PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL – 30th Sunday of Year C

FOR A JUST AND HEARING HEART

For Pope Leo XIV, that he may always serve the Lord as a just judge who shows no partiality. May the cries of the orphan and the pleas of the lowly reach his heart, so his prayers on behalf of the oppressed may pierce the clouds and bring swift justice. We pray to the Lord...

FOR OUR BISHOPS' SWIFT RESPONSE

For all bishops, that their acceptable service to God may be seen in how they hear the cry of the poor. May they not delay in defending the vulnerable, trusting that the prayer of the humble is heard by the Lord who will not be slow to answer. We pray to the Lord...

FOR PRIESTS AND DEACONS WHO SERVE THE LOWLY

For all priests and deacons, that in their ministry they serve the Lord without counting the cost. May they tirelessly advocate for the fatherless and the downtrodden in their parishes, bringing God’s justice to those whose pleas for help often go unheard by the world. We pray to the Lord...

SECOND READING

FOR THE STRENGTH OF POPE LEO XIV

For Pope Leo XIV, that as he is poured out like a drink offering for the Church, the Lord will stand at his side and give him strength. May he feel God's unwavering presence in moments of trial, so that through him the message might be fully proclaimed. We pray to the Lord...

FOR PERSEVERING BISHOPS

For all bishops, that they may be inspired to fight the good fight and finish the race with unwavering courage. When their time of departure draws near, may they look forward to the crown of righteousness, knowing they have kept the faith and served God's people with devotion. We pray to the Lord...

FOR FAITHFUL PRIESTS AND DEACONS

For our priests and deacons, that they may faithfully keep the faith throughout their entire ministry. In those times when they feel deserted or alone, may they find their ultimate strength in the Lord who stands by them and empowers them to proclaim the Gospel message to all. We pray to the Lord...

GOSPEL

FOR A HUMBLE PAPACY

For Pope Leo XIV, that he may approach the altar not with the pride of the Pharisee, but with the humble heart of the tax collector. May his constant prayer be "God, be merciful to me, a sinner," so that in his humility he may be exalted by God and lead the Church in true righteousness. We pray to the Lord...

FOR BISHOPS WHO SEEK GOD'S MERCY

For all bishops, that they may resist the temptation to trust in their own accomplishments. May they model for their flock what it means to stand before God, beat their breasts, and seek justification not from their own deeds but from the abundant mercy of the Father who humbles the proud. We pray to the Lord...

FOR A MERCIFUL CLERGY

For all priests and deacons, that in their ministry they see themselves in the tax collector who stood at a distance. May this awareness of their own need for mercy make them compassionate shepherds, especially to those who feel unworthy to approach the Lord, so that all may go home justified. We pray to the Lord...

CHURCH WORLD NEEDS COMMUNITY

Governing Authorities and the Salvation of the World

We pray for the mediators engaged in securing agreements to end wars around the world, that the fragile shoots of peace they plant will take root and flourish. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.

We pray for all stewards of creation, that they will continue to fight the good fight for healthy seas, lands and skies. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.

SOURCE: Australian Catholics

For all leaders of government, nationally, regionally, and municipally: that God will inspire them with new ways to promote the welfare of citizens and the common good

For all immigrants and refugees: that they may find new homes and enrich these places with their gifts and talents

For the gift of peace and an end to violence: that God will turn hearts from violence, inspire leaders to start new initiatives and give courage to all who are working for peace

SOURCE: Sunday Website

The World

30th Sunday of Year C

🙏 WORLDINFOGRAPHICPOLITICSPEACE

CBS (3:27) - President Trump praised the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal as the first steps to broader peace. But the freed hostages and Palestinian prisoners swap were seen as the least difficult items of the proposed peace plan. Jon Alterman with the Center for Strategic and International Studies joins to discuss.

We pray for the strength to build lasting peace amidst the complexities of global politics, drawing inspiration from those who tirelessly work towards conflict resolution and reconciliation.

The LORD is a God of justice,
who knows no favorites.
Though not unduly partial toward the weak,
yet he hears the cry of the oppressed.
The Lord is not deaf to the wail...
The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds;
it does not rest till it reaches its goal

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 JUSTICE BEYOND PARTY LINES

For all elected officials, that they may serve as just judges who show no partiality to their political party. May they hear the cry of the forgotten and the oppressed in our land, so that their work may pierce the clouds and bring swift, compassionate action for all. We pray to the Lord...

