FIRST READING

For Pope Leo XIV

Lord, grant our Holy Father the wisdom to set before the world the fire of your truth and the water of your mercy. May he choose the way of life in every decree, trusting that your eyes see all our actions as we strive to keep the faith. We pray to the Lord.

For Our Bishops

We pray for our Bishops, that they may never stretch out their hands to iniquity but remain steadfast in your commandments. Empower them to lead the flock with the immense wisdom that comes only from your grace, recognizing that you see every man’s work. We pray to the Lord.

For Priests and Deacons

Lord, fill our clergy with the grace to keep your agency of salvation through faithful and loyal service. May they understand that no one is commanded to act unjustly, and may they guide us to choose the good that lies before us in every sacrament. We pray to the Lord.

For Those in Religious and Consecrated Life

We pray for all consecrated souls, that their total devotion may reflect your care for those who fear you. May their lives of poverty and obedience prove that man’s life and death depend on the choices made in your presence and the trust they place in you. We pray to the Lord.

For the Laity in the Workplace

Lord, guide the laity to act with loyalty and trust as they navigate the many choices of their daily labor. In the heat of the world, let them choose the fire of faith rather than the waters of compromise, knowing that your eyes are upon them. We pray to the Lord.

SECOND READING

1 Corinthians 2:6-10

For Pope Leo XIV

Lord, grant Pope Leo XIV a heart open to the mysterious and hidden wisdom you predestined for our glory. May he speak not with the passing wisdom of this age, but by the power of your Holy Spirit to lead the Church toward its eternal home. We pray to the Lord.

For Our Bishops

We pray for our Bishops, that they may be true stewards of the depths of God revealed through the Spirit. May they lead us toward what eye has not seen and ear has not heard, prepared specifically for those who love you with a mature faith. We pray to the Lord.

For Priests and Deacons

Lord, enable our priests and deacons to preach the crucified Lord of glory with spiritual maturity and insight. Help them to scrutinize the deep things of God so they may feed your people with the wisdom of the Spirit rather than the wisdom of this age. We pray to the Lord.

For Those in Religious and Consecrated Life

We pray for those in religious life, that their witness may transcend the understanding of the rulers of this age. May their hidden lives of prayer reveal the glorious things you have prepared for us since before the ages began, through the Spirit’s revelation. We pray to the Lord.

For the Laity in the Workplace

Lord, help the laity to work with a spirit that discerns your presence in every professional challenge and interaction. Let their conduct be guided by the Spirit that knows the thoughts of God, rather than being swayed by the temporary and failing wisdom of the world. We pray to the Lord.

GOSPEL

Matthew 5:17-37

For Pope Leo XIV

Lord, sustain Pope Leo XIV as he teaches us to fulfill the law and the prophets through the smallest letter of love. May his leadership inspire us to a righteousness that surpasses the mere outward observance of the scribes and truly honors your holy will. We pray to the Lord.

For Our Bishops

We pray for our Bishops, that they may be called great in the Kingdom of heaven for teaching and obeying your commands. May they lead the Church in reconciling brothers and sisters before we approach your holy altar to offer our gifts in unity. We pray to the Lord.

For Priests and Deacons

Lord, grant our clergy the courage to preach the fullness of the Law with a spirit of true reconciliation and mercy. May they help us purge all anger from our hearts so that our sacrifice and our “yes” may be truly acceptable in your divine sight. We pray to the Lord.

For Those in Religious and Consecrated Life

We pray for those in consecrated life, that their “yes” may always mean “yes” and their “no” mean “no” in perfect imitation of Christ. May their radical commitment to the Gospel protect them from all evil and keep their hearts pure for the service of the Kingdom. We pray to the Lord.

For the Laity in the Workplace

Lord, grant the laity integrity in their speech and honesty in all their business dealings and contracts. Help them to settle disputes quickly and kindly, letting their simple word be a testament to your truth in a world that often leans toward evil and deceit. We pray to the Lord.

