21st Sunday of Year B

August 25, 2024

Petitions

Prayers of
the Faithful

For the Church: that we will find nourishment and sustenance in Christ, the Bread of Life, for our daily journey and the fulfillment for all the hungers and yearnings of our hearts

For the ability to imitate Christ: that we may put on the mind and heart of Christ and be empowered to show compassion and forgiveness to others

SOURCE: Sunday Website

RELATED

Pope’s Prayer
Intentions

CHURCH   PRIESTS   MISSION & EVANGELIZATION
YouTube player
ARCHDIOCESE OF SINGAPORE (5:44) – Archdiocese just released the theme song for Pope Francis’ visit in September 2024.

As a result of this, many of his disciples
returned to their former way of life
and no longer accompanied him.
Jesus then said to the Twelve,
“Do you also want to leave?”
Simon Peter answered him,
“Master, to whom shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life.
We have come to believe

GOSPEL

Jos 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b

For our priests: May they, like Joshua, serve the Lord in sincerity and faithfulness, leading their flocks to choose and commit themselves to God. We pray to the Lord.

Eph 5:21-32

For all priests preparing couples for marriage: May they help couples find inspiration in the example of Christ, building strong foundations of love, respect, and selflessness in their unions. We pray to the Lord.

Jn 6:60-69

For our priests: May they, through their example, inspire the faithful to believe in Christ, guiding them to the living bread that comes down from heaven. We pray to the Lord.


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Jos 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b

For the Church’s missionaries: may they, like Joshua, boldly proclaim the truth of the Gospel to all nations, leading others to serve God faithfully. We pray to the Lord.

For those struggling with doubt or hesitation in their faith: may they find the courage to commit themselves to God and reject the false idols of our time. We pray to the Lord.

For all Catholics: may we embody the spirit of the Israelites at Shechem, faithfully serving God and encouraging one another in our walk with Christ. We pray to the Lord.

Eph 5:21-32

For married couples: may their love and self-sacrifice mirror the relationship between Christ and the Church, serving as a powerful witness to the world of God’s divine plan for marriage. We pray to the Lord.

For those discerning marriage or consecrated life: may they open their hearts to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, embracing the vocation that will best serve God and His Church. We pray to the Lord.

For all families: may they find strength in the example of Christ’s love, fostering unity, understanding, and mutual respect amidst the challenges of contemporary society. We pray to the Lord.

Jn 6:60-69

For the Church’s leaders: may they, like Peter, remain steadfast in their faith and commitment to Christ, leading the faithful in faithfulness and truth. We pray to the Lord.

For those experiencing difficulties in their spiritual journey: may they find comfort and strength in the Eucharist, recognizing Jesus as the source of eternal life and hope. We pray to the Lord.

For the Church as a whole: may we remain united in Christ, drawing strength from His Word and the Eucharist to overcome the challenges and divisions of our time. We pray to the Lord.


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Prayers of the Faithful

August 25, 2024

Prayers of
the Faithful

For an end to nuclear proliferation: that God will show us the true destructive power of nuclear weapons and inspire us to protect the earth for future generations

For healing of racism: that the Holy Spirit will open us to the prejudice and discrimination that exists within us and in the society around us so that we may promote greater justice and understanding

SOURCE: Sunday Website

WORLDENVIRONMENTJUSTICE

Fostering cooperation at World Water Week’s Opening Ceremony

SOURCE: Australian Catholics

Joshua gathered together
all the tribes of Israel at Shechem,
summoning their elders, their leaders,
their judges, and their officers.
When they stood in ranks before God,
Joshua addressed all the people:
“If it does not please you to serve the LORD,
decide today whom you will serve,

FIRST READING

Jos 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b

For world leaders and policymakers: May they be guided by the Lord to make decisions that protect and preserve our planet’s water resources, ensuring their sustainability for future generations. We pray to the Lord.

For those in agriculture and industry: May they heed Joshua’s call to serve the Lord and reject harmful practices that pollute our waters, choosing instead to promote responsible stewardship of these precious resources. We pray to the Lord.