FOR HUMBLE AND RESPONSIVE LEADERSHIP

For leaders of all political affiliations, that their acceptable service may be seen in their response to the needs of the humble. May they not delay in working together on behalf of the vulnerable, trusting that policies rooted in empathy are heard and blessed by the Lord. We pray to the Lord...

SECOND READING

FOR A LEGACY OF UNITY

For political leaders, that they may fight the good fight for the soul of our nation and finish the race with integrity. May they seek to keep faith with all people, looking not to partisan wins but to the crown of righteousness that comes from building a more perfect union. We pray to the Lord...

FOR STRENGTH IN BRIDGE-BUILDING

For public servants who feel isolated for promoting constructive dialogue, that the Lord will stand at their side and give them strength. May they be empowered to proclaim a message of cooperation and be rescued from the lion's mouth of bitter political division. We pray to the Lord...

GOSPEL

FOR POLITICAL HUMILITY

For all political parties, that they may reject the proud self-righteousness of the Pharisee. May they approach negotiations not with contempt for their opponents, but with the humble prayer, "God, be merciful to us, sinners," ready to acknowledge their own faults and seek common ground. We pray to the Lord...

FOR JUSTIFIED DIALOGUE

For those engaged in political debate, that they may cease exalting their own agendas while despising others. May they learn that true justification comes not from overpowering an opponent, but from humbling themselves to listen with empathy and an open mind, so all may be exalted by God. We pray to the Lord...

World Peace

WORLD PEACE

FIRST READING

FOR THE OPPRESSED IN CONFLICT ZONES

For all who suffer from war in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, that the Lord who judges with justice will hear their cry. May their pleas pierce the clouds, moving world leaders to act without partiality to bring a swift end to violence and establish a lasting peace. We pray to the Lord...

FOR ECONOMIC JUSTICE IN ASIA

For the workers and families impacted by the trade war in Asia, that the Lord who hears the plea of the lowly will not delay in bringing them relief. May global leaders engage in acceptable service, creating fair policies that uplift the poor rather than sacrificing them for economic gain. We pray to the Lord...

SECOND READING

FOR THE STRENGTH OF PEACEMAKERS

For all diplomats, aid workers, and peacemakers serving in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, that when they feel abandoned, the Lord will stand at their side. May He give them strength and rescue them from the lion's mouth of violence as they fight the good fight for peace. We pray to the Lord...

FOR PERSEVERANCE IN NEGOTIATIONS

For all leaders working to resolve the trade war in Asia, that they may finish the race with integrity and keep the faith with their people. May they seek not a temporary victory, but the crown of righteousness that comes from building a just and stable global economy. We pray to the Lord...

GOSPEL

FOR HUMILITY AMONG NATIONS

For the leaders of nations in conflict, that they may reject the pride of the Pharisee who despises others. May they approach the negotiating table with the humble heart of the tax collector, seeking God’s mercy and a justification that comes from peace, not conquest. We pray to the Lord...

FOR A JUST GLOBAL ECONOMY

For the world’s economic powers engaged in trade disputes, that they may cease exalting themselves. May they instead humble themselves to see the impact of their policies on the vulnerable, so that through dialogue and mercy, all nations may be exalted in shared prosperity. We pray to the Lord...

PRO LIFE PRAYERS

CHURCH WORLD NEEDS COMMUNITY

For Those Facing Adversities

For all who are suffering or being oppressed for their Christian faith: that God will comfort and strengthen them and bring them safely through their trial

For greater respect for each person: that God will turn the hearts of all who rely upon violence and bring healing to all who have suffered harm, abuse or neglect

For all who are in need; for the poor, the homeless, the widow, the orphan and those on the margins of society: that God will open our eyes and hearts to their needs and their presence in our communities

SOURCE: Sunday Website

Special Needs

30th Sunday of Year C

🙏 NEEDSINFOGRAPHICPRO-LIFEYEAR OF HOPE

DIGITALLY RADIANT (6:24) - Have you ever met someone who always thinks they're right, no matter what? Or maybe you've caught yourself doing the same. This mindset, called self-righteousness, can quietly hold us back. It blocks us from learning new things, seeing other points of view, and growing as a person. In this video, we’ll talk about what self-righteousness really is, why it happens, and how it can affect your life, relationships, and success.