FIRST READING

Sirach 15:15-20

Sirach 15:15-20

For Unity Among Christian Faiths

Lord, you set before all who confess Christ the fire of your spirit and the water of rebirth, calling us to choose the way of life. Grant that the various Christian traditions may stretch out their hands not toward division, but toward the loyalty of your commandments. May we all trust in your immense wisdom to find the path of unity. We pray to the Lord.

For Peace Between Christians and Muslims

Almighty God, whose eyes see all our actions and who understands every man’s work, we pray for mutual respect between Christians and Muslims. Help us to choose the life-giving way of peace rather than the fire of conflict or the death of discord. Teach us that you command no one to be impious, but desire all to seek your truth. We pray to the Lord.

For Harmony Between Traditionalists and Progressives

Lord, we pray for the Catholic Church, that those who prefer the old ways and those who seek the new may both choose to keep the faith with loyalty. Prevent us from stretching out our hands to the iniquity of harsh judgment against one another. May we realize that before us are life and death, and only through your wisdom can we remain one body. We pray to the Lord.

SECOND READING

1 Corinthians 2:6-10

For Unity Among Christian Faiths

Lord, we pray that all Christian denominations may be led by the Spirit that scrutinizes the deep things of God. Grant us a hidden and mysterious wisdom that moves us past the passing wisdom of this age which divides us. May we all come to share in the glory you predestined for those who love you as one flock. We pray to the Lord.

For Peace Between Christians and Muslims

We pray for a spirit of understanding between Christians and Muslims, that we may look toward the things eye has not seen and ear has not heard. May the Spirit that knows the thoughts of God guide our dialogue away from the rulers of this age who lead to destruction. Help us to recognize the mysterious ways you work in the hearts of all who seek you. We pray to the Lord.

For Harmony Between Traditionalists and Progressives

Lord, grant that the different members of your Church may speak a wisdom that is mature and not driven by the spirit of this world. Help traditionalists and progressives alike to scrutinize the depths of your grace rather than focusing on earthly divisions. May the Holy Spirit reveal to us all the things you have prepared for those who love you in unity. We pray to the Lord.

GOSPEL

Matthew 5:17-37

For Unity Among Christian Faiths

Lord, teach all who follow the Gospel to fulfill the law of love and to avoid being called least in the Kingdom of heaven through our divisions. May our collective righteousness surpass that of the scribes as we seek reconciliation with our brothers and sisters across all denominations. Let our shared “yes” to Christ be a testament of peace to the whole world. We pray to the Lord.

For Peace Between Christians and Muslims

We pray for peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims, asking that we may all settle with our opponents quickly to prevent the fire of Gehenna. May our interactions be free from anger and our speech be honest and simple, reflecting the truth that anything beyond a “yes” or “no” often comes from the evil one. Lead us toward your holy altar in a spirit of peace. We pray to the Lord.

For Harmony Between Traditionalists and Progressives

Lord, we pray for the internal peace of the Church, that progressives and traditionalists may first be reconciled to one another before offering their gifts at the altar. Help us to obey even the smallest letter of your command to love, avoiding the judgment that leads to anger. May our “yes” to your will be the common ground that unites us in your service. We pray to the Lord.

FIRST READING

Sirach 15:15-20

For Vocations to the Priesthood

Lord, we pray that many young men may choose to set their hands to the fire of your service and the water of your grace. May they trust in your immense wisdom and see the way of life found in the priesthood, choosing to keep your commandments with loyalty for the salvation of all. We pray to the Lord.

For Vocations to the Diaconate

We pray for those you are calling to the diaconate, that they may choose to stretch out their hands to the work of charity and service. In a world of many choices, grant them the strength to choose the path of life and to be faithful witnesses to your eyes that see all our actions. We pray to the Lord.

For Vocations to Religious Life

Lord, inspire women and men to embrace the religious life, trusting that man’s life and death depend on the choices made in your presence. May they choose the good set before them and find life in their vows, reflecting your great wisdom to a world that often lacks the loyalty to follow your commandments. We pray to the Lord.

