PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL – 26th Sunday of Year C

A Heart for the Afflicted

We pray for Pope Leo XIV, that he may not be among those who are "at ease in Zion," but may feel the affliction of the poor and be moved to call the wealthy and powerful in the Church to account for their lavishness and indifference, so that the faith of the whole Church may not be "carried into exile." We pray to the Lord...

To Denounce Self-Indulgence

We pray for our Bishops, that they may have the prophetic courage to condemn the "stretching out upon couches of ivory" and the self-indulgent living of those within the Church who "sing idle songs" and drink excessive wine, so that their leadership may call all the faithful to true Christian simplicity and justice. We pray to the Lord...

True Mourning for the Broken

We pray for all Priests and Deacons, that they may not "neglect the ruin of Joseph," but rather spend their energy in sorrow and active care for the spiritually and materially poor, letting the pain of the broken world disrupt their comfort and stir them to genuine ministry. We pray to the Lord...

SECOND READING

Fighting the Good Fight of Faith

We pray for our Bishops, that they may constantly "pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness," fighting the "good fight of faith" as an example to the flock, that they may lay hold of eternal life to which they were called by God. We pray to the Lord...

A Command Without Reproach

We pray for Pope Leo XIV, that he may "keep the commandment without spot or blame" until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, witnessing a good confession to the world as Christ did before Pontius Pilate, that his ministry may be a pure revelation of God's timing. We pray to the Lord...

Pursuing True Piety

We pray for all Priests and Deacons, that they may turn away from the empty and corrupting desires of the world, choosing instead to "flee these things" and pursue an authentic, powerful godliness and love in their service to the people of God. We pray to the Lord...

GOSPEL

Caring for the Suffering at the Gates

We pray for all Priests and Deacons, that they may never become like the rich man "clothed in purple and fine linen," but may always see the "poor man named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate," and respond with profound compassion and aid to the needy in their parishes. We pray to the Lord...

Heeding the Voice of Scripture

We pray for Pope Leo XIV, that he may always heed the sacred message of the prophets, knowing that we have "Moses and the Prophets" to listen to, and may never rely on dramatic signs or messengers from the dead to move the Church to conversion. We pray to the Lord...

To Warn Against Hardness of Heart

We pray for our Bishops, that they may preach with clarity and force, warning the faithful that if they "do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead," so that all may choose the path of conversion now. We pray to the Lord...

CHURCH WORLD NEEDS COMMUNITY

Governing Authorities and the Salvation of the World

We pray for nations, companies and individuals who have amassed great wealth, that they will hear and respond to the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth.

SOURCE: Australian Catholics

For peace: that God will touch hearts and open minds so that leaders may advance through the gates of peace and end the abyss of bloodshed, terrorism, and destruction that divides the human family

For all who are suffering from climate change, particularly the people of island nations and the Artic regions: that God will guide us in finding ways to stabilize the environment and protect those who are at risk

SOURCE: Sunday Website

The World

26th Sunday of Year C

🙏 WORLDINFOGRAPHICPOLITICSPEACE

MINUTE FACTS (4:38) - From the soaring wealth of Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk to the heartbreaking realities faced by the poorest communities, the video explores how the world is split in two. Learn about the mechanisms that allow the wealthy to get richer and how the poorest are trapped in a cycle of poverty.

For a closing of the abyss between rich and poor in our cities, nation, and the world: that we may use our time, talent, and treasure to develop new opportunities for the poor and marginalized around us

SOURCE: Sunday Website

"Woe to the complacent in Zion!
Lying upon beds of ivory,
stretched comfortably on their couches,
they eat lambs taken from the flock,
and calves from the stall! mammon."

FIRST READING

Infographic created with Google AI Gemini 2.5 Pro tools (e.g. Chart.js and Tailwind CSS). Feel free to use it in any non-profit ministry. Please include the website link (https://thewordthisweek.net).

POLITICS

FIRST READING

For Political Leaders to Grieve for the Nation's Ruin

We pray for all political leaders, that they may not be among those who are "at ease in Zion" and "do not grieve over the ruin" of our polarized society, but may be moved to action by the suffering of the poor and divided. We pray to the Lord...

For a Turn from Self-Indulgence

We pray for our political parties, that they may cease their "idle songs" of partisan triumph and the comfort of their lavish lifestyles, and instead focus their energies on the urgent work of service and selfless unity for the common good. We pray to the Lord...