For all who are bound by a spirit of self-righteousness: that God will free their hearts, break down the walls of prejudice, and open them to the dignity of each person

The Pharisee took up his position
and spoke this prayer to himself,
'O God, I thank you that
I am not like the rest of humanity --
greedy, dishonest, adulterous --
or even like this tax collector.
I fast twice a week,
and I pay tithes on my whole income.'

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 (2:56

RESPECT FOR LIFE

FIRST READING

PRAYER FOR THE UNBORN: A JUST DEFENSE

For the unborn, the most vulnerable in our society, that the Lord who judges with justice will hear their silent cry. May their plea for life pierce the clouds, moving leaders to act without partiality to defend them and establish a lasting legal protection for them. We pray to the Lord...

PRAYER FOR HUMAN DIGNITY: ENDING THE DEATH PENALTY

For those on death row and for our justice system, that our society may heed the plea of the lowly. May our leaders engage in acceptable service to God by choosing life-affirming alternatives, bringing an end to the death penalty which disregards the dignity inherent in every person. We pray to the Lord...

SECOND READING

PRAYER FOR A CULTURE OF LIFE: FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT

For all who work to build a culture of life, that they may have strength to fight the good fight against abortion and euthanasia. When they feel abandoned, may the Lord stand at their side, so that through them the message of life might be fully proclaimed and defended. We pray to the Lord...

PRAYER FOR PURITY: RESPECTING THE PERSON

For all who are harmed by the pornography industry, that they may be rescued from the lion's mouth of exploitation. May we all strive to finish the race with integrity, seeking the crown of righteousness that comes from respecting the God-given dignity of every human person. We pray to the Lord...

GOSPEL

PRAYER FOR RESPECT: REJECTING PRIDE

For our society, that it may reject the pride of the Pharisee, who despises others and deems some lives unworthy of life. May we approach every person, from conception to natural death, with the humble heart of the tax collector, recognizing their infinite worth in the eyes of God. We pray to the Lord...

PRAYER FOR THE VULNERABLE: TRUE EXALTATION

For our nation, that it may cease exalting personal autonomy over the lives of the vulnerable. May we instead humble ourselves to protect the unborn, the sick, and the elderly, so that in choosing a culture of life, our nation may be truly justified and exalted by God. 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

PRAYER FOR ENDURANCE

For all Christians called to be pilgrims of hope during this Holy Year, that they may find the strength to hold up the hand of the Church's mission, granting them the unwavering endurance of Moses and the courage to fight the spiritual battle against despair. We pray to the Lord...

PRAYER FOR UPLIFTING WOUNDS

For all communities suffering from deep societal wounds of unrest and hopelessness, that the Holy Spirit may empower leaders and advocates to support one another’s arms, ensuring that the needs of the vulnerable are met and that the promise of God’s saving power is always uplifted. We pray to the Lord...

SECOND READING

FOR PERSEVERANCE IN SUFFERING

For those exhausted by personal trials, who feel poured out and abandoned in their fight against despair, that the Lord will stand at their side. May He give them strength to finish the race, keep the faith, and hold fast to the hope of the crown of righteousness. We pray to the Lord...

FOR THE MESSENGERS OF HOPE

For all who minister to the hopeless in a wounded world, that they may be rescued from the lion's mouth of cynicism. May the Lord strengthen them to proclaim a message of healing with courage, so that hope may be rekindled in the hearts of many. We pray to the Lord...

GOSPEL

FOR HUMILITY IN OUR BROKENNESS

For all who are burdened by pain and sin, that they may have the courage of the tax collector to ask for God's mercy. May they reject despair, and in their humility, find the profound hope that comes from being justified and exalted by God's infinite love. We pray to the Lord...

FOR A MERCIFUL SOCIETY

For our society, that we may reject the pride of the Pharisee who despises the brokenness of others. May we humble ourselves, see the wounds we all carry, and work together for healing, so that our entire community may be exalted in hope and mutual care. We pray to the Lord...

PRAYERS FOR FAMILIES

CHURCH WORLD NEEDS COMMUNITY

The Local Community

We pray for parents welcoming the birth of their first child, that they will treasure the new life entrusted to them and rise to the challenge of parenthood. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.

