Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 23, 2025

At this difficult time in the world, we come to the Father asking for the grace to seek peace through love of our enemies. 

1. That Pope Francis may be restored to health so that he may continue to proclaim his message of hope, peace, and fraternity for the well-being of humanity.  We pray to the Lord.
2. That leaders of nations engaged in wars and in proliferating weapons will clearly hear the call of the Gospel to do good for those who promote hatred, to bless those who offer only curses, and to find paths to peace that serve the well-being of all citizens.  We pray to the Lord. 
3. That as David spared Saul’s life because he was the Lord’s anointed one, may all people foster respect for life of the vulnerable recognizing that each individual life is a gift from God that is to be valued.  We pray to the Lord.  
4. That our country will not withdraw into a shell of self-righteousness but will treat the suffering, the fearful, and the weak as we would have them treat us should we be in their positions.  We pray to the Lord. 
5. That we will overcome the difficulty of loving those who hate us through prayer, gestures of kindness, and confidence that God is with us when we try to do good.  We pray to the Lord.
6. That when we encounter others whose way of life seems strange, we may not be judgmental or condemning but may be curious, seeking to understand, so that we may welcome them and show them God’s love.  We pray to the Lord. 
7. That the people of Ukraine who mark the third anniversary of the invasion into their nation on Monday will receive the support needed so that they may again enjoy freedom from fear, peace, and contentment.  We pray to the Lord. 
8. That the ceasefire in Gaza may continue so that hostages and prisoners will be released to return to their homes and families determined to turn their cheeks and seek peace and reconciliation in the region.  We pray to the Lord. 
9. That our nation of immigrants may understand the needs of those who have fled their homelands due to repression, poverty, or hatred and provide for them safe harbor and an opportunity to thrive with their families in our society.  We pray to the Lord.
10. That the spread of measles in the southwest, of bird flu, and of respiratory ailments will be diminished by responsible actions that provide appropriate medical care to those who are vulnerable.  We pray to the Lord.
11. That those who have died doing good to those who hate them, blessing those who curse them, and praying for those who have mistreated them will receive all good gifts and great rewards in the eternal peace of heaven.  We pray to the Lord. 

Heavenly Father, on this day we ask that in your mercy you hear and answer our prayers despite our failures in proclaiming and living your word in the challenges to love that we face in our lives.  We make these prayers through Christ our Lord.  Amen.