Prayers of the Faithful, General Intercessions, Petitions
Prayers of the Faithful, General Intercessions, Petitions
Prayers of the Faithful, General Intercessions, Petitions
January 18, 2026
January 18, 2026
2nd Sunday of Year A
The Church
We pray for all Christian churches, that together they will bear joyful witness to Jesus, Son of God and Servant of all. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
SOURCE: Australian Catholics
For the Church: that we may be a light to the nations and an instrument of God’s saving message to all who are seeking direction and a deeper meaning for their life
For Christian unity: that God will remove the walls of misunderstanding, help us co-operate in serving those in need, and bring us to a greater appreciation of the gifts of the Spirit at work in one another’s communities
SOURCE: Sunday Website
The Church
2nd Sunday of Year A
AGNUS DEI (1:27) – Experience the peaceful beauty of “Agnus Dei” (Lamb of God), a traditional Catholic hymn sung in Latin.
Lord, as the Catholic Church prays the Agnus Dei during Mass, may the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, continually cleanse us of our sins and grant us eternal peace.
John the Baptist saw Jesus
coming toward him and said,
“Behold, the Lamb of God,
who takes away the sin of the world.
FIRST READING
Infographics on the WORD THIS WEEK website are created using Nano Banana Pro with Gemini 3.0. They may be copied for personal use or for use in any non-profit ministry. Please show your support by promoting the website.
PEOPLE OF GOD
FIRST READING
Prayer for the Papacy: Servant of the Lord
For our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, that he may find his strength in the Lord who formed him in the womb to be his servant. May he successfully gather the faithful and display God’s glory, ensuring that the light of the Church shines brightly before all nations. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Bishops: Light to the Nations
For all bishops, that they may embrace their mandate to be a light to the nations. May they not be satisfied with small tasks but strive tirelessly so that God’s salvation may reach the very ends of the earth, bringing hope to those who dwell in darkness. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Clergy: Formed for Service
For priests and deacons, that they may recall they were formed by the Lord to serve his people. May they feel honored in the sight of God, knowing that even when they feel they labor in vain, their reward is with the Lord and their strength is in him. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Consecrated Life: Glorious Witness
For those in religious and consecrated life, that through their vows they may be a visible sign of God’s glory. May they realize they are honored in the Lord’s sight, acting as a covenant to the people and a restoring force for those who have lost their way. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for the Laity: Workplace Witness
For the lay faithful working in the secular world, that they may be a light to the nations in their offices and factories. May they bring salvation and truth to their colleagues, demonstrating that they are servants of God who carry his presence to the ends of their communities. We pray to the Lord…
SECOND READING
Prayer for the Papacy: Apostolic Will
For Pope Leo XIV, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God. May he lead the universal Church with the wisdom of Paul, reminding us that we are all sanctified in Christ and united in a single holy calling across the world. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Bishops: Sanctifying Leaders
For our bishops, overseers of the church of God in their dioceses, that they may promote true holiness. May they be instruments of grace and peace from God our Father, ensuring that the faithful are sanctified in Christ Jesus and grounded in the truth of the Gospel. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Clergy: Ministers of Grace
For priests and deacons, that they may minister with the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus Christ. As they serve those called to be holy, may they build up the community of believers who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every parish and place. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Consecrated Life: Holy Calling
For men and women in religious life, that they may live out their vocation as those deeply sanctified in Christ Jesus. May their distinct witness of poverty, chastity, and obedience remind the wider church of God that we are all called to be holy and set apart for his service. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for the Laity: Universal Call
For laypeople in every profession, that they may call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place of work. May they experience the grace and peace of God amidst their daily tasks, understanding that their labor is a way to live out their calling to holiness. We pray to the Lord…
GOSPEL
Prayer for the Papacy: Testifying to Truth
For Pope Leo XIV, that like John the Baptist, he may clearly testify that Jesus is the Son of God. May the Spirit remain upon him, empowering him to point the world to the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Bishops: Revealing the Lamb
For all bishops, that they may have the vision to say, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” May they lead their flocks to recognize the One who ranks ahead of all, helping the faithful to see where the Spirit comes down and remains in the life of the Church. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Clergy: Baptized in Spirit
