laid his hands on us.  We pray to the Lord.
  10. That World Suicide Prevention Day will raise awareness of the fact that suicides are preventable, encourage us to recognize symptoms of depression in ourselves and others, and enable us to be compassionate and understanding toward those who have lost friends or family through suicide.  We pray to the Lord.
  11. That those who are battling physical, mental, or spiritual challenges with frightened hearts will be strong and fear not, confident that God comes to save them.  We pray to the Lord. 
  12. That those nameless people who have died helping others overcome sickness, violence, hunger, or any sort of evil will live in the peace and abundance of heaven for all eternity.  We pray to the Lord. 

O God, as the people brought the deaf man to Jesus confident that he would be healed, we ask that you heal us of our weaknesses confident that you hear and answer all our prayers which we make through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen.

[1] From remarks of Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin speaking to Vatican Media prior to Pope Francis’ 45th Apostolic Journey. August 27, 2024.

[2] Based on official remarks of Pope Francis at Indonesia’s presidential palace, September 4, 2024.

[3] Quote from Pope Francis’ intention for September, 2004.

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