December 22, 2024

Fourth Sunday of Advent

For Francis, our Pope, and ___, our Bishop. May hope be born in our leaders. May they be sustained in their ministries by the beauty of the Incarnation of Christ Jesus.

We pray to the Lord.

For people preparing for the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter. May they delight in the journey toward new life as we celebrate the birth of Christ this week.

We pray to the Lord.

For a lasting and assured peace in our day. May gunfire cease in waring nations and on our streets. May peace be known in our care for one another and the freedom to live in safety and stability.

We pray to the Lord.

For all farmers, laborers, factory workers and truck drivers. For all who provide food for the people of our nation. May we be nourished at Christmas with a bounty of goodwill.

We pray to the Lord.

For all who travel across miles to be home for Christmas. May we welcome our children and their children, cousins and friends, relatives and strangers. May Christ bring us safely together.

We pray to the Lord.

For people suffering disease and illness in this season of compassion. May Advent love be born in hurting bodies and fragile minds. May courage be food for the weary.

We pray to the Lord.

For people struggling to provide for their families. May hope be born in the weary and exhausted. May peace sustain all who seek a better life for their children.

We pray to the Lord.

For people who grieve the loss of a loved one. May our memories be an open door to gratitude and grace. May love be born in our loss as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.

We pray to the Lord.

For those who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith. May the faithful departed rest in peace. May Christ receive our loved ones with warmth and forgiveness.

We pray to the Lord.