Prayer Service

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, November 16, 2025Sixth World Day of the Poor

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33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, November 16, 2025
Sixth World Day of the Poor

In our current difficult times, we are reminded by Scripture to have faith in God. We ask the Father for the grace to live that faith.     

  1. That Catholic bishops will promote knowledge of saints whose lives are models of faithfulness to the Church and its teachings so that we might imitate them and love all people as neighbors regardless of race, creed, or origin.  We pray to the Lord.[1]  We pray to the Lord.
  2. That in response to the World Day of the Poor, the international community will redouble its efforts to eradicate hunger, malnutrition, and food insecurity — evils Pope Leo has identified as “a moral wound that afflicts the whole human family.”[2] We pray to the Lord.
  3. That the people of Vietnam, the Philippines, Pakistan, India and other Asian countries whose towns and villages have been swamped by floods and heavy rains will recover from these disasters and be able to restore their lives and communities.  We pray to the Lord.  
  4. That when we wonder where God is acting amid trials, we will transform this doubt into prayer, recognizing that God is present wherever people suffer.[3]  We pray to the Lord.
  5. That the newly elected leadership of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops will find success in consistent efforts to promote the dignity of immigrants, the unborn, and all individuals and will be receptive to the inspired guidance of Pope Leo.  We pray to the Lord.
  6. That those seeking employment will find jobs that are “a source of hope and life, allowing the expression of individual creativity and capacity for good.”[4]  We pray to the Lord.
  7. That recent powerful earthquakes, famines, plagues, and mighty signs from the sky will not lead us to expect the end but to redouble our efforts to act with charity toward all who are affected and to bring unity to the people of our planet.  We pray to the Lord.
  8. “That those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts might find the support, care, and love they need in their community and be open to the beauty of life.”[5] We pray to the Lord.
  9. That Catholic detainees in facilities in our country and imprisoned in other countries will receive pastoral care so that access to the sacraments will sustain their hope during difficult times and give them wisdom to give powerful testimony.  We pray to the Lord.  
  10. That the poor who are ill from malnutrition, dehydration, or exposure to harsh weather may receive opportunity and basic supplies that will enable them to recover and lead lives of hope and contentment.  We pray to the Lord.
  11. That those who have died from neglect will be welcomed with joy into the loving arms of Jesus who cares for all our needs.  We pray to the Lord. 

God, our Father, may we stand erect with our heads lifted confident that you redeem us from all our trials.  We offer these prayers through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

[1] Motivated by the second reading, 2 Thessalonians 3, 7—12, as well as https://www.americamagazine.org/faith-and-reason/2025/10/06/charlie-kirk-racism-black-catholics/

[2] From the address of Pope Leo to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, October 16, 2025.

[3] Based on homily of Pope Leo at canonization Mass for 7 new saints, October 19, 2025.

[4] Quote from Pope Leo in greeting to participants of the Jubilee of Work, November 8, 2025.

[5] Pope Leo’s intention for November. 

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