For priests and deacons, that they may be renewed by the One who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. May they humbly acknowledge that Christ ranks ahead of them, and serve with such transparency that their ministry always points away from themselves and toward the Lamb. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Consecrated Life: Resting Place of the Spirit
For religious sisters and brothers, that the Holy Spirit may come down like a dove and remain upon them. May their lives be a constant testimony to the world that they have seen the Lord, offering themselves as a living sacrifice to the One who takes away sin. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for the Laity: Making Christ Known
For the laity in the workplace, that they may understand the reason they were baptized was that Christ might be made known to Israel and the world. May they point out the Lamb of God to their coworkers through their integrity, forgiveness, and charity. We pray to the Lord…
Governing Authorities and the Salvation of the World
We pray for the world in all its present turmoil, that warring leaders will renounce aggression, hate, vengeance and personal ambition and choose to campaign for the good of all. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
SOURCE: Australian Catholics
For the president, members of Congress, and Supreme Court justices: that God will give them wisdom and courage as they address the issues before them so that the common good may be advanced
For all Christians who face persecution: that God will stir up the Spirit within them, ease their suffering, and help them to bear faithful witness to the Gospel
For peace: that God will open dialogue between nations and groups that are in conflict and guide all to new ways to resolve disputes in non-violent ways
SOURCE: Sunday Website
The World
2nd Sunday of Year A
GEMS EDUCATION (1:09) – INTERNATIONAL DAY OF EDUCATION is Friday, January 24. The greatest gift of all is a first-class education, and we embrace this special day – declared by the United Nations – celebrating the role of education in our society as a major contributor to mutual understanding, global peace, and sustainable development.
For this Friday’s U.N. International Day of Education (January 24), we pray for the advancement of learning and knowledge worldwide. Bless educators, students, and all those striving for quality education. May education empower individuals, foster global understanding, and contribute to a brighter future for all.
Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.
I have waited, waited for the LORD,
and he stooped toward me and heard my cry.
And he put a new song into my mouth,
a hymn to our God.
RESPONSORIAL
Infographics on the WORD THIS WEEK website are created using Nano Banana Pro with Gemini 3.0. They may be copied for personal use or for use in any non-profit ministry. Please show your support by promoting the website.
POLITICS
FIRST READING
Prayer for Leadership: A Light to Nations
For our political leaders, that they may realize they are called to be servants first, formed to bring unity rather than division. May they strive to be a true light to the nations, ensuring that justice and salvation reach the ends of the earth through constructive dialogue and mutual respect. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Civility: Honored Service
For all who engage in public discourse, that they may seek to be honored in the sight of the Lord by their conduct. May they find their strength in God to restore broken relationships, recognizing that opposing parties can work together to manifest God’s glory for the common good. We pray to the Lord…
SECOND READING
Prayer for Unity: Sanctified Discourse
For members of all political parties, that they may remember they are sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy in their interactions. May they extend grace and peace to one another, recognizing that they are united with all who call upon the name of the Lord in every place. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Cooperation: Common Calling
For a spirit of collaboration in our government, that politicians may see beyond their differences. Just as Paul was called by the will of God, may they recognize that their opponents are also children of the church of God, deserving of empathy, open-mindedness, and the shared pursuit of peace. We pray to the Lord…
GOSPEL
Prayer for Humility: Removing Division
For the healing of our political culture, that we may look to the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. May he take away the sins of polarization and hatred from our hearts, allowing us to testify to the truth with charity and respect for the dignity of others. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Understanding: Spirit of Peace
For a deepening of empathy among voters and officials, that the Holy Spirit may come down and remain upon our nation like a gentle dove. May this Spirit help us see the Son of God in our neighbors, inspiring us to listen with open hearts and govern with wisdom. We pray to the Lord…
WORLD PEACE
FIRST READING
Prayer for Restoration: Venezuela
For the people of Venezuela, that the Lord who formed them in the womb may restore their strength and dignity. May they no longer labor in vain but be raised up as a light to the nations, so that God’s salvation and justice may reach the ends of their land. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Strength:
Iran For the nation of Iran, that they may be honored in the sight of the Lord and find their strength in him alone. We pray that the glory of God may be made manifest through a lasting peace, ensuring that salvation extends beyond borders to the very ends of the earth. We pray to the Lord…
SECOND READING
Prayer for Grace: Venezuela