SECOND READING

1 Corinthians 2:6-10

For Vocations to the Priesthood

Lord, call forth priests who are ready to preach the hidden and mysterious wisdom that you predestined for our glory before the ages began. May they be men of the Spirit who scrutinize the deep things of God, leading your people toward those wonders which eye has not seen and ear has not heard. We pray to the Lord.

For Vocations to the Diaconate

We pray for an increase in deacons who do not rely on the passing wisdom of this age, but on the power of the Holy Spirit. May their ministry of service be guided by the wisdom you have prepared for those who love you, revealing the glory of the crucified Lord to all they encounter. We pray to the Lord.

For Vocations to Religious Life

Lord, draw many souls to the consecrated life to live as signs of the things you have prepared for us in heaven. May these religious seek a spiritual maturity that transcends the rulers of this age, allowing the Spirit to reveal through their lives the hidden depths of your love and divine purpose. We pray to the Lord.

GOSPEL

Matthew 5:17-37

For Vocations to the Priesthood

Lord, send us priests who will teach us to fulfill the law and the prophets with a righteousness that surpasses all outward show. May they be men who lead us to reconciliation at the altar and whose lives reflect a total “yes” to your call, protecting the smallest letter of your command through their holy ministry. We pray to the Lord.

For Vocations to the Diaconate

We pray for men called to the diaconate, that they may be examples of integrity whose speech is simple and whose hearts are free from anger. May they help the faithful settle with their opponents and live the truth of the Gospel, becoming great in the Kingdom of heaven by obeying and teaching your commands. We pray to the Lord.

For Vocations to Religious Life

Lord, grant an increase in vocations to religious life, calling souls to a radical purity of heart that avoids even the occasion of sin. May their lives of poverty, chastity, and obedience be a clear “yes” to the Kingdom of heaven, showing us how to offer our gifts at the altar with true peace. We pray to the Lord.

FIRST READING

Sirach 15:15-20

For Moral Responsibility in Governance

Lord, we pray that our political leaders recognize the fire and water set before them and choose the way of life for our nation. May they understand that you have commanded no one to act unjustly, prompting them to seek the loyalty of truth rather than the iniquity of partisan strife. We pray to the Lord.

For Wisdom Over Division

We pray for those in public office, that they may rely on your immense wisdom rather than the narrow interests of their own parties. Grant them the grace to choose the good of the people, remembering that your eyes see all human actions and that you understand every work intended for the common good. We pray to the Lord.

SECOND READING

1 Corinthians 2:6-10

For a Spirit of Understanding

Lord, grant our representatives a portion of the hidden wisdom that transcends the passing wisdom of this age and its political rulers. May they be moved by the Spirit to listen with empathy, seeking the deep things of God that lead to peace rather than the superficial debates that lead to destruction. We pray to the Lord.

For Vision Beyond Partisanship

We pray that political rivals may be guided by the Spirit to see what eye has not seen and ear has not heard regarding solutions for our country. Help them to set aside the pride of this age to embrace the mysterious ways you work through diverse perspectives for our ultimate glory. We pray to the Lord.

GOSPEL

Matthew 5:17-37

For Reconciliation Between Opponents

Lord, teach our political parties to settle with their opponents quickly and with an open mind before the fire of civil discord grows. May they strive for a righteousness that surpasses partisan victory, seeking first to be reconciled with their brothers and sisters so that their service may be a worthy offering. We pray to the Lord.

For Integrity in Political Speech

We pray that the speech of our leaders may be simple and honest, letting their “yes” mean “yes” and their “no” mean “no” to foster trust. May they purge all anger and insulting language from their dialogue, fulfilling the law of love and avoiding the evil that comes from deceptive and polarizing rhetoric. We pray to the Lord.

