Weekly Prayers of the Faithful

Sunday of Ordinary Time, A, February 1, 2026

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Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time, A, February 1, 2026

Having heard the Beatitudes proclaimed to Jesus’ disciples, we come to the Father asking to be among those who are blessed and for the grace to recognize our blessings in the midst of struggles.    

  1. That the Church will seek the Lord, seek justice, and seek humility determined to observe his law, to do no wrong, and to speak no lies while taking refuge in his name.  We pray to the Lord.
  2. That at this time when “war is back in vogue,” world leaders will seek to replace “diplomacy based on force by either individuals or groups of allies with a diplomacy that promotes dialogue and seeks consensus among all parties.”[1]  We pray to the Lord.
  3. That we will be among the humble of the Earth who have observed God’s law seeking justice so that we may be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger.  We pray to the Lord.
  4. That we will be grateful for and welcome the heart of Jesus that “beats for the righteous, so that they may persevere in their dedication, as well as for the unrighteous, so that they may change their lives and find peace.”[2] We pray to the Lord.
  5. That we will seek peace “first among nations bloodied by conflict and suffering, but also within our homes, and in families wounded by violence and pain.”[3] We pray to the Lord.
  6. That “even amid diversity of opinions, points of view, and cultures, the press will always act with transparency and integrity.”[4] We pray to the Lord.
  7. That during this World Interfaith Harmony week in which we also celebrate the International Day of Human Fraternity, people of all faiths and cultures will strive to build respect for differences and know that dialogue provides insights and pathways to truth and peace.[5]  We pray to the Lord. 
  8. That those unjustly attacked in our own country and elsewhere may be encouraged because Jesus “attached himself to those whom evil systems, cowardly kings and mad men perpetually tried to break and destroy: the vulnerable, the marginalized and powerless, the foreigner—the best of the best.”[6] We pray to the Lord.
  9. That we will not try to use darkness to drive out the darkness of these days but know that “it is only through the light of Christ that we push away the darkness that obscures the reality of what we are seeking to be as a people of faith, hope, and love.”[7]  We pray to the Lord.
  10. That particularly in light of the beatitudes we have heard proclaimed today, policies “demonizing migrants and refugees collectively as criminals, threats, or burdens on society – based on their origin, nationality or migration status” will be repudiated as “inhuman, wrong, and [going] against the very fabric and foundations of [our] nation.”[8] We pray to the Lord.  
  11. That those sick in mind, body, or soul — all people — will know “faith and trust in God [as] the key to everlasting health and wellbeing for humanity.”[9]  We pray to the Lord.
  12. That those who have been insulted, persecuted, had every kind of evil falsely uttered against them, and even been killed because of Jesus may rejoice and be glad in the great reward of heaven.  We pray to the Lord. 

God, our Father, we ask that your answer to our prayers strengthens us to live the beatitudes each day in union with the poor, the sorrowful, the meek, the hungry, and the persecuted by being people of mercy and peace. We make these prayers through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

[1] Quotes from annual address of Pope Leo to ambassadors accredited to the Holy See, January 9, 2026.

[2] Quote from Pope Leo at Angelus greeting, January 1, 2026.

[3] Quote from Pope Leo at Angelus greeting, January 1, 2026.

[4] Pope Leo in his message of best wishes for the 50th anniversary of the Italian newspaper La Republica, January 15, 2026.

[5] UN World Interfaith Harmony Week is celebrated from February 1-7, 2026, with International Day of Human Fraternity on February 4, 2026.

[6] From homily of Fr. Dale Korogi at Ascension Catholic Church in North Minneapolis, January 25, 2026.

[7] From homily of Fr. Joseph Gillespie, O.P.  at Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis, January 25, 2026.

[8] Quote from United Nation’s top human rights official, High Commissioner Volker Türk, January 23, 2026.

[9] Quote from pg 8 of The Divine Physician and a Christian Approach to Mental Health and Wellbeing, a pastoral letter from Most Rev. Michael E. Burbidge, Bishop of Arlington. January, 2026

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