We pray for all members of our parish community, that All Saints Day will renew their desire to follow Christ gladly with all their hearts. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.

SOURCE: Australian Catholics

For growth in prayer: that the Spirit teach us how to pray so that we may deepen our dependency upon God and open us to the length and breadth of God’s merciful kindness

For greater compassion: that we may proclaim the greatness of God and show God’s love and concern for all who face the burdens of life

For the grace of humility: that we may come before God honestly, surrendering our pride, and recognizing the limits of strengths and abilities

SOURCE: Sunday Website

Local Community

30th Sunday of Year C

🙏 COMMUNITYINFOGRAPHICFAMILIESSACRAMENTS

JON LEONETTI (1:02) - A nationally known Catholic speaker, best-selling author and radio host conveys a message of lasting fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Through Jon's keynote presentations and parish missions, thousands of Catholics each year discover the freedom Christ offers by way of his life and love.

We give thanks for the wisdom and example of faith that our elderly parishioners provide to our community. May their legacy of steadfast faith inspire us all to deepen our relationship with You and trust in Your promise of eternal life.

I have competed well; I have finished the race;
I have kept the faith.
From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me,
which the Lord, the just judge,
will award to me on that day, and not only to me,
but to all who have longed for his appearance.

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 VULNERABLE CHILDREN: A JUST HEARING

For children in broken homes, foster care, or who feel orphaned by family struggles, that the Lord who judges with justice will hear their silent pleas. May their prayers pierce the clouds, bringing them the safety, love, and stability they deserve in a loving home. We pray to the Lord...

PRAYER FOR PARENTS: ACCEPTABLE SERVICE

For all parents and guardians, especially single parents who carry heavy burdens, that their daily sacrifices may be an acceptable service to the Lord. May God hear their pleas for strength and patience, and not delay in providing the grace they need to raise their children in faith. We pray to the Lord...

SECOND READING

PRAYER FOR FAMILY FAITH: FINISHING THE RACE

For all families, that parents may faithfully run the race of passing on the faith to their children. May they feel the Lord stand at their side, giving them strength to keep the faith in their homes, so their children may one day receive the crown of righteousness. We pray to the Lord...

PRAYER FOR PROTECTION: RESCUING OUR CHILDREN

For all children exposed to the dangers of our world, that the Lord will rescue them from the lion's mouth of negative influences, exploitation, and despair. May parents feel God's strength as they guard their children and guide them to safety in Christ. We pray to the Lord...

GOSPEL

PRAYER FOR HUMILITY: IN OUR HOMES

For all our families, that we may reject the pride of the Pharisee which leads to judgment and division. May we have the humble heart of the tax collector, quick to ask for mercy from one another, so that our homes may be places of healing and love. We pray to the Lord...

PRAYER FOR CHILDREN: A HUMBLE SPIRIT

For our children, that they may grow in the spirit of humility rather than exalting themselves. May they learn from the tax collector’s prayer to depend on God's mercy, so that they may be exalted not by worldly standards but by their genuine love for God and others. We pray to the Lord...

SACRAMENTS

SACRAMENTS

FIRST READING

PRAYER FOR THE SICK: A HEALING ANOINTING

For all who are sick and suffering, especially those who feel their cry for help is unheard, that through the sacrament of Anointing, their pleas may pierce the clouds. May the Lord hear them with justice and grant them strength, peace, and healing in their time of need. We pray to the Lord...

PRAYER FOR PRIESTS: ACCEPTABLE SERVICE

For our priests who offer the sacrifice of the Eucharist, that their ministry may always be an acceptable service to God. May they serve with a just heart, without partiality, so that the pleas of the entire flock they shepherd may be brought before the Lord. We pray to the Lord...

SECOND READING

PRAYER FOR THE CONFIRMED: FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT

For all who are sealed with the Holy Spirit in Confirmation, that they may feel the Lord stand at their side. May this sacrament strengthen them to fight the good fight, keep the faith, and proclaim the message of Christ with courage throughout their lives. We pray to the Lord...

PRAYER FOR RECONCILIATION: RESCUED FROM SIN

For all who are burdened by sin, that they may seek the sacrament of Reconciliation. May the Lord rescue them from the lion's mouth of despair, forgive their sins, and grant them the grace to finish the race worthily toward the crown of righteousness. We pray to the Lord...

GOSPEL