FIRST READING

Sirach 15:15-20

For Peace and Transition in Venezuela

Lord, we pray for the people of Venezuela as they navigate a time of profound change and uncertainty. Help their leaders to choose the way of life and the fire of justice rather than the water of despair or the path of further violence. May they trust in your immense wisdom to guide their hands toward loyalty to the common good. We pray to the Lord.

For Religious Freedom and Dignity in Iran

We pray for the nation of Iran, that those in power may remember that your eyes see all human actions and you understand every man’s work. Grant the people the strength to choose the life-giving path of truth and peace. May the authorities act with the moral responsibility you demand, recognizing that no one is commanded to act unjustly against their neighbor. We pray to the Lord.

SECOND READING

1 Corinthians 2:6-10

For Spiritual Discernment in Iranian Leadership

Lord, we lift up the leaders and people of Iran, asking that they might be moved by the hidden and mysterious wisdom that eye has not seen and ear has not heard. May the Spirit that scrutinizes the deep things of God lead them away from the passing wisdom of this age and toward a peace predestined for your glory. We pray to the Lord.

For Healing and Vision in Venezuela

We pray for Venezuela, that the Holy Spirit may reveal new paths for restoration that transcend the understanding of the rulers of this age. Grant the citizens and interim leaders a vision of the glorious future you have prepared for those who love you. May the spirit of discord be replaced by the wisdom that comes only from your divine revelation. We pray to the Lord.

GOSPEL

Matthew 5:17-37

For Reconciliation and Integrity in Venezuela

Lord, we pray for the swift reconciliation of all factions in Venezuela, that they may settle with their opponents quickly and move toward your holy altar in unity. May the speech of those in authority be simple and honest, letting their yes mean yes, as they strive for a righteousness that surpasses mere political victory and honors the smallest letter of your law. We pray to the Lord.

For the Protection of Life and Peace in Iran

We pray for the safety of all in Iran, asking that the fire of anger and the threat of judgment be replaced by a commitment to the law of love. Guide the nation to fulfill the prophets’ call for mercy and to purge all evil from their hearts. May their commitment to peace be a clear yes to your will, protecting the vulnerable from the reaches of the evil one. We pray to the Lord.

FIRST READING

Sirach 15:15-20

For Responsible Choice in Resource Management

Lord, you set before us the fire of energy and the water of our oceans, giving us the freedom to choose how we treat your handiwork. Grant us the loyalty to keep your commandments by preserving the earth, for you see all our actions and understand how we use what you have created. We pray to the Lord.

For Wisdom in Environmental Conservation

We pray that humanity may trust in your immense wisdom to protect the life and death of our planet’s ecosystems. May we choose the way of life by guarding the natural world, remembering that you have commanded no one to act unjustly or impiously toward the garden you have entrusted to our care. We pray to the Lord.

SECOND READING

1 Corinthians 2:6-10

For Spiritual Insight into the Created Order

Lord, reveal to us through your Spirit the hidden and mysterious wisdom found in the intricacies of nature, which you predestined for our glory. May we look beyond the passing wisdom of this age that treats the earth as a mere commodity, recognizing instead the deep things of God in every living thing. We pray to the Lord.

For the Discernment of Future Stewards

We pray for a new vision of stewardship that eye has not seen and ear has not heard, led by the Spirit that scrutinizes the depths of your creation. May our leaders be guided not by the rulers of this age who seek depletion, but by the glorious wisdom you have prepared for those who love you. We pray to the Lord.

GOSPEL

Matthew 5:17-37

For Integrity in Environmental Commitments

Lord, help us to fulfill our duty to the earth with a righteousness that surpasses mere words or empty promises. Let our “yes” to conservation mean “yes” and our “no” to exploitation mean “no,” so that we do not fall into the evil of deceiving future generations about the health of our common home. We pray to the Lord.

For Reconciliation with the Earth

We pray for the grace to settle with our neighbor and our environment quickly before the fire of destruction consumes our natural resources. May we be reconciled to your creation before we offer our gifts at the altar, honoring even the smallest letter of your law by protecting the purity of the world you made. We pray to the Lord.

