Sunday August 27, 2023

Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

For Francis, our Pope, and ___, our Bishop. May our leaders use wisely the keys of faith, mercy, and forgiveness handed down to us from Christ Jesus. May we unlock the doors of the Kingdom here on earth.

We pray to the Lord.

For all religious and political leaders. May our leaders unlock the gifts of people and restore justice when harm is manifest. May we seek to lead others with purpose and delight.

We pray to the Lord.

For our people who have been ravaged by storms, fires, floods, and droughts. May we cooperate with those who have lost every possession under heaven. May hope be found on earth.

We pray to the Lord.

For our people who live with disability and body pain. May those who question their value or worth be brought to full realization of their gifts and talents. May their anguish be healed.

We pray to the Lord.

For people who suffer depression and emotional turmoil. May God reveal joy and peace to those whose lives are fragile. May darkness ease into the light of Christ Jesus.

We pray to the Lord.

For those who hold keys on behalf of our children. May we open new possibilities of education and insight. May we open for our youth the beauty of art, mystery and exploration.

We pray to the Lord.

For all prisoners and those who live behind bars and fear. May we unlock hope for people wrongly imprisoned. May we not warehouse people who suffer mental illness. May the keys of mercy unlock our future.

We pray to the Lord.

For our people who hold keys in positions that do not open joy for them. May we seek to earn a living with purpose in our world. May families find balance in work and responsibility, in play and deserved joy.

We pray to the Lord.

For our loved ones who now rest in the promise of eternal life. May our beloved now see the face of Christ Jesus for all eternity.

We pray to the Lord.