Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, November 24, 2024

Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, November 24, 2024

We come to the Father on this great solemnity marking the end of the liturgical year asking that our lives will be renewed as we as we acknowledge Jesus as our King.  

1. For Pope Francis and all Church leaders, that they will know Jesus Christ as King of the Universe and seek only to lead all peoples, nations, and languages to serve him.  We pray to the Lord.
2. That world leaders who lust for power and domination will know Jesus as the ruler of the kings of Earth and turn to him with humility and meekness, rejecting lies while seeking truth that comes from his voice.  We pray to the Lord.  
3. That in our Thanksgiving observances this week, we will not focus on the divisions and anxieties that haunt our world and infect our relationships but will appreciate and be grateful for all that we have, given to us generously by God in his love.  We pray to the Lord. 
4. That we will treasure, respect, and be grateful for our water resources recognizing the suffering of half the world’s population that faces water scarcity and inadequate access to safe and sanitary water for at least one month each year.  We pray to the Lord.  
5. That the milestone of 1,000 days since Russia first invaded Ukraine will inspire global leaders to be creative in proposing paths to peace so that the senseless carnage will come to an end.  We pray to the Lord.
6. That on this day of Celebration of Youth and Young Adults we will see young people as God’s promise for the future and commit ourselves to praying for them, nurturing them, and building a world in which they are able to thrive.  We pray to the Lord.
7. That young people will cherish the gift of life they have been given and resolve to use those lives in service to others and in building harmony among all people.  We pray to the Lord. 
8. That suffering children who are abused, trafficked, or exploited will find care from a society that values all life and will be protected and consoled through the intercession of their mother, Mary.  We pray to the Lord.
9. That the sicknesses of pride, greed, wrath, and envy that are infecting warring nations and impacting all citizens of the world will be overcome by an embrace of humility, generosity, charity, and kindness that provide true healing.  We pray to the Lord.
10. That the best qualities of those who have died will be remembered and emulated as we give thanks for their lives and pray for their souls with confidence in God’s love as he draws them to himself in heaven.  We pray to the Lord.

Heavenly Father, your Son came into this world to testify to the truth.  May we belong to that truth and hear his voice in your answer to our petitions.  We make these prayers through your Son, Jesus, the king of the universe.   Amen.