SECOND READING

For a Pursuit of Righteousness

We pray for those in public office, that they may "flee" from the greed and division that plague our politics and "pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, and love," being guided by these virtues to mend our broken political discourse. We pray to the Lord...

For a Steadfast and Gentle Fight

We pray for politicians to "fight the good fight of faith," that in their debates they may act with the "steadfastness and gentleness" called for in Scripture, ensuring their actions are always a testament to their sincere commitment to the common good. We pray to the Lord...

GOSPEL

For Empathy for the Marginalized

We pray for our political leaders, that they may never be like the rich man who ignored Lazarus at his gate, but may always see the poor and marginalized, working to ensure the "crumbs" of prosperity reach all who are in need. We pray to the Lord...

To Listen to Wisdom Over Partisan Pride

We pray for all political parties, that they may listen to "Moses and the Prophets" and the timeless wisdom of our moral traditions, and not be so convinced in their own ways that they are unable to cooperate, even if a miracle were to occur. We pray to the Lord...

World Peace

WORLD PEACE

FIRST READING

For Leaders to Grieve for War

We pray for the leaders and citizens of nations involved in conflicts in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, that they may cease their comfort and not be among those "at ease in Zion." May their hearts be moved to "grieve over the ruin" of their nations and people, seeking peace above all. We pray to the Lord...

For a Turning from Economic Indifference

We pray for leaders in the international trade war with China, that they may not "lie upon beds of ivory" and "sing idle songs" of economic self-interest, but may feel the affliction of the poor and a shared responsibility for global prosperity. We pray to the Lord...

SECOND READING

For Steadfastness and Gentleness in Peace Talks

We pray for all who are negotiating for peace in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, that they may "fight the good fight of faith" with courage, pursuing "steadfastness and gentleness" in their dialogue, and keeping their commitments to a just peace without blame. We pray to the Lord...

For Righteousness in International Trade

We pray for world leaders and business figures involved in the trade disputes with China, that they may "flee these things" and "pursue righteousness" in their negotiations. May their actions be a good confession of love and fairness, leading to a just global market. We pray to the Lord...

GOSPEL

For a Vision for All Suffering Peoples

We pray for the governments of the world, that they may not act like the rich man who failed to see Lazarus. May they open their eyes and hearts to the suffering of refugees and displaced people, and use their resources to tend to their urgent needs. We pray to the Lord...

To Listen to the Call for Justice

We pray for all nations engaged in economic conflict, that they may listen to the moral and ethical wisdom of "Moses and the Prophets" rather than expecting a sign. May they be convinced to act for justice and the good of humanity, and avoid the judgment that comes from a hardened heart. We pray to the Lord...

PRO LIFE PRAYERS

CHURCH WORLD NEEDS COMMUNITY

For Those Facing Adversities

For healing in our cities and neighborhoods: that Spirit of God will free us from the shackles of racism and guide us in finding new ways to promote the common good

For listening hearts: that we may hear the cry of the prophets and the message of the Gospel so that we may understand people and situations as God does

For all who are chained by their possessions: that God will free their hearts and open them to value life, relationships, and service

For safety and courtesy on roadways: that God will help all drivers to be attentive on the roads and have patience with those who make mistakes

SOURCE: Sunday Website

Special Needs

26th Sunday of Year C

🙏 NEEDSINFOGRAPHICPRO-LIFEYEAR OF HOPE

SEEKER STORIES (3:43) - Many children in this wealthy city work all day in large garbage dumps, scavenging for recyclables to support their families. This weekly storytelling series uses the imagery of photographers and adventurers around the world to give us a deeper connection to and understanding of the human condition. (July 26, 2015)

For all who live in complete poverty, particularly orphaned children, those who live on garbage piles, and for those recovering from natural disasters: that God will open new possibilities for them and open our eyes to see the needs that exist

SOURCE: Sunday Website

"Lying at [the rich man's] door was a poor man
named Lazarus, covered with sores,
who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps
that fell from the rich man's table.
Dogs even used to come and lick his sores.

GOSPEL

Infographic created with Google AI Gemini 2.5 Pro tools (e.g. Chart.js and Tailwind CSS). Feel free to use it in any non-profit ministry. Please include the website link (https://thewordthisweek.net).