FIRST READING

Sirach 15:15-20

Prayer for Life: Choice

Lord, you set before every human heart the fire of life and the water of death, giving us the power to choose. We pray that our society may choose the way of life for the unborn, trusting in your immense wisdom and remembering that your eyes see every action within the womb. We pray to the Lord.

Prayer for Dignity: Responsibility

We pray for an end to the death penalty, asking that those in authority recognize that you command no one to be impious. May we choose to preserve life in all its stages, understanding that man’s life and death depend on the loyalty we show to your commandments and your mercy. We pray to the Lord.

SECOND READING

1 Corinthians 2:6-10

Prayer for Purity: Hidden Wisdom

Lord, we pray for those ensnared by pornography, that they may turn from the passing wisdom of this age toward the mysterious glory of the human person. May the Spirit reveal to them the deep things of God, helping them to see the body not as a commodity but as a temple. We pray to the Lord.

Prayer for Vulnerability: Spiritual Vision

We pray for the elderly and disabled, that we may see in them the beauty that eye has not seen and ear has not heard. May our care for the vulnerable be guided by the Spirit that knows the thoughts of God, rejecting the rulers of this age who define worth by utility. We pray to the Lord.

GOSPEL

Matthew 5:17-37

Prayer for Reconciliation: The Altar

Lord, grant that we may protect the dignity of our brothers and sisters and be reconciled with them before we offer our gifts at your altar. Help us to fulfill the law of love by purging all anger and contempt from our hearts, treating every life as a sacred command from you. We pray to the Lord.

Prayer for Integrity: The Truth

We pray for a culture of life where our “yes” to protecting the vulnerable truly means “yes” and our “no” to the culture of death is firm. May we honor even the smallest letter of your law, avoiding the evil of compromising on the sanctity of human life and dignity. We pray to the Lord.

FIRST READING

Sirach 15:15-20

Prayer for Chronic Pain: Trust

Lord, for those enduring the fire of chronic pain, grant them the strength to trust in your immense wisdom. May they find comfort in knowing your eyes see their suffering and that, through your grace, they can choose to remain loyal to you even in their deepest trials. We pray to the Lord.

Prayer for Terminal Illness: Life

We pray for those facing terminal illness, that they may find peace in the way of life you set before them. May they feel your care for those who fear you, trusting that their life is held in your hands as they choose to seek your presence in their final journey. We pray to the Lord.

SECOND READING

1 Corinthians 2:6-10

Prayer for Mental Health: Hidden Wisdom

Lord, we pray for those struggling with mental health issues, that your Spirit may reveal to them the hidden wisdom of their own dignity. May they experience the peace that eye has not seen and ear has not heard, as you scrutinize the deep things of their hearts and offer them your glorious comfort. We pray to the Lord.

Prayer for the Suffering: Spiritual Strength

For all who suffer in body or spirit, grant them a mature faith that transcends the passing wisdom and rulers of this age. May your Holy Spirit reveal to them the things you have prepared for those who love you, giving them a vision of hope beyond their current afflictions. We pray to the Lord.

GOSPEL

Matthew 5:17-37

Prayer for the Sick: Reconciliation

Lord, we pray for the sick who feel isolated or angry because of their infirmity, that they may find reconciliation and peace at your altar. Help them to fulfill the law of love in their hearts and grant them the simple honesty to say “yes” to your healing will during their time of need. We pray to the Lord.

Prayer for the Caregivers: Integrity

For those caring for the suffering, let their “yes” to service be a testament of your love and a fulfillment of the smallest letter of your law. May they act without anger or frustration, providing a righteousness that surpasses expectations as they guard the dignity of those who are weak and weary. We pray to the Lord.

FIRST READING

Sirach 15:15-20

Prayer for the Homeless: Choice

Lord, we pray for those without shelter, that our society may choose to stretch out its hand to provide them safety. May we use the immense wisdom you have given us to ensure that the way of life is available to all, remembering that your eyes see the struggles of every person. We pray to the Lord.