For the citizens and leaders of Venezuela, that grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ may descend upon them. May they be sanctified in their efforts to build a just society, united with all who call upon the name of the Lord in every place. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Will of God: Iran
For the country of Iran, that by the will of God, they may pursue a path of true brotherhood and holiness. We pray that the church of God and all people of good will may work together to bring the grace of peace to this region, overcoming division and conflict. We pray to the Lord…
GOSPEL
Prayer for Deliverance: Venezuela
For Venezuela, that they may behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. May the sins of oppression, poverty, and division be removed from their midst, so that the testimony of justice may be seen and felt by all who dwell there. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Truth: Iran
For the people of Iran, that the Spirit may come down and remain upon them, guiding their leaders toward truth and reconciliation. May they recognize the presence of the Chosen One, and through this revelation, find a path away from strife and toward the baptizing fire of peace. We pray to the Lord…
For Those Facing Adversities
We pray for emergency personnel and volunteers on alert for the season’s fires, floods and storms, that they will stay safe as they protect others’ lives and possessions. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for young people discerning career options for their future, that they will find opportunities for work or study that is personally fulfilling and of social benefit. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
SOURCE: Australian Catholics
For all who have turned away from God: that our words and deeds may make God’s love and presence known to them
For an end to racism and the dawn of new cooperation amongst all peoples: that God will help us recognize the dignity of each person and give us the courage to reach past divisions build a greater society
SOURCE: Sunday Website
Special Needs
2nd Sunday of Year A
JOSH GROBAN (3:56) – “You Are Loved (Don’t Give Up)” by Josh Groban, from Awake.
Just as the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus, may we be aware of divine moments and encounters when ministering to people with special needs. My we always lift the Lord’s name on high.
“I saw the Spirit
come down like a dove from heaven
and remain upon him.”
GOSPEL
Infographics on the WORD THIS WEEK website are created using Nano Banana Pro with Gemini 3.0. They may be copied for personal use or for use in any non-profit ministry. Please show your support by promoting the website.
PRIESTS FOR LIFE (2:11)
RESPECT FOR LIFE
FIRST READING
Prayer for Life: The Unborn
For the unborn, that society may recognize them as children formed in the womb by the Lord to be his servants. May we protect these smallest lives so they may grow to be a light to the nations, bringing God’s salvation to the very ends of the earth. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Dignity: The Elderly
For the elderly and the infirm, that they may be treated as souls who are honored in the sight of the Lord. Let us reject any culture that discards them, remembering that God is their strength and that through their lives, his glory is made manifest in our midst. We pray to the Lord…
SECOND READING
Prayer for Mercy: Death Penalty
For those condemned to death, that we may remember they are sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy by the will of God. May the grace and peace of God our Father move our hearts to respect the dignity of every life, even those who have caused great harm. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Purity: Human Dignity
For an end to the exploitation of persons in pornography, that we may reclaim our identity as the church of God, called to be holy. May we honor the human body as sanctified in Christ, so that all who call upon the name of the Lord may live in true freedom. We pray to the Lord…
GOSPEL
Prayer for Conversion: Culture of Life
For a transformation of our society, that we may behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. May Christ remove the sin of indifference toward the vulnerable from our hearts, so that the Spirit may come down and remain upon a people dedicated to protecting all life. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Truth: Identifying Worth
For those who do not yet know the value of human life, that the Holy Spirit may open their eyes to the truth. Just as John testified that Jesus is the Son of God, may we testify that the Spirit rests upon every human person, granting them infinite worth from conception to natural death. We pray to the Lord…
The Local Community
We pray for community groups caring for neighbourhood parks, gardens and waterways, that their local service will support global efforts to conserve the health of the planet. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
SOURCE: Australian Catholics
For this Christian community: that we who are called to be holy may allow the grace of God to work in us and form us into the people of God
For catechists and parents: that like John the Baptist, they may introduce and lead the young people in their care to a deeper relationship with Jesus
For the grace of humility: that we may use our gifts in the service of God and be open to the gifts of others so that through all of us, God’s work may be accomplished
SOURCE: Sunday Website
Local Community
2nd Sunday of Year A
LAMB OF GOD (0:55) – Father Joseph A. Marcello, Pastor at the Parish of Saint Catherine of Siena of the Diocese of Bridgeport, explains the parts of the Roman Catholic Mass.