PRIESTS FOR LIFE (3:51)

RESPECT FOR LIFE

FIRST READING

Prayer for an End to Complacency

We pray for a society that is not at ease in Zion, but which feels the affliction of the unborn and the dying. May we be moved from our couches of ivory and comfort to grieve over the ruin caused by a culture of death. We pray to the Lord...

Prayer for Respect for the Poor

We pray for our hearts to be set aright, that we may cease from our idle songs and lavish living, and instead be moved to care for the least among us, valuing the poor and the marginalized as our brothers and sisters. We pray to the Lord...

SECOND READING

Prayer for Integrity in Advocacy

We pray for all pro-life advocates, that they may flee from worldly vanities and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and gentleness in their witness, fighting the good fight of faith to protect all human life from its very beginning. We pray to the Lord...

Prayer for Consistent Dignity

We pray for a universal respect for the dignity of every individual. May we, by the grace of God, keep the commandment to protect life without spot or blame, and may the beauty of the human person be revealed to all. We pray to the Lord...

GOSPEL

Prayer for the Unborn and Abandoned

We pray for all who are suffering, that we may never be like the rich man who failed to see the sores of Lazarus at his gate. May our hearts be opened to the dignity of the unborn and the abandoned. We pray to the Lord...

Prayer for Moral Conviction

We pray for all people to turn from the culture of death, knowing that if we do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, we will not be convinced by any dramatic sign, so that all may choose the path of life. We pray to the Lord...

PRAYERS FOR YEAR OF HOPE

AP PRAYERS (1:40) - Father in heaven, may the faith you have given us in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother, and the flame of charity enkindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit...

YEAR OF HOPE

FIRST READING

For a Heart that Grieves for the Hopeless

We pray for the Church and for all people of good will, that we may not be among those who are at ease while so many are lost in despair. May we grieve for the ruin of broken spirits and hearts, and be moved to build a true culture of hope. We pray to the Lord...

For an End to Spiritual Indifference

We pray for all who are suffering in silence, that the lavishness of our society may not make us blind to their pain. May we turn from the idle songs of fleeting pleasures and instead actively listen to and comfort those who are burdened by sorrow. We pray to the Lord...

SECOND READING

For the Fight for Inner Peace

We pray for all who feel lost and overwhelmed, that they may find the strength to "flee these things" that cause them despair and pursue a true "steadfastness" of spirit. May they find in God the hope that gives them the courage to continue their "good fight of faith." We pray to the Lord...

For Steadfastness in Suffering

We pray for a universal renewal of faith. May all people, especially those who carry heavy wounds, pursue the virtues of righteousness and gentleness, so that their lives may be a radiant witness to the hope that never fades, a hope that endures beyond all pain. We pray to the Lord...

GOSPEL

Petitions for the Prayers of the Faithful: The Year of Hope

Petitions based on Amos 6:1a, 4-7

For a Heart that Grieves for the Hopeless We pray for the Church and for all people of good will, that we may not be among those who are at ease while so many are lost in despair. May we grieve for the ruin of broken spirits and hearts, and be moved to build a true culture of hope. We pray to the Lord...

For an End to Spiritual Indifference We pray for all who are suffering in silence, that the lavishness of our society may not make us blind to their pain. May we turn from the idle songs of fleeting pleasures and instead actively listen to and comfort those who are burdened by sorrow. We pray to the Lord...

Petitions based on 1 Timothy 6:11-16

For the Fight for Inner Peace We pray for all who feel lost and overwhelmed, that they may find the strength to "flee these things" that cause them despair and pursue a true "steadfastness" of spirit. May they find in God the hope that gives them the courage to continue their "good fight of faith." We pray to the Lord...

For Steadfastness in Suffering We pray for a universal renewal of faith. May all people, especially those who carry heavy wounds, pursue the virtues of righteousness and gentleness, so that their lives may be a radiant witness to the hope that never fades, a hope that endures beyond all pain. We pray to the Lord...

Petitions based on Luke 16:19-31

For Those Who Feel Ignored

We pray for those who feel like Lazarus at the gate—sick, rejected, and unseen. May their cries be heard and their wounds be healed. May they find in our compassion a glimpse of the great hope that waits for all who have suffered in this life. We pray to the Lord...