Prayer for the Hungry: Loyalty

We pray for the hungry, that we may be loyal to your commandments by sharing the fruits of the earth. Help us to choose the good of our neighbor over our own desires, trusting that you understand every man’s work and call us to satisfy those who hunger for bread and justice. We pray to the Lord.

Prayer for the Impoverished: Trust

Lord, look upon those living in extreme poverty who face the fire of daily hardship and the water of uncertainty. Grant them hope in your care for those who fear you, and move the hearts of the wealthy to act justly, knowing that no one is commanded by you to be impious or indifferent. We pray to the Lord.

SECOND READING

1 Corinthians 2:6-10

Prayer for the Marginalized: Hidden Wisdom

Lord, we pray for those cast aside by society, that they may be honored through the hidden wisdom that the rulers of this age do not understand. May your Spirit reveal to them the glorious things you have prepared for those who love you, providing them dignity that eye has not seen and ear has not heard. We pray to the Lord.

Prayer for the Forgotten: Deep Things

We pray for those living in the shadows of our cities, that they may be reached by the Spirit that scrutinizes the deep things of God. May we reject the passing wisdom of this age that values people by their wealth, and instead seek to love our brothers as you predestined for our glory. We pray to the Lord.

Prayer for the Oppressed: Revelation

Lord, grant your Holy Spirit to those who are oppressed by systemic injustice, revealing to them the power of the crucified Lord of glory. May we, your Church, act with spiritual maturity to recognize your presence in the poor and work toward the mysterious and wonderful future you have promised to all your children. We pray to the Lord.

GOSPEL

Matthew 5:17-37

Prayer for the Destitute: The Altar

Lord, we pray that we may be reconciled with the poor before we offer our gifts at your holy altar. Help us to fulfill the law of love by serving those in need, ensuring that our righteousness surpasses mere words and leads to genuine action for those who have been left behind by the world. We pray to the Lord.

Prayer for the Vulnerable: Integrity

We pray for those whose lives are controlled by the evil of exploitation, asking that our “yes” to helping them truly means “yes.” May we honor even the smallest letter of your command to love our neighbor, purging all anger and indifference from our hearts as we build a kingdom of true peace. We pray to the Lord.

Prayer for the Stranger: Reconciliation

Lord, lead us to settle quickly with those who are suffering and marginalized, treating them with the respect due to every human soul. May we never be called least in the Kingdom of heaven for ignoring your commands, but rather seek to obey and teach the ways of mercy to all we meet. We pray to the Lord.

FIRST READING

Sirach 15:15-20

Prayer for Strength: Choice

Lord, we pray for those struggling with the fire of addiction, that they may find the strength to choose the way of life and the water of healing. Help them to keep your commandments with loyalty, trusting that your eyes see their secret battles and that your immense wisdom can lead them to recovery. We pray to the Lord.

Prayer for Recovery: Trust

We pray for those in recovery, that they may always trust in your care for those who fear you. May they turn away from the iniquity of the past and choose the good set before them, knowing that man’s life and death depend on the choices made in your presence each day. We pray to the Lord.

Prayer for Deliverance: Agency

Lord, look upon those trapped in dependency who feel they have no agency left. Remind them that you command no one to be impious and that your grace allows us to stretch out our hands toward the path of salvation, finding life in the loyalty we show to your holy will. We pray to the Lord.

SECOND READING

1 Corinthians 2:6-10

Prayer for Clarity: Hidden Wisdom

Lord, grant those in addiction the hidden wisdom of the Spirit to see past the passing wisdom of this age that leads to destruction. May they understand the mysterious ways you work in their hearts, revealing the glorious life you predestined for them since before the ages began. We pray to the Lord.

Prayer for Healing: Spiritual Revelation

We pray for those seeking sobriety, that the Spirit who scrutinizes the deep things of God may heal the deep wounds of their souls. May they experience the peace that eye has not seen and ear has not heard, prepared specifically for those who love you and seek your light. We pray to the Lord.