Eph 5:21-32

For communities worldwide: May they emulate the selflessness and reverence exemplified in Christ’s love for the Church, working together to safeguard water resources and ensure the well-being of all. We pray to the Lord.

Jn 6:60-69

For the Church and her leaders: May they, like Christ, be a source of living water for the world, guiding us to cherish, protect, and share our water resources in solidarity and compassion. We pray to the Lord.

For those facing water scarcity and pollution: May they find solace in Christ’s words of eternal life, and may their experiences inspire us to seek solutions that protect and preserve the gift of water. We pray to the Lord.


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Jos 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b

For our cities and communities: May we, like the Israelites, choose to serve the Lord and embrace a culture of peace, rejecting violence, and promoting justice for all people. We pray to the Lord.

For lawmakers and those in positions of authority: May they heed Joshua’s call to choose whom they will serve, courageously working to enact laws and policies that curb violence and ensure the safety of all citizens. We pray to the Lord.

Jos 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b

For families and communities affected by violence: May the love of Christ and the unity of the Church bring comfort and healing to those who have been harmed, inspiring us to foster peace and understanding in our relationships. We pray to the Lord.

For our parish communities: May we emulate the selflessness and reverence exemplified in Christ’s love for the Church, promoting justice, and working together to build peaceful and harmonious societies. We pray to the Lord.

Jn 6:60-69

For those experiencing doubt and hopelessness amid violence and injustice: May they find solace in Christ’s words of eternal life, inspiring them to seek and promote peace and understanding in their communities. We pray to the Lord.

For all who work for justice and peace: May they be strengthened by the example of Christ, serving as instruments of God’s love and compassion, and fostering hope for a more peaceful world. We pray to the Lord.


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Prayers of the Faithful

August 25, 2024

Prayers of
the Faithful

For all who have been wounded by the anger and malice of others: that God will heal their hearts, renew their spirits, and free them to live life fully

For a new vision of our life journey: that we may be open to the vision God holds for us and that we may be free to rely upon God as we encounter trials, struggles, and doubts

SOURCE: Sunday Website

We pray for all who are preparing to take part in the Paralympics in Paris, that they will inspire the world with their skills, courage and fellowship. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.

SOURCE: Australian Catholics

NEEDSPRO-LIFEADDICTION & RECOVERYLIFE CHALLENGES
YouTube player
THE POPE VIDEO (1:41 – Even though “politics doesn’t have a very good reputation” today, Pope Francis invites us to see politics as “one of the highest forms of charity,” in search of the common good.

When the just cry out,
the LORD hears them,
and from all their distress
he rescues them.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted;
and those who are crushed
in spirit he saves.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Jos 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b

For our society: May we, like the Israelites, choose to serve the Lord and defend the sanctity of life, rejecting the practice of abortion, and upholding the dignity of every human being. We pray to the Lord.

For lawmakers and those in positions of authority: May they heed Joshua’s call to choose whom they will serve, courageously working to enact laws and policies that protect the unborn and support mothers in need. We pray to the Lord.

Eph 5:21-32

For families facing challenging pregnancies: May the love of Christ and the unity of the Church inspire them to choose life, providing the support and resources needed to nurture and protect the gift of new life. We pray to the Lord.

For our parish communities: May we emulate the selflessness and reverence exemplified in Christ’s love for the Church, promoting a culture of life, and embracing the sacredness of every human being, from conception to natural death. We pray to the Lord.

Jn 6:60-69

For those experiencing doubt and uncertainty in the face of unplanned pregnancy: May they find solace in Christ’s words of eternal life, choosing life-affirming options, and cherishing the gift of new life. We pray to the Lord.

For all who work to defend and protect the unborn: May they be strengthened by the example of Christ, serving as instruments of God’s love and compassion, and fostering hope for a world that respects and values every human life. We pray to the Lord.


GO BACK

Jos 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b

For those struggling with addiction: May they, like the Israelites, choose to serve the Lord and reject the false idols of substance abuse, embracing a life of sobriety and spiritual growth. We pray to the Lord.

For communities affected by addiction: May they heed Joshua’s call to serve the Lord, promoting education and resources that support recovery, and fostering a culture of compassion and understanding. We pray to the Lord.

