Prayers of the Faithful

August 18, 2024

Prayers of
the Faithful

For the Church: that we, who eat the living bread and drink the blood of life, may be united with Christ and raised up on the last day

For unity amongst Christians: that all who bear the name Christian will work toward healing the wounds of the Body of Christ and sharing common worship

SOURCE: Sunday Website

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Pope’s Prayer
Intentions

THE CHURCH

20th Sunday of Year B

✨  VIDEO      PRIESTS   
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EWTN (5:31) – Athletes, missionaries, and a former Olympian are bringing the light of Christ to the 2024 Paris games, Correspondent Mark Irons reports.

Glorify the LORD with me,
let us together extol his name.
I sought the LORD, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Priestly Vocation (Prv 9:1-6):

We pray for our priests, that they may be filled with the Holy Spirit to preach your word with clarity and conviction. May their dedication to your service inspire us to embrace the invitation of wisdom in our daily lives.

Spiritual Discernment (Eph 5:15-20)

We ask for your guidance upon our priests, that they may discern your will and proclaim it with love and compassion. May their preaching inspire us to live wisely and make the most of every opportunity to serve you and our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

Faith and Understanding (Jn 6:51-58)

We pray that our priests may be filled with wisdom and understanding, enabling them to unveil the mystery of your love and self-giving presence in the Eucharist. May their guidance lead us to a deeper appreciation of the profound gift of the Holy Communion.


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Prayers of the Faithful

August 18, 2024

Prayers of
the Faithful

For our nation: that leaders of government and business will be led by the wisdom of God to choose good rather than evil, honesty rather than deceit, and service rather than greed

For the growth of peace, particularly in the Middle East: that leaders of nations may have wisdom and courage to find new paths to promote the good of the human family

SOURCE: Sunday Website

THE WORLD

20th Sunday of Year B

✨  VIDEO   🌍  ENVIRONMENT   JUSTICE   
YouTube player
ABS-CBN NEWS (3:21) – Pope Francis prayed for peace in the Middle East on Sunday (August 4) and said the war is “a defeat”.

Do not continue in ignorance,
but try to understand
what is the will of the Lord…
be filled with the Spirit

SECOND READING

Nature’s Wisdom (Prv 9:1-6):

Loving Creator, we ask for the grace to appreciate the wisdom present in your creation and to be mindful of our responsibility as stewards of the Earth. Guide us to make wise decisions that promote the well-being of your creation, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

Almighty God, we pray for world leaders and policymakers, that they may recognize the wisdom in Laudato Si’ and prioritize the care for our common home. May they be guided by the principles of solidarity and integral ecology, as they work together to address the pressing environmental challenges of our time.

Responsible Living (Eph 5:15-20):

Gracious Lord, we pray that our consumption habits and lifestyles may reflect the wisdom of your divine plan, promoting balance and harmony in the natural world. Guide us to be mindful of the impact of our choices on the Earth, and grant us the wisdom to adopt sustainable practices.

Holy Father, inspire us to make the most of every opportunity to care for your creation, living responsibly and attentively to the needs of the environment. As we learn from Laudato Si’, may our actions be motivated by love, fostering a deeper sense of interconnectedness with all living beings.

The Bread of Life and the Care for Creation (Jn 6:51-58):

Loving God, we ask for the grace to recognize the Eucharistic celebration as a source of inspiration and strength for our commitment to environmental stewardship. As we receive the living bread that came down from heaven, may we be empowered to work towards building a world that reflects your divine love and unity.

Heavenly Father, as we partake in the Bread of Life, grant us a profound awareness of our interconnectedness with your entire creation. May this unity in Christ inspire us to actively care for the Earth and all living beings, cherishing the gift of life and promoting ecological justice.


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Wisdom and Justice (Prv 9:1-6):

Holy Father, we pray for those affected by violence in our cities and communities. May your healing presence comfort those who mourn, and may your wisdom inspire us to find peaceful solutions to the complex challenges we face.e and understanding, just as Elijah confronted the challenges of his time.

Almighty God, we ask for the wisdom to work towards a world where justice and peace prevail. Guide us to build communities founded on understanding, compassion, and fairness, where violence has no place, and the dignity of every human being is upheld.

Responsible Living and Solidarity (Eph 5:15-20):

Heavenly Father, we pray for the courage to confront the root causes of violence in our society. May our efforts contribute to the establishment of just structures and policies, ensuring the well-being and safety of all people.

Gracious Lord, we ask for the grace to live responsibly, seeking ways to foster peace and unity in our world. As we learn from Laudato Si’, may our actions be guided by the principles of solidarity and the common good, promoting justice for all, especially those affected by gun violence.

Eternal Life and Peace (Jn 6:51-58):

Almighty Father, we pray for the wisdom and guidance of your Holy Spirit to address the pressing issues of gun control and violence. May our commitment to the way of understanding and love bring about a transformation in our communities, reflecting the eternal life and peace offered by Christ.

Loving God, as we partake in the Bread of Life, grant us a deep understanding of the value of human life and the importance of working towards a peaceful and just society. May our communion with Christ inspire us to be peacemakers, promoting nonviolence and reconciliation in our world.


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Prayers of the Faithful

August 18, 2024

Prayers of
the Faithful

For a transformation of our eating habits: that the Spirit will guide us to better eating habits and greater concern for the ethical aspects of our food consumption

For all who are recovering from the natural disasters and for those who are assisting them: that God will give them strength, ease their suffering and fill their hearts with hope

SOURCE: Sunday Website

We pray for those remembered in United Nations observances this week – victims of terrorism (21 August), religious violence (22 August) and human trafficking (23 August) – that the trauma they have suffered will give way to freedom, healing and peace.

