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December 15, 2024

Third Sunday of Advent

For our leaders in the Church. May Francis, our Pope, and ___, our Bishop, rest in the assurance of Christ’s love in this Advent season. May hope be born in us and in our communities of faith.

We pray to the Lord.

For people who live with deep anxiety and fear. May our hearts turn to Christ Jesus in this Advent journey. May we discover genuine peace in our lives and in our relationships.

We pray to the Lord.

For people who wait for reconciliation and mercy. May we examine our lives in Advent and seek forgiveness in the sacraments of the Church. May Christ’s kindness be lived in our world and may hope feed people who starve for meaning.

We pray to the Lord.

For our children and our children’s children. May peace unite our families, and may all divisions cease as we celebrate the love of Jesus Christ. May our family relationships be in harmony as we wait for Christmas.

We pray to the Lord.

For adequate housing for all people. May people who huddle under blankets find true shelter and safety. May our actions benefit the marginalized of our cities. May peace be known for all people.

We pray to the Lord.

For people living with cancer. May they find true remedy with correct medical treatments and the support of those they love. May Christ’s healing be made known in this season of grace.

We pray to the Lord.

For people who face the aftermath of violent storms, floods and fires. May we work together in Advent to offer all people safety and hope for the future. May we rejoice in the miracles of Christ’s presence.

We pray to the Lord.

For people who will spend Christmas alone. For all who work diligently to make ends meet by working extra shifts during the holidays. For people who have made decisions not be with family because of past mistakes and hard feelings.

We pray to the Lord.

For our loved ones who have died.  May our loved ones find eternal joy. May love bring them safely home to heaven.

We pray to the Lord.

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December 8, 2024

Second Sunday of Advent

For all who lead us in faith. May Francis, our Pope, and ___, our Bishop, imitate John the Baptist by always pointing into the direction of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

We pray to the Lord.

For people who live in despair. May we find courage to point our hearts and actions toward Christ Jesus and to work for people facing war, violence and destruction. May peace be born on earth.

We pray to the Lord.

For our uncertain hearts in Advent. May we not ignore the longing and waiting of this holy season. May we take time to reflect on our true desires as we prepare for Christ’s coming now and in the future.

We pray to the Lord.

For parent and family survivors of children who have been murdered in our schools. May we hear the cry of our parents for protection of our youth. May gunfire stop and healing be known on earth.

We pray to the Lord.

For those who are preparing for initiation into the Church at Easter. May we all search for faith and freedom in our new liturgical year. May love unite us in the Eucharist.

We pray to the Lord.

For people who worry about their families in Advent. May families discover new moments of reconciliation and harmony. May the divisions of the past be replaced by compassion and affection as we prepare for Christmas.

We pray to the Lord.

For a deeper awareness of our earth and its resources. May fresh air and clean water be our legacy for the next generations. May God’s Kingdom in heaven reveal to us how to live on the earth.

We pray to the Lord.

For people who face depression in the dark hours of winter. May the Light of Christ illumine our hearts and minds in Advent. May our waiting for God provide hope and patience for every human heart.

We pray the Lord.

For people who face long years in prison. May our brothers and sisters behind bars and high walls know the inner freedom of Christ Jesus. May love become known in every human heart.

We pray to the Lord.

For our loved ones who have died. May our beloved dead rest in the assurance the Kingdom of God. May love be assured for all who sleep in Christ.

We pray to the Lord.

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Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2024

The Prayers of the Faithful

For Church leaders and those who reveal faith to the world. May the Holy Spirit instill gratefulness within us as we work for justice in our church and world. May we rejoice at the table of the Eucharist on this day of thanks.

We pray to the Lord.

For our nation. May our efforts on this day of gratitude extend to all peoples on earth. May we work for the dignity of every human being. May we console one another and work for our common good and ever deepening awareness of our human nature.

We pray to the Lord.

For hearts that harbor fear. May gratefulness be ever on our lips. May we sing praise to God in our communities of faith and around our family tables. May our hearts find the love we need.

We pray to the Lord.

For our table conversations on this Thanksgiving Day. May we speak of only love and support as we gather to dine this day. May old tensions be eased and may we truly see the dignity of our loved ones. May we converse with gentleness and take our time to enjoy one another.

We pray to the Lord.

For gratitude about our past and family history. May we clear away old memories that keep us apart on this day. May we learn to speak the language of compassion as we recall our loved ones who have gone before us. May we recognize this day the true reality of the brevity of life and all who have offered us love.

We pray to the Lord.

For all who seek sobriety and new life on Thanksgiving Day. May we encourage one another along the path that brings us freedom and joy. May we not judge one another or argue in our indulgence. May respect and courage be our food for the day.

We pray to the Lord.

For peace and harmony among our nations at war. May our work for justice become bread for our sisters and brothers. May there be no one out of the bounds of human dignity and worth.

We pray to the Lord.

For a new gratitude for our earth’s resources. May we share our bountiful food and remember those who have worked to offer us nourishment. May the continue to generate the bounty for our bodily survival and our communion with one another.

We pray to the Lord.

For the people in our nation who struggle to find food this day. May all who face food insecurity and for all people who eat alone this day know the hope of God’s presence and consolation. May we all feast on the gifts of our work for all who need the basics of life.

We pray to the Lord.

For our beloved dead. May all who shared our table in the past know Christ’s love in heaven. May our memories become food for our future.

We pray to the Lord

December 1, 2024

First Sunday of Advent

For our faithful leaders. For Francis, our Pope, and ___, our Bishop. May they seek the Holy Spirit in our new liturgical year. May love open all leaders to surprise in this Advent.

We pray to the Lord.

For people in war-torn nations. May peace come quickly. May our hearts be turned toward the dignity of all human life.

We pray to the Lord.

For people who have lost their way in life. May the discouraged and the drowsy find joy and compassion in Christ Jesus.

We pray to the Lord.

For our children as we prepare for Christ’s coming. May our new generation know goodness and kindness. May hope be born in every age.

We pray to the Lord.

For people who know darkness and anguish in this Advent. May all who face despair and depression search for the light of Christ. May courage abide in every human heart.

We pray to the Lord.

For all who live with addiction to drugs and alcohol. May sobriety become a gift in this season of hope. May God be born among people who most need clear thinking and a steadfast heart.

We pray to the Lord.

For people who are crippled by age and illness. May strength and healing be born in bodies that are worn by years and hard work.

We pray to the Lord.

For people who survive outside in cold and wintery nights. May they find rest and safety in our care and concern. May all who struggle because of job loss or mental fatigue know Christ’s miracles in Advent.
We pray to the Lord.

For parents who work many hours in several jobs. May they find stability and comfort for their future. May Advent bring courage in their efforts to offer their children the basics of life.

We pray to the Lord,

For our beloved dead. May we pray in Advent for our sisters and brothers who have gone before us in faith. May the light of Christ shine boldly on our path to heaven.

We pray to the Lord.

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Read my latest article from the Holy Cross Newsletter, November, 2024.