For Those Who Struggle to Believe

We pray for all who have lost hope and question God’s presence. May we, who have heard the message of the prophets and the Gospel, be living signs of God’s hope for them, demonstrating that even a journey through the valley of despair can have a joyful end. We pray to the Lord...

PRAYERS FOR FAMILIES

CHURCH WORLD NEEDS COMMUNITY

The Local Community

We pray for catechists, that in this Jubilee Year of Hope they will be renewed in their mission of handing on the living faith of the church.

SOURCE: Australian Catholics

For deeper gratitude: that we may appreciate all the gifts, opportunities and benefits that we have been given and recognize them as signs of God’s love for us

For a deepening ability to hear the voice of God: that our minds and hearts may recognize the Word of God spoken to us in the Scriptures, through our relationships, and in the events of our lives

SOURCE: Sunday Website

Local Community

26th Sunday of Year C

🙏 COMMUNITYINFOGRAPHICFAMILIESSACRAMENTS

FEAST DAY SEPTEMBER 29 (4:57) - Six prayers

We pray for our parish community, that this week’s feasts of the archangels (29 Sept), St Thérèse of Lisieux (1 Oct) and St Francis of Assisi (4 Oct) will be joyful occasions of devotion and praise.

Pursue righteousness, devotion,
faith, love, patience, and gentleness.
Compete well for the faith.
Lay hold of eternal life, to which you were called

SECOND READING

Infographic created with Google AI Gemini 2.5 Pro tools (e.g. Chart.js and Tailwind CSS). Feel free to use it in any non-profit ministry. Please include the website link (https://thewordthisweek.net).

FAMILIES

FIRST READING

Prayer for Vigilance: Against Apathy

We pray for all parents, that they may not be "at ease" in their own comfort or distracted by "singing idle songs," but remain vigilant against anything that would harm their children’s faith. May they actively prevent the "ruin" of their family life. We pray to the Lord...

Prayer for Simplicity: Over Materialism

We pray for families across the world, that they may resist the temptation to "stretch out upon couches of ivory" and live lavishly. May they choose simplicity and service over self-indulgence, focusing on the spiritual health of their children. We pray to the Lord...

SECOND READING

Prayer for Parents: Pursuing Virtues

We pray for parents, the first teachers of the faith, that they may "flee these things" that divide and harm, and "pursue righteousness, love, and gentleness." May they model the good fight of faith for their children. We pray to the Lord...

Prayer for Youth: Fighting the Good Fight

We pray for all children and young people, that they may be given the grace to "fight the good fight of faith" against temptation and sin. May they keep their innocence "without spot or blame," fulfilling their call to eternal life in Christ. We pray to the Lord...

GOSPEL

Prayer for the Vulnerable: Families in Need

We pray for families weighed down by poverty, who are like Lazarus at the gate of society, hungry and full of sorrow. May we not be like the rich man, but see their suffering and share our abundance and compassion with them. We pray to the Lord...

Prayer for Guidance: Listening to Wisdom

We pray for all families, that they may not require a sign from the dead to turn from self-centeredness, but may listen to "Moses and the Prophets" and the wisdom of the Church, building their homes on true moral law and love. We pray to the Lord...

SACRAMENTS

SACRAMENTS

FIRST READING

Prayer for Communion: A Call to Service

We pray that our reception of the Eucharist, the source of our community, may stir us from our self-satisfied comfort and "beds of ivory." May it compel us to actively grieve over and heal the "ruin" we see in our world, especially among the poor. We pray to the Lord...

Prayer for Forgiveness: Turning from Idleness

We pray for a profound communal understanding of the Sacrament of Penance. May it help us to turn from the "idle songs" of empty living and repent of our spiritual apathy, so that through genuine confession we can be reconciled and moved to action for the sake of others. We pray to the Lord...

SECOND READING

Prayer for Courage: The Good Fight

We pray for all who have been or are preparing to be confirmed. May they, through this sacrament, receive the grace to "pursue righteousness" with courage and to "fight the good fight of faith" with steadfastness, making a powerful witness to the truth of the Gospel. We pray to the Lord...

Prayer for New Life: Without Spot or Blame

We pray that all the baptized may deeply appreciate the gift of new life in Christ. May this sacrament inspire us to keep the great commandment "without spot or blame," and to "flee" from all that contradicts our sacred identity as children of God. We pray to the Lord...

GOSPEL