Prayers of
the Faithful
For the Church: that in Christ, we may find the fulfillment of the deepest hungers of our hearts and nourishment for our life’s journey
For a spirit of understanding: that Christ will free us from narrow thinking and help us take on the mind of Christ so that we may see and understand God’s vision for life
SOURCE: Sunday Website
RELATED
THE CHURCH
18th Sunday of Year B
We pray for faithful believers who attended the 2024 National Eucharistic Congress. That they may work to bring a new Pentecost in the U.S. Church.
Do not work for food that perishes
but for the food that endures for eternal life,
which the Son of Man will give you.
For on him the Father, God, has set his seal.”
So they said to him,
“What can we do to accomplish the works of God?”
Jesus answered and said to them,
“This is the work of God,
that you believe in the one he sent.”
GOSPEL
SAMPLE PETITIONS
FIRST READING
For the priests who lead and guide our parishes, we pray that they may be inspired by the example of Moses in the first reading from Exodus 16:2-4, 12-15. May they have the strength and wisdom to help us navigate the challenges and uncertainties of our daily lives, always pointing us towards the true bread from heaven, Jesus Christ.
SECOND READING
We pray for our priests who guide us in the path of renewal, that they may help us learn and put into practice what it means to live in Christ, putting on the new self and rejecting our former way of life, as we heard in Ephesians 4:17, 20-24.
GOSPEL
Loving God, we lift up our priests who tirelessly serve Your people, as we reflect on the Gospel of John 6:24-35. May they follow the example of Jesus, the Bread of Life, in all they do. We pray that they may continue to feed us with the Word of God and the Sacraments, nourishing our souls and drawing us closer to Your Kingdom. Through their service, may we come to know the love of Christ more deeply.
PRIESTS
In the News
Prayers of the Faithful
July 28, 2024
Prayers of
the Faithful
For business and government leaders who have responsibility for food: that they will strive with new effort to alleviate the hunger and needs of the poor, refugees, and the victims of war
For better stewardship of earth’s resources: that government and business leaders will recognize the impact of their practices upon the environment and work to promote good stewardship of the air, land, and water
SOURCE: Sunday Website
RELATED
THE WORLD
18th Sunday of Year B
For a spirit of understanding: that Christ will free government leaders from narrow thinking and help them take on the mind of Christ so that we may see and understand God’s vision for life and our country.
Put away the old self of your former way of life,
corrupted through deceitful desires,
and be renewed in the spirit of your minds,
and put on the new self,
created in God’s way
in righteousness and holiness of truth.
SECOND READING
SAMPLE PETITIONS
FIRST READING
We pray that our global leaders, like Moses in the Exodus reading, hear the cries of those most affected by environmental degradation, and lead us in finding solutions to care for our common home.
SECOND READING
We pray for the unity of nations and all people of goodwill as they work together to address environmental issues, fostering true respect and cooperation in caring for our common home, as we are reminded of the interconnectedness of all things in the words of St. Paul.
GOSPEL
As we strive for eternal life through Christ, the true bread from heaven, we pray that our appreciation for the divine presence in the Eucharist extends to all creation, fostering a deep sense of care and concern for the protection of the environment.
CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
In the News
SAMPLE PETITIONS
FIRST READING
God of mercy, we pray for those living in fear and violence in our cities. May those in positions of power, like Moses in the Exodus reading, hear the cries of the oppressed and take courageous action to create safe and just communities.
As the Israelites received the gift of manna in the desert, we pray for a fair distribution of resources in our society, especially for those marginalized and in need. May our efforts to promote justice and peace be guided by Your divine providence.
SECOND READING
Inspired by St. Paul’s call for a new self in Ephesians 4:17, 20-24, we pray for the conversion of hearts and minds, that we may renounce violence and embrace the path of peace. May our actions be rooted in love, humility, and a commitment to the common good.
We pray for wisdom and discernment in the pursuit of justice, as we learn “to be renewed in the spirit of our minds” (Ephesians 4:23). Guide our lawmakers and leaders in making decisions that foster peace and reduce violence, especially in addressing issues such as gun control.
GOSPEL
As we hunger for the bread that gives eternal life, we pray for the victims of violence and their loved ones. May they find solace in the promise of everlasting life in Christ, and may their suffering inspire us to work tirelessly for a more just and peaceful world.