Lord, we pray for our parish. During mass when we pray the Lamb of God may we echo John’s declaration: Jesus is the Lamb of God, our Savior who forgives our sins. Like the Passover lamb, Christ’s sacrifice frees us from spiritual death. May we cherish this profound truth and rejoice in our union with Him and our salvation.
John the Baptist saw Jesus
coming toward him and said,
“Behold, the Lamb of God,
who takes away the sin of the world.
GOSPEL
Infographics on the WORD THIS WEEK website are created using Nano Banana Pro with Gemini 3.0. They may be copied for personal use or for use in any non-profit ministry. Please show your support by promoting the website.
FAMILIES
FIRST READING
Prayer for Purpose: Formed by God
For all children, that they may know they were formed in the womb by a loving God to be his servants. May families nurture this divine purpose, helping their young ones become a light to the nations so that God’s salvation may reach the ends of the earth through them. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Witness: A Light to Nations
For parents and guardians, that they may be honored in God’s sight as they raise their families. May they find strength in the Lord to display his glory, acting as a visible light to the nations and bringing the message of salvation to every corner of their community. We pray to the Lord…
SECOND READING
Prayer for Holiness: Sanctified Homes
For our domestic churches, that every family may realize they are sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy. May the grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ fill their households, uniting them in spirit with all who call upon the name of the Lord. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Vocation: Called to Serve
For young people discerning their future, that like Paul, called to be an apostle by the will of God, they may hear the Lord’s voice clearly. We pray that families support these vocations, encouraging their children to serve the church of God with faithful and willing hearts. We pray to the Lord…
GOSPEL
Prayer for Revelation: Beholding the Lamb
For families seeking truth, that like John the Baptist, they may testify to the light. May parents teach their children to look with eyes of faith and say, “Behold, the Lamb of God,” recognizing Jesus who takes away the sin of the world in their daily lives. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Guidance: Spirit and Truth
For the spiritual life of our children, that the Holy Spirit, which came down like a dove, may remain upon them. May this Spirit reveal Jesus as the Son of God to them, empowering them to live with the confidence that they are baptized in the Spirit. We pray to the Lord…
SACRAMENTS
FIRST READING
Prayer for Illumination: Baptism
Lord, you formed us in the womb to be your servants and designated us as a light to the nations. May the grace of our Baptism constantly renew our call to bring your salvation to the ends of the earth, so that your glory may be revealed through our lives. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Witness: Confirmation
God of strength, you declared that we are honored in your sight and that you are our power. Pour out your Spirit upon those sealed in Confirmation, that they may boldly act as a light to the nations, ensuring your salvation reaches every corner of our community. We pray to the Lord…
SECOND READING
Prayer for Service: Holy Orders
Just as Paul was called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, we pray for our priests and deacons. May they be sanctified in their ministry, leading the church of God in grace and peace, and calling upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Sanctification: Matrimony
Heavenly Father, Paul reminds us that we are sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy. We pray that married couples may reflect this holiness, serving as visible signs of grace and peace to all who call on the name of the Lord, both near and far. We pray to the Lord…
GOSPEL
Prayer for Mercy: Reconciliation
Lord Jesus, John the Baptist testified that you are the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Grant us the humility to bring our faults to the sacrament of Reconciliation, that the burden of our sins may be lifted by your sacrifice and our spirits made new. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Presence: The Eucharist
Almighty God, John saw the Spirit come down and remain upon your Son. As we gather to behold the Lamb of God on the altar, may we recognize the One who ranks ahead of us, receiving the Eucharist with reverence and allowing the Holy Spirit to remain within us. We pray to the Lord…
SUNDAY WEBSITE | AUSTRALIAN CATHOLICS | UN OBSERVANCES