Prayers of
the Faithful
For the Church: that we may be witnesses to God’s message, expressions of God’s nurturing love, and instruments of God’s healing care to all who find life’s journey burdensome
For all who serve in ministry: that God will bless their efforts, help them keep their lives in balance, and work through them to show a shepherd’s care
SOURCE: Sunday Website
RELATED
THE CHURCH
16th Sunday of Year B
For recently ordained priests: that they may have the hearts of true shepherds and guide their parishioners closer to Jesus and into greater unity.
You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
RESPONSORIAL
SAMPLE PETITIONS
FIRST READING
Drawing from Jeremiah 23:1-6, we ask that our priests be granted wisdom, courage, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit as they shepherd their parishes. May they remain steadfast in their commitment to serve with justice, integrity, and love. Lord, hear our prayer.
SECOND READING
Reflecting on Ephesians 2:13-18, we pray that our priests will have the strength and discernment to foster unity and reconciliation within their parishes. May they be bridge-builders, breaking down walls of division and promoting harmony and understanding among all members of the community. Lord, hear our prayer.
GOSPEL
In line with Mark 6:30-34, we ask that our priests may experience moments of rest and renewal amidst their busy lives. May they find support and companionship among their fellow clergy and parishioners, enabling them to serve with enthusiasm and joy. Lord, hear our prayer.
PRIESTS
In the News
Prayers of the Faithful
July 14, 2024
Prayers of
the Faithful
For unity: that through Christ’s victory over death, the divisions in the human family may be dissolved and the wounds of racism and prejudice be healed
For all who exercise leadership: that they may place their gifts unselfishly in the service of others and draw forth the skills of others for the fulfillment of God’s work
For support and renewal: that God will show a shepherd’s care to refugees, those displaced by violence, and living under oppressive governments and help them find the resources that they need for life
For the Jewish and Christian communities of faith: that God will heal the wounds that exist, open new opportunities for cooperation, and help us be faithful witnesses to God’s presence and action in the world
SOURCE: Sunday Website
RELATED
THE WORLD
16th Sunday of Year B
As the world grows increasingly complicated and perilous, we ask for Your shield of protection against any attempts to harm or assassinate our leaders. We know that You are the ultimate guardian and defender, and we place our trust in You to keep our nation’s leaders safe.
Brothers and sisters:
In Christ Jesus you who once were far off
have become near by the blood of Christ.
For he is our peace, he who made both one
and broke down the dividing wall of enmity,
through his flesh
SECOND READING
SAMPLE PETITIONS
FIRST READING
In light of Jeremiah 23:1-6, we ask for the wisdom and courage to be responsible stewards of creation. May we be guided by the principles of justice and righteousness in our care for the environment, ensuring that all of God’s creation may flourish. Lord, hear our prayer.
SECOND READING
Inspired by Ephesians 2:13-18, we pray for unity and collaboration among nations in addressing the pressing environmental challenges of our time. May we break down walls of division and work together for the common good of our planet and its inhabitants. Lord, hear our prayer.
GOSPEL
Reflecting on Mark 6:30-34, we ask for the strength and perseverance to practice sustainable living in our daily lives. May we follow Christ’s example of compassion and care for all creation, making conscious choices that protect and nurture our environment. Lord, hear our prayer.
CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
In the News
SAMPLE PETITIONS
FIRST READING
Inspired by Jeremiah 23:1-6, we pray that our leaders and those in authority will govern with justice, righteousness, and compassion. May they work tirelessly to create a society where the rights and dignity of every individual are upheld and respected. Lord, hear our prayer.
SECOND READING
In accordance with Ephesians 2:13-18, we ask for the grace to recognize and reconcile the divisions within our communities. May we have the wisdom to create bridges of understanding and acceptance, breaking down walls of hostility and prejudice. Lord, hear our prayer.
GOSPEL
Reflecting on Mark 6:30-34, we pray for the courage and strength to emulate Christ’s compassion and love for all people. May we seek out the lost and vulnerable, extending kindness and support, and in doing so, become instruments of peace in our world. Lord, hear our prayer.
