PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL – 20th Sunday of Year C

SECOND READING

GOSPEL

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CHURCH WORLD NEEDS COMMUNITY

Governing Authorities and the Salvation of the World

We pray for anguished parents who have seen their children killed or traumatised by injury, starvation and terror in theatres of war, that they will find the strength to support and comfort one another.

For all who speak the truth to power: that they may faithfully witness to the truth without succumbing to pride, self-centeredness, or being judgmental

For greater understanding of God’s creation: that God will guide us in understanding the interrelationships of our environment and help us be good stewards of creation

SOURCE: Sunday Website

The World

20th Sunday of Year C

🙏 WORLDPEACE

CREATIVE FOLKS FOUNDATION (0:42) - Join us in honoring the incredible work of humanitarians worldwide who selflessly dedicate their lives to helping others. Together, we can promote compassion, kindness, and hope for a better tomorrow. Let's stand united to support those in need and inspire change across the globe. (2025)

We pray for the staff and volunteers of humanitarian agencies, that this week’s United Nations observance will encourage them in their compassionate service of victims of violence, poverty and social upheaval (World Humanitarian Day, 19 August).

Lord, come to my aid!
I have waited, waited for the LORD,
and he stooped toward me.
The LORD heard my cry.
He drew me out of the pit of destruction,
out of the mud of the swamp;
he set my feet upon a crag;
he made firm my steps.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

WORLD PEACE

FIRST READING

Prayer for Courage in Peacemaking:

Lord, grant leaders in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Asia the courage of Jeremiah to seek peace, diplomacy, and reconciliation, even in the face of opposition and adversity. We pray to the Lord...

Prayer for Protection of the Vulnerable:

We pray for the innocent people affected by conflict and trade disputes in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Asia, that they may be protected from harm and receive the support they need, just as Ebed-melech aided Jeremiah in his time of need. We pray to the Lord...

SECOND READING

Prayer for Perseverance in Seeking Peace:

Almighty God, grant leaders in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Asia the perseverance to work tirelessly for peace, fixing their eyes on Jesus, as they strive to build a better future for their people. We pray to the Lord...

Prayer for Faithful Leadership:

Holy Spirit, guide leaders in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Asia to prioritize peace, justice, and the common good. May their leadership inspire hope and reconciliation in the face of division and conflict. We pray to the Lord...

GOSPEL

Prayer for Unity Amidst Division:

Father, we pray for the people of the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Asia, that they may be united in their pursuit of peace, transcending divisions and conflicts to build a more just and peaceful world. We pray to the Lord...

Prayer for Discerning God's Will:

Loving God, guide leaders in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Asia to seek your will, setting aside worldly ambitions and focusing on the ultimate goal of unity, peace, and justice for all people. We pray to the Lord...

PRO LIFE PRAYERS

CHURCH WORLD NEEDS COMMUNITY

For Those Facing Adversities

We pray for today’s children, women and men trapped in economic or sexual servitude, that campaigners against modern slavery will succeed in setting them free. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.

For all who are suffering for their discipleship: that God give them strength, console them when they are rejected, and help them to respond with love and forgiveness

For courage: that the Spirit will empower and sustain us even when the fruits of our pursuit of the truth yield division and confusion

For the grace of perseverance: that God will strengthen us in times of conflict and suffering so that we may remain faithful disciples

SOURCE: Sunday Website

Special Needs

20th Sunday of Year C

🙏 NEEDSPRO-LIFEYEAR OF HOPE

CBS NEWS (3:22) - Artificial intelligence has led to more than 10,000 jobs lost in the U.S. so far in 2025, a new report by Challenger, Gray & Christmas shows. CBS News MoneyWatch reporter Megan Cerullo joins with more details. (August 5, 2025)

We pray for workers who face job losses and uncertainty due to the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, that their right to a secure livelihood will be justly upheld. May they perseverance to face their uncertain future, looking to Jesus for strength and guidance. We pray that society recognize their value and upholds their rights.

SOURCE: Australian Catholics

Since we are surrounded
by so great a cloud of witnesses,
let us rid ourselves of every burden
and sin that clings to us
and persevere in running the race
that lies before us
while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus,
the leader and perfecter of faith.

SECOND READING

RESPECT FOR LIFE

FIRST READING

Prayer for Courage to Confront Prejudice:

Lord, grant us the courage of Jeremiah to confront prejudices, especially those against the unborn, standing firm in our defense of life and advocating for the most vulnerable among us, despite opposition and rejection.

Prayer for Compassionate Support:

We pray for those facing unplanned pregnancies, that they may be supported with love, understanding, and resources, as Ebed-melech provided relief to Jeremiah during his time of distress.

SECOND READING

Prayer for Perseverance in Promoting Life:

Almighty God, grant us perseverance to advocate for a culture of life, fixing our eyes on Jesus, as we tirelessly support the inherent value and dignity of every human being. We pray to the Lord...

Prayer for Leaders to Embrace Life:

Holy Spirit, guide our leaders to prioritize life, promoting laws and policies that protect the vulnerable, and acting as faithful witnesses to the Gospel of life. We pray to the Lord...

GOSPEL

Prayer for Strength in Facing Division:

Almighty God, we ask for strength to remain steadfast in promoting a culture of life, even when it causes division, fixing our eyes on Jesus, as we work tirelessly to defend the dignity and value of every human being. We pray to the Lord...