Prayer for Perseverance: Divine Power

Lord, lead those in recovery to rely not on the wisdom of the rulers of this age, but on the power of the Spirit. May they find strength in the crucified Lord of glory, knowing that the Spirit reveals the thoughts of God to guide them safely toward a new and healthy life. We pray to the Lord.

GOSPEL

Matthew 5:17-37

Prayer for Integrity: Simple Truth

Lord, help those in recovery to live with a righteousness that surpasses their old lives, letting their “yes” mean “yes” and their “no” mean “no.” Grant them the integrity to be honest in all things, avoiding the evil of deception and fulfilling the law of love in their daily walk. We pray to the Lord.

Prayer for Reconciliation: The Altar

We pray for those who have harmed others through their addiction, asking for the grace of reconciliation before they approach your holy altar. May they settle with their opponents quickly and purge all anger from their hearts, seeking to obey even the smallest letter of your command to love one another. We pray to the Lord.

Prayer for Purity: The Kingdom

Lord, grant those fighting temptation a heart that seeks the Kingdom of heaven above all else. May they be called great for obeying and teaching the ways of temperance and self-control, protecting their minds from evil and offering their very lives as a pure sacrifice to you who fulfill all things. We pray to the Lord.

FIRST READING

Sirach 15:15-20

Prayer for Holiness: Choice

Lord, help this gathered assembly to recognize the fire and water you set before us today. May we use our agency to choose the way of life, keeping your commandments with loyalty and trusting that your eyes see our efforts to remain faithful to your immense wisdom. We pray to the Lord.

Prayer for Charity: Agency

Grant that we may never stretch out our hands to iniquity, but instead use our freedom to serve one another in love. May we understand that no one is commanded to act unjustly, and may our choices in this community reflect the good that lies before us in your presence. We pray to the Lord.

Prayer for Growth: Trust

We pray that we may trust in your care for those who fear you as we strive to fulfill our daily duties. May our life and death be a testament to the choices we make for your sake, finding strength in the knowledge that you understand every man’s work and desire our salvation. We pray to the Lord.

SECOND READING

1 Corinthians 2:6-10

Prayer for Insight: Hidden Wisdom

Lord, grant this assembly a spiritual maturity that transcends the passing wisdom of this age and its rulers. May your Holy Spirit reveal to us the hidden and mysterious wisdom you predestined for our glory, leading us to love you with hearts that seek what no eye has seen. We pray to the Lord.

Prayer for Prayer: The Spirit

We pray for a deeper interior life, that we may allow the Spirit to scrutinize the deep things of God within our souls. May we be guided by the Spirit that knows the thoughts of God, helping us to grasp the glorious things you have prepared for those who love you. We pray to the Lord.

Prayer for Following: Revelation

Lord, help us to follow Christ not with the words of human wisdom, but through the revelation of the Spirit. May we be a community that seeks the crucified Lord of glory in all things, growing in the knowledge of the deep things of God that you have revealed to us. We pray to the Lord.

GOSPEL

Matthew 5:17-37

Prayer for Reconciliation: The Altar

Lord, teach us to be reconciled with our brothers and sisters before we offer our gifts at this holy altar. May we purge all anger from our hearts so that we may fulfill the law of love and be called great in the Kingdom of heaven for obeying and teaching your commands. We pray to the Lord.

Prayer for Integrity: Simple Truth

We pray for the grace of integrity in our speech and conduct, letting our “yes” mean “yes” and our “no” mean “no.” Help us to avoid the evil that comes from empty oaths, seeking instead a righteousness that surpasses outward show and honors even the smallest letter of your law. We pray to the Lord.

Prayer for Holiness: Fulfillment

Lord, grant that our assembly may not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it through acts of genuine charity. May we strive for a purity of heart that avoids the fire of Gehenna, protecting the dignity of every person and remaining faithful to the covenant you have established with us. We pray to the Lord.