Eph 5:21-32

For families and loved ones of those facing addiction: May the love of Christ and the unity of the Church bring comfort and healing, guiding them to provide support and encouragement on the journey to recovery. We pray to the Lord.

For our parish communities: May we emulate the selflessness and reverence exemplified in Christ’s love for the Church, reaching out to those impacted by addiction and offering hope and assistance in their time of need. We pray to the Lord.

Jn 6:60-69

For those seeking recovery and healing from addiction: May they find solace in Christ’s words of eternal life, drawing strength from their faith, and persevering on their path to sobriety. We pray to the Lord.

For all who work in addiction treatment and recovery: May they be strengthened by the example of Christ, serving as instruments of God’s love and compassion, and helping others to find hope and freedom from the bonds of addiction. We pray to the Lord.

Jos 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b

Gracious God, guide us in choosing to serve You faithfully amidst the temptations of a materialistic and secular world, reminding us of the enduring love and protection You offer.

Loving Father, grant us the courage to reject the false gods of power, prestige, and possessions that pervade contemporary culture, and help us embrace a life grounded in faith and service to You.

Almighty God, may our devotion to You be unwavering, standing as a testament to Your love and mercy in the face of a society that often rejects Your divine truth.

Eph 5:21-32

Holy Spirit, inspire us to foster healthy and holy relationships rooted in mutual love and respect, standing as examples of Christ-centered love in a world that often misunderstands and distorts the sacrament of marriage.

Merciful God, help us to cultivate a spirit of humility, understanding, and self-sacrificing love in our families and communities, rejecting the self-centered and divisive tendencies of our time.

Heavenly Father, grant us the wisdom to embrace the profound mystery of marriage as a reflection of Christ’s love for the Church, promoting the sanctity of matrimony in the face of contemporary challenges.

Jn 6:60-69

Lord Jesus, inspire us to remain steadfast in our faith, accepting the difficult truths of Your teachings as we navigate the complexities and temptations of modern society.

Loving Savior, guide us to Your Eucharistic presence as our source of strength, solace, and unity amidst the divisions and uncertainties of our time.

Eternal Word, may our commitment to You be unwavering, trusting in Your divine presence and the eternal life You offer, even when faced with adversity or rejection from the world.

Prayers of the Faithful

August 25, 2024

Prayers of
the Faithful

For strength to fulfill our responsibilities: that renewed by Word of God, we may lay down our lives in sacrificial love to those to whom we are committed and for those who have been entrusted to our care

SOURCE: Sunday Website

We pray for husbands and wives, that the grace of marriage will sustain them on the path of love, in good times and in bad, all the days of their lives. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.

SOURCE: Australian Catholics

LOCALFAMILIES
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EWTN (25:20)

SOURCE: Australian Catholics

Husbands, love your wives,
even as Christ loved the church
and handed himself over
for her to sanctify her,

SECOND READING

Jos 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b

For families: May they, like the Israelites, choose to serve the Lord and foster a loving and nurturing environment, where children can grow in faith and love for God. We pray to the Lord.

For children: May they be guided by the Lord to make wise choices and follow His commandments, growing in wisdom and understanding as they journey through life. We pray to the Lord.

Eph 5:21-32

For married couples: May they mirror Christ’s love for the Church by creating a harmonious and loving home, where children can thrive and grow in faith and virtue. We pray to the Lord.

For children in families: May they experience the selflessness and reverence exemplified in Christ’s love for the Church, growing in respect, love, and unity with their family members. We pray to the Lord.

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

For children facing doubt or confusion: May they find solace in Christ’s words of eternal life, deepening their faith and understanding of His teachings. We pray to the Lord.

For parents and guardians: May they be strengthened by the example of Christ, guiding and nurturing the children in their care, and helping them to grow in their relationship with God. We pray to the Lord.


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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.

SUNDAY WEBSITE | AUSTRALIAN CATHOLICS | UN OBSERVANCES

Intercessory Prayers of the Faithful

Intercessory Prayers of the Faithful

Intercessory Prayers of the Faithful

Intercessory Prayers of the Faithful