All who heard these things took them to heart, saying,
“What, then, will this child be?”
For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.
The child grew and became strong in spirit,
and he was in the desert until the day
of his manifestation to Israel.

Nativity of John the Baptist, Solemnity

June 24, 2025

For all faith leaders. May they seek Christ in their hearts and live with vulnerability in service to all people.

We pray to the Lord.

For all who find their lives saddened by threats of violence. May we find peace and stability by living in Christ Jesus. May John the Baptist model such wisdom in our lives.

We pray to the Lord.

For all abandoned and unwanted children. May life be treasured and nurtured in love and protection. May our children not be harmed upon the earth.

We pray to the Lord.

For courage in our prayer. May we find the voice of Jesus Christ rising with love within our own hearts. May faith be lived unreservedly.

We pray to the Lord.

For all who wait in morning’s light for healing. May anxiety ease in daylight and courage be our way of life. May we point only to God as we use our gifts to serve others.

We pray to the Lord.

For all who find their lives in silent deserts of sin and fragility. May hope be born in us. May love be our guide from every desolate place within us.

We pray to the Lord.

For all who lack courage to become the person they are made to be. May John the Baptist model for us the courage to sustain God’s grace within our lives. May we walk through deserts of doubt to know God’s love for us.

We pray to the Lord.

For all who died in the silence of regret and doubt. May hope be on the lips of our loved ones who take their final breath. May God welcome all to heaven’s delight.

We pray to the Lord.