FIRST READING

Sirach 15:15-20

Prayer for Families: Choice

Lord, we pray for families as they navigate the fire and water of modern life, that they may choose the way of life for their children. Grant parents the immense wisdom to teach their little ones loyalty to your commandments, trusting that your eyes see every effort to choose the good. We pray to the Lord.

Prayer for Children: Trust

We pray for children to grow in trust of your care for those who fear you, finding safety in the choices their families make in your presence. May they stretch out their hands only to what is holy, knowing that man’s life and death depend on keeping your law with a sincere heart. We pray to the Lord.

SECOND READING

1 Corinthians 2:6-10

Prayer for Parents: Hidden Wisdom

Lord, grant parents a spiritual maturity that transcends the passing wisdom of this age when raising their children. May the Holy Spirit reveal to them the hidden and mysterious wisdom predestined for their family’s glory, guiding them to seek the deep things of God in the quiet moments of home life. We pray to the Lord.

Prayer for Youth: Spiritual Vision

We pray for our youth, that they may realize the glorious things you have prepared for those who love you, which no eye has seen or ear has heard. May they be led by the Spirit that knows the thoughts of God, protecting them from the influence of the rulers of this age. We pray to the Lord.

GOSPEL

Matthew 5:17-37

Prayer for Households: Reconciliation

Lord, we pray for healing within families, that parents and children may settle with one another quickly and be reconciled before approaching your altar. May our homes be places where the law of love is fulfilled in even the smallest letter, purging all anger and harsh words from our hearts. We pray to the Lord.

Prayer for Integrity: Simple Truth

We pray that families may be schools of integrity, where a “yes” means “yes” and a “no” means “no.” Help parents to teach their children a righteousness that surpasses outward show, honoring the sanctity of their words and avoiding the evil that comes from a lack of truth and purity. We pray to the Lord.

FIRST READING

Sirach 15:15-20

Sirach 15:15-20

Prayer for Baptism: Choice

Lord, through the water of Baptism, you have set before us the way of life and the fire of the Spirit. May our community deepen its appreciation for this sacrament, choosing to remain loyal to our baptismal promises and trusting in your immense wisdom as we stretch out our hands to your commandments. We pray to the Lord.

Prayer for Penance: Trust

We pray for a profound understanding of the Sacrament of Penance, where we turn from iniquity to the good that lies before us. May we trust in your care for those who fear you, knowing that your eyes see our repentance and that our life depends on the choices we make in your presence. We pray to the Lord.

SECOND READING

1 Corinthians 2:6-10

Prayer for Confirmation: Hidden Wisdom

Lord, grant us a deeper appreciation for the Sacrament of Confirmation, through which the Spirit reveals the hidden and mysterious wisdom predestined for our glory. May those sealed with the Spirit scrutinize the deep things of God, looking beyond the passing wisdom of this age to the things you have prepared for us. We pray to the Lord.

Prayer for Orders: Spiritual Revelation

We pray for our priests and deacons, that through the Sacrament of Holy Orders, they may lead us with spiritual maturity. May they speak the wisdom of God revealed through the Spirit, helping the community to see what eye has not seen and to love the crucified Lord of glory more fervently. We pray to the Lord.

GOSPEL

Matthew 5:17-37

Prayer for Eucharist: The Altar

Lord, help us to approach the Sacrament of the Eucharist with a righteousness that surpasses outward show. Teach us to be reconciled with our brothers and sisters before we offer our gift at the altar, so that we may fulfill the law of love and find unity in the smallest letter of your command. We pray to the Lord.

Prayer for Matrimony: Simple Truth

We pray for those in the Sacrament of Matrimony, that their “yes” may always mean “yes” in a lifelong covenant of integrity. May they protect the sanctity of their union by avoiding all evil and anger, fulfilling your law through a commitment that honors the purity and truth you intended from the beginning. We pray to the Lord.