SOURCE: Australian Catholics

SPECIAL NEEDS

20th Sunday of Year B

✨  VIDEO      PRO-LIFE      ADDICTION & RECOVERY   
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CATHOLICS COME HOME (0:30)

Wisdom has built her house,
she has set up her seven columns…
“Come, eat of my food,
and drink of the wine I have mixed!
Forsake foolishness that you may live;
advance in the way of understanding.”

FIRST READING

Respect for Life and Wisdom (Prv 9:1-6):

Holy Father, we pray for those facing difficult decisions regarding life issues. May they be guided by the wisdom of your divine plan, choosing life and experiencing your love and support throughout their journey.

Almighty God, grant us the wisdom to recognize and defend the inherent dignity of every human life, from conception to natural death. May our actions and decisions foster a culture of life, where the unborn, the vulnerable, and the marginalized are cherished and protected.

Responsible Living and Solidarity (Eph 5:15-20):

Heavenly Father, we pray for the courage to speak up for the voiceless and defend the sanctity of life in our communities. May our efforts contribute to the building of a more compassionate and life-affirming society, where every individual is valued and cherished.

Gracious Lord, we ask for the grace to live responsibly and stand in solidarity with the most vulnerable among us. As we learn from Laudato Si’, may our actions be guided by the principles of justice and the common good, promoting the protection of life at every stage.

Eternal Life and the Sacredness of Life (Jn 6:51-58):

Almighty Father, we pray for the intercession of the saints, especially those who have dedicated their lives to defending the unborn and vulnerable. May their example inspire us to remain steadfast in our commitment to the sanctity of life, reflecting the eternal life and love offered by Christ.

Loving God, as we partake in the Bread of Life, grant us a profound appreciation of the gift of life and the call to protect it. May our communion with Christ inspire us to be witnesses of the sacredness of life, working towards a world where every person can live with dignity and experience the fullness of your love.


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Healing and Wisdom (Prv 9:1-6):

Almighty God, we ask for the wisdom to understand the struggles of those facing addiction and the grace to offer them compassionate support. May your healing presence bring comfort and strength to those on the journey of recovery, guiding them towards a life of wholeness and hope.

Holy Father, we pray for those who have yet to seek help for their addiction. May they be guided by your divine wisdom and find the courage to take the first steps towards healing and recovery.

Responsible Living and Support (Eph 5:15-20):

Heavenly Father, we pray for the families and friends of those struggling with addiction. May they find comfort and strength in your divine presence, and may their love and support contribute to the healing and recovery of their loved ones.

Gracious Lord, we ask for the grace to live responsibly and attentively to the needs of those impacted by addiction. May our actions be guided by the principles of love and solidarity, promoting understanding and support within our communities.

Eternal Life and Transformation (Jn 6:51-58):

Almighty Father, we pray for the intercession of the saints, especially those who have overcome addiction and served as models of recovery. May their example inspire us to remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting those in need, reflecting the eternal life and love offered by Christ.

Loving God, as we partake in the Bread of Life, grant us the grace to experience the transformative power of your love in our lives. May our communion with Christ inspire us to extend compassion and hope to those affected by addiction, working together towards a world where every person can experience the fullness of life.

Prayers of the Faithful

August 18, 2024

Prayers of
the Faithful

For all students preparing to leave for college: that God will guide them during their time away, help them to make wise decisions, give them strength to live the values that they profess

SOURCE: Sunday Website

We pray for those with responsibility for church properties and investments, that they will ensure these assets are put at the service of the church’s mission. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.

SOURCE: Australian Catholics

LOCAL

20th Sunday of Year B

✨  VIDEO      FAMILIES   
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THE SAINT PAUL SEMINARY (3:36) – The Saint Paul Seminary forms joyful, Catholic leaders for thriving parishes, families and communities.

RELATED: “Lord, I am Not Worthy” Dr. Scott Hahn

I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Let my soul glory in the LORD;
the lowly will hear me and be glad.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Wisdom for Families (Prv 9:1-6):

Holy Father, we pray for children as they grow and develop their unique gifts and talents. May they be guided by the wisdom of your divine plan, discovering their calling and using their abilities to serve others and build a better world.journey together in faith, finding strength in God’s word and presence.

Almighty God, we ask for the gift of wisdom to be bestowed upon families, especially parents and guardians. Guide them in nurturing their children’s faith, instilling values of compassion, and fostering a sense of belonging within their family and community.

Unity in Families (Eph 5:15-20):

Heavenly Father, we pray for families experiencing conflict or hardship. May they find comfort and guidance in your divine presence, and may their challenges serve as opportunities for growth and deeper connection.

Gracious Lord, we ask for the grace to foster unity, love, and understanding within families. Strengthen the bond between family members, and may their relationships be rooted in mutual respect, communication, and the sharing of faith.

Nourishment for Families (Jn 6:51-58):

Almighty Father, we pray for the intercession of the saints, especially those who have exemplified strong family bonds and devotion. May their example inspire families to remain steadfast in their commitment to love, understanding, and spiritual nourishment, reflecting the eternal life and unity offered by Christ.

Loving God, as families partake in the Bread of Life, grant them a profound appreciation of the gift of eternal life and the call to live in unity with one another. May their communion with Christ inspire them to extend love, support, and nourishment within their homes and to those in need.


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Intercessory Prayers of the Faithful

The resources on this page–including videos and articles–
are here to help you develop your own prayer intentions.

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Intercessory Prayers of the Faithful

Intercessory Prayers of the Faithful

Intercessory Prayers of the Faithful

Intercessory Prayers of the Faithful