JUSTICE & PEACE
In the News
Prayers of the Faithful
July 14, 2024
Prayers of
the Faithful
For those overwhelmed by activity: that God will help them to slow down and be aware of the gifts and blessings that are in their life each day
For a spirit of compassion: that God will touch our hearts with care and concern for all whom we find burdensome, needy, or demanding
For all living in densely populated settings: that they may find a space apart where they can find silence and experience God’s presence within them and around them
SOURCE: Sunday Website
SPECIAL NEEDS
16th Sunday of Year B
For all who offer retreats and places of solitude: that they will assist others in finding rest and in deepening their relationship with God
The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
In verdant pastures
he gives me repose;
beside restful waters
he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
SAMPLE PETITIONS
FIRST READING
Drawing from the theme of God as our Shepherd, we ask for the wisdom and courage to protect and cherish the lives of all, especially the most vulnerable among us. May we promote a culture of life that reflects the peace and reconciliation achieved through Christ’s blood. Lord, hear our prayer.
SECOND READING
Inspired by the second reading, we pray for the grace to understand and live out our responsibilities to one another, especially to our children, in accordance with God’s plan. May our choices and actions be guided by the love and compassion of Christ, fostering harmony and respect for life in all its stages. Lord, hear our prayer.
GOSPEL
In line with the Gospel passage, we ask for the strength and perseverance to follow Christ’s example of love and care for all. May our efforts to promote a culture of life be guided by His wisdom and compassion, leading to transformed relationships, cultures, and nations. Lord, hear our prayer.
PRO-LIFE
In the News
SAMPLE PETITIONS
FIRST READING
Drawing from Jeremiah 23:1-6, we ask that those in the grip of addiction may find the strength and guidance to overcome their struggles. May they be shepherded by God’s loving presence and find comfort in His promise of restoration and renewal. Lord, hear our prayer.
SECOND READING
Reflecting on Ephesians 2:13-18, we pray for reconciliation and unity among families and communities affected by addiction. May the healing power of Christ’s love bridge the divisions caused by addiction and bring peace and understanding to all those affected. Lord, hear our prayer.
GOSPEL
In line with Mark 6:30-34, we ask for the grace to be instruments of God’s love and care for those in recovery. May we provide a welcoming space for healing and growth, mirroring Christ’s example of love and acceptance for all. Lord, hear our prayer.
Prayers of the Faithful
July 21, 2024
Prayers of
the Faithful
For parish communities who are being merged or consolidated: that they may trust in God’s unending love and be open to new ways of experiencing the Body of Christ
SOURCE: Sunday Website
LOCAL
16th Sunday of Year B
For parish communities who are being merged or consolidated: that they may trust in God’s unending love and be open to new ways of experiencing the Body of Christ
Come away by yourselves
to a deserted place
and rest a while…
So they went off in the boat
by themselves to a deserted place.
GOSPEL
SAMPLE PETITIONS
FIRST READING
Inspired by Jeremiah 23:1-6, we ask that parents may serve as shepherds of their families, leading with compassion, love, and justice. May they be guided by God’s wisdom in their parenting, fostering strong and loving relationships within their homes. Lord, hear our prayer.
SECOND READING
Reflecting on Ephesians 2:13-18, we pray for reconciliation and peace within families, breaking down walls of division and misunderstanding. May Christ’s love be the foundation of our family relationships, leading to unity and harmony within our homes. Lord, hear our prayer.
GOSPEL
In line with Mark 6:30-34, we ask that children may experience the love and care of Christ through the support and guidance of their families and communities. May they find comfort and rest in the knowledge that they are loved and valued as precious gifts from God. Lord, hear our prayer.
CHILDREN & FAMILY
In the News
The resources on this page–including videos and articles–are here to help you develop your own prayer intentions.
HOME | AUSTRALIAN CATHOLICS | THIS DAY IN HISTORY