JUSTICE & PEACE
In the News
Prayers of the Faithful
July 28, 2024
Prayers of
the Faithful
For openness: that God will open our minds and hearts to recognize the manna that God sends into our lives and give us the courage to utilize it
For the grace to be satisfied: that we may appreciate all the blessings and opportunities that God has given us rather than complain about that which we do not possess
For all who are experiencing the wilderness in their life’s journey: that they may encounter Christ in their loneliness, a new vision in times of confusion, and renewed energy when the path ahead seems endless
SOURCE: Sunday Website
SPECIAL NEEDS
18th Sunday of Year B
Lord, we ask you to envelop every innocent soul on this earth who finds themselves in the cold shadow of war. Cast a protective veil over these pure souls. For children who dream of playgrounds and not battlefields, for mothers who wish for peace when they cradle their young, and for fathers who seek to provide safety over sorrow—spare them from the unspeakable horros they never invited.
The whole Israelite community
grumbled against Moses and Aaron.
The Israelites said to them,
“Would that we had died
at the LORD’s hand in the land of Egypt,
as we sat by our fleshpots and ate our fill of bread!
But you had to lead us into this desert
to make the whole community die of famine!”
FIRST READING
SAMPLE PETITIONS
FIRST READING
Almighty God, as You provided manna to sustain the Israelites in their journey, we pray for expectant mothers facing difficult circumstances. May they find the support and resources needed to choose life for their unborn children.
SECOND READING
Gracious God, we ask for the grace to put on the new self in Christ, rejecting the ways of the culture of death. Guide us in embracing life in all its fullness, and inspire us to create a society that values and protects every human life, from conception to natural death.
GOSPEL
We pray for the entire human family, that they may come to know You as the true Bread of Life. May Your love and mercy inspire us to share our daily bread with those in need, working together to build a world that reflects Your justice and peace.
Jesus, the Bread of Life, we pray for all those who are tempted to choose death over life. May they find the spiritual nourishment they need in Your Eucharistic presence, and may their hearts be transformed by Your divine love.
PRO-LIFE
In the News
SAMPLE PETITIONS
FIRST READING
Merciful God, we pray for those struggling with addiction, who, like the Israelites in the desert, feel lost and uncertain. Guide them to the resources and support they need to find healing and recovery, as You provided manna to sustain Your people.
SECOND READING
Lord, we ask for the grace to renew our minds and hearts, as St. Paul urges in Ephesians 4:17, 20-24. Guide those struggling with addiction to break free from destructive patterns, and may they find new life in Christ, putting on the new self created in Your image.
GOSPEL
Jesus, the Bread of Life, we pray for those seeking recovery from addiction, that they may find strength and nourishment in Your Eucharistic presence. May they never thirst or hunger for anything but You, and may their journey towards recovery be guided by Your love.
Prayers of the Faithful
July 28, 2024
Prayers of
the Faithful
For all who are traveling: that God will guide their way and bring them safely to their destination
For strength on our daily journey: that we find our nourishment and renewal in the Word of God and the Eucharist for all our commitments and responsibilities each day
SOURCE: Sunday Website
LOCAL
18th Sunday of Year B
RELATED VIDEO: The Seventh National Eucharist Congress (1935)
We offer our prayers for our parish/community as those we sent to the 2024 National Eucharistic Congress, may bring back the knowledge, passion, and deepened faith they gained from this enriching experience, and share it with us. We ask that our renewed commitment to the Eucharist may inspire and uplift our hearts.
So they said to him,
“Sir, give us this bread always.”
Jesus said to them,
“I am the bread of life;
whoever comes to me will never hunger,
and whoever believes in me will never thirst.”
GOSPEL
SAMPLE PETITIONS
FIRST READING
Heavenly Father, we pray for families who are struggling to provide for their children, as the Israelites did in the desert. May they find sustenance and hope in Your divine providence, and may their trust in You be a source of strength and unity.
We pray for children who are facing difficulties in their lives. As You provided manna for the Israelites, provide them with the support and protection they need to grow in faith, hope, and love.
SECOND READING
Holy Spirit, guide parents and guardians in their roles as the primary educators of their children. May they be inspired by St. Paul’s call for a new self in Christ, fostering families rooted in the values of love, forgiveness, and mutual support.
GOSPEL
Jesus, the Bread of Life, we pray for children and families who are searching for meaning and purpose in their lives. May they find spiritual nourishment in Your Eucharistic presence, and may their lives be transformed by Your divine love.
CHILDREN & FAMILY
In the News
The resources on this page–including videos and articles–are here to help you develop your own prayer intentions.
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