Weekly Prayers of the Faithful

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time August 17, 2025

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20th Sunday in Ordinary Time August 17, 2025

God, our Father, we offer these petitions so that we might be instruments of unity in our divided world.  

  1. That by sharing lunch today with some experiencing poverty in the Diocese of Albano, Pope Leo will inspire the Church and all people to show greater care for the marginalized and those traumatized by civil disturbances.  We pray to the Lord.
  2. That the world — plagued by intense divisions and deadly violence — will replace its false sense of security based on the threat of mutual destruction with justice, open dialogue, and trust in fraternity.[1]  We pray to the Lord.
  3. That we will continuously live the truth that pure love of God and of one’s fellow humans as children of God are in the final event all that matter so that we will be free to serve wholly both God and our neighbors.[2]  We pray to the Lord.
  4. That in seeking solutions to divisions among people, “Christ [may not be] a stranger to rational discourse but rather the keystone that gives coherence and meaning to all thoughts, hopes, and efforts to improve life and find purpose.”[3]  We pray to the Lord.
  5. That we will have the grace each day to be watchful and aware of God’s coming into our lives in so many ways so that we are not deaf to his call but will be ready to respond as with open minds and hearts.  We pray to the Lord. 
  6. That the divisions in the Holy Land which have laid waste to communities and destroyed all tranquility in people’s lives will be healed so that starvation, thirst, anger, and hatred may be overcome by the desire of families and citizens for peace, security, and an environment in which children may grow and thrive.  We pray to the Lord.
  7. That we will rid ourselves of the burden of sin that contaminates society and persevere in running the race that lies before us with our eyes fixed on Jesus the leader and perfecter of faith, the one who shed his blood in opposition to all sin.  We pray to the Lord.
  8. That Saints Vincent de Paul, Teresa of Calcutta, Luigi Orione and those living among us today who are models of caring for the impoverished and homeless may intercede for us and inspire us to live with mercy and compassion for those struggling in their lives.  We pray to the Lord.  
  9. That journalists who seek to provide truth that counters reports designed to distort information in support of personal or national agendas will remain resolute in their efforts, be kept safe from harm, and receive encouragement and admiration for their efforts.  We pray to the Lord.
  10. That those who are ill or suffering from the heat and floods of summer may be resolute in overcoming the challenges they face, confident that the Lord comes to their aid.  We pray to the Lord.
  11. That our deceased ancestors who passed on knowledge of Jesus by their faith will rest peacefully, united in the arms of the Lord, for all eternity.  We pray to the Lord. 

Almighty Father, with we ask that your answer to our prayers will ignite the Earth with the fire of the Holy Spirit that can renew all people and draw them together in your love.  We make these prayers through Christ our Lord. Amen.

[1] Based on address of Pope Leo at the General Audience of August 6, 2025. 

[2] Based on description of Blessed Solanus Casey in The Porter of St. Bonaventure’s.

[3] Quote from address of Pope Leo to participants of the 28th General Assembly of the International Federation of Catholic Universities, July 28, 2025.

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