Weekly Prayers of the Faithful

Third Sunday of Advent, December 15, 2024

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Third Sunday of Advent, December 15, 2024

We offer our prayers to the Father on this joyful Advent Day.  

  1. That the Church will rejoice as Pope Francis celebrates his 88th birthday on Tuesday and give thanks to God for his years of gentle, humble, and holy service to all people.  We pray to the Lord. 
  2. That as we anticipate the coming of the Prince of Peace, may all people strive to create an environment of respect, understanding, and appreciation for differences in their nations, communities, and homes so that Peace will be fully present.  We pray to the Lord
  3. That theologians will be inspired by the Holy Spirit to engage in a “dynamic inter-disciplinary and inclusive theological approach that addresses the complexities of contemporary society while remaining deeply rooted in faith.”[1]  We pray to the Lord.
  4. That with the change in government, the help of the international community, and goodwill among Syrians, hope for a path toward reconciliation, reconstruction, and … prosperity for all people will be realized.[2]  We pray to the Lord.
  5. That the new cardinals, and all who lead the church, will respond to Pope Francis’ urging that they walk in the path of Jesus, putting him at the center of everything, cultivating a passion for encounter, and building communion and unity.[3]  We pray to the Lord.
  6. That as we move through Advent toward the celebration of the coming of Jesus, may we embrace humility, walk with wonder, and wait in joyful hope.3  We pray to the Lord.
  7. That we will respond to John the Baptist’s exhortations to the crowds, tax collectors, and soldiers that they act with generosity and love toward all, by embracing the opportunities we encounter to be kind, charitable, and honest.  We pray to the Lord.
  8. That when we face misfortune in our lives, we will not fear and not become discouraged because we know that God is in our midst, a mighty savior who rejoices over us with gladness and renews us in his love.  We pray to the Lord. 
  9. That the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard the hearts, minds, and bodies of those who are afflicted with pain or disease.  We pray to the Lord. 
  10. That those who have died due to the wars raging in our world will rejoice forever in eternal life, and may their deaths bring understanding to the truth that all humanity loses in war.  We pray to the Lord.

Almighty Father, on this joyful Advent Day we make our prayers and petitions known to you with thanksgiving for your grace and gifts that enable us to rejoice in the Lord always.  We offer these prayers through your Son who is to come, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

[1] Quote attributed to the remarks of Pope Francis a the international conference, “The Future of Theology: Legacy and Imagination,” December 9-10, 2024.

[2] Based on remarks of Cardinal Mario Zenari, Apostlolic Nuncio in Syria, December 9, 2024.

[3] Based on letter of Pope Francis to the new cardinals, December 7, 2024.

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