Prayer for Discerning God's Will for Life:

Loving God, guide our leaders and all people to seek your will and embrace a culture of life, focusing on the ultimate goal of unity, peace, and respect for the inherent dignity of every human being. We pray to the Lord...

PRAYERS FOR YEAR OF HOPE

YEAR OF HOPE

FIRST READING

Healing Wounds of Sorrow:

Loving God, during this Year of Hope, we pray for those burdened by sorrow, pain, and hopelessness. May your healing touch soothe their wounds and renew their faith, just as Ebed-melech aided Jeremiah in his distress. We pray to the Lord...

Fostering Resilience in Times of Adversity:

Lord, as we reflect on Jeremiah's courage amidst persecution, grant us resilience to face adversity and division in our pursuit of hope and unity, trusting in your divine plan for our lives. We pray to the Lord...

SECOND READING

Finding Hope in Jesus:

Heavenly Father, during this Year of Hope, may we fix our eyes on Jesus, drawing strength from his example, as we confront societal wounds and strive to create a world that cherishes every human life. We pray to the Lord...

Nurturing Hope Within Families:

Father, in this Year of Hope, we ask for your guidance to foster peace and understanding within families, overcoming division and embracing your will for a world where every person is valued and supported. We pray to the Lord...

GOSPEL

Strength to Confront Injustice:

Lord, grant us the perseverance to confront the injustices that threaten the sanctity of life, remaining steadfast in our mission to defend the vulnerable and promote a culture of hope. We pray to the Lord...

Building Communities of Hope:

Heavenly Father, guide our Church leaders to build communities of hope, where people find solace, love, and purpose, and work together to heal the wounds of society and spread the message of life. We pray to the Lord...

PRAYERS FOR FAMILIES

CHURCH WORLD NEEDS COMMUNITY

The Local Community

We pray for [indigenous peoples], that United Nations Day of Indigenous Peoples (9 August), will encourage them to celebrate their culture with pride. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.

For this community of faith: that the Spirit will raise a sense of urgency within us to share God’s love and mercy with all who have no direction in life

For a renewed inspiration: that as we recall the witness and example of the women and men who have gone before us, we may be inspired to offer witness in our society to the Paschal mystery

For all teachers and administrators as they prepare for the coming school year: that God will give them wisdom, patience and understanding for each of the students with whom they will work this year

For young people who are heading off to college, particularly those going away for the first time: that God will guide them as they adapt to being on their own and help them to make wise decisions and many new friends

SOURCE: Sunday Website

Local Community

20th Sunday of Year C

🙏 COMMUNITYFAMILIESSACRAMENTS

THE COMING HOME NETWORK INTERNATIONAL (4:48) - When Nathaniel Hurd first told his parents he was interested in the Catholic faith, they were angry, disappointed and confused. Their own negative experiences of Catholicism led them to believe that he was making a huge mistake, and the way he went about making the case for his decision only seemed to make things worse. Over time, however, a number of factors, including a softening of Nathaniel's own approach to sharing his faith, has helped to lessen the initial tension caused by his conversion to Catholicism.

For families which are divided or in conflict: that God will help them to hear and understand one another and find ways to support each other on life’s journey

SOURCE: Sunday Website

Do you think that I have come
to establish peace on the earth?
No, I tell you, but rather division.
From now on a household of five will be divided,
three against two and two against three;roy.

GOSPEL

FAMILIES

FIRST READING

Strength in Adversity

Loving God, grant the families and children facing difficulties the courage of Jeremiah, so that they may find solace and hope in your Divine Providence. We pray to the Lord...

Unity in Compassion

Father, inspire our families and communities to be beacons of compassion like Ebed-melech, helping those in need and fostering peace and unity in times of hardship. We pray to the Lord...

SECOND READING

Discipline and Growth

Lord, guide parents in nurturing their children’s faith, as we fix our eyes on Jesus and persevere in discipline that leads to growth and holiness. We pray to the Lord...

Family Perseverance

Gracious Father, grant families the perseverance to overcome obstacles together, building stronger bonds of love and support as they journey towards your Kingdom. We pray to the Lord...

GOSPEL

Divine Harmony

Heavenly Father, inspire our families to embody the love and unity of Christ, transcending division and fostering harmony rooted in your divine wisdom. We pray to the Lord...

Familial Reconciliation

Lord, guide our families to seek reconciliation amidst conflict and misunderstanding, sowing seeds of forgiveness, and finding strength in the teachings of your Son, Jesus Christ. We pray to the Lord...

SACRAMENTS

SACRAMENTS

FIRST READING

Hope in the Anointing of the Sick

Lord, as Jeremiah found comfort in Ebed-melech's aid, may the community find solace in the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. Strengthen our faith, and deepen our understanding of your healing presence in times of distress. We pray to the Lord...

Strength in the Eucharist

Father, grant our community the courage to face challenges, drawing strength from the Sacrament of the Eucharist. Deepen our appreciation for this source of unity and hope, just as Jeremiah relied on your providence. We pray to the Lord...

SECOND READING

Perseverance through Reconciliation

Lord, guide us in our pursuit of holiness, embracing the Sacrament of Reconciliation as we fix our eyes on Jesus. Strengthen our resolve to seek forgiveness and grow in faith, as a community united in your love. We pray to the Lord...

Unity in Baptism

Gracious Father, inspire our community to embody the love and unity of Christ, rooted in the Sacrament of Baptism. Deepen our understanding of its significance and grant us the grace to transcend division. We pray to the Lord...

GOSPEL