Prayers of the Faithful, General Intercessions, Petitions
Prayers of the Faithful, General Intercessions, Petitions
Prayers of the Faithful, General Intercessions, Petitions
November 16, 2025
November 16, 2025
33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)
The Church
We pray for all who are rejected, threatened or harmed for their religious faith, that they will have the courage to stay true to their conscientious beliefs. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
SOURCE: Australian Catholics
For the Church: that we may offer hope and vision to all the human family in times ofconfusion and offer support to those who are searching for God
For the grace of perseverance: that God will strengthen and sustain us in remainingfaithful in our discipleship in times of trial and distress
For all who are dedicated to a life of persistent prayer, particularly contemplative religious: that God will strengthen them and renew their ministry through the Holy Spirit
SOURCE: Sunday Website
The Church
33rd Sunday of Year C
ROME REPORTS (2:39) – Pope Leo XIV traveled to the Colosseum to preside over a prayer event for peace together with leaders of different religions.
For our Holy Father and all religious leaders, that, following the bold example of St. John Paul II at Assisi 39 years ago, they may tirelessly build bridges of dialogue and unity, presiding over a world that prays together for peace. We pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.
You know how one must imitate us.
For we did not act in a disorderly way among you…
Rather, we wanted to present ourselves as a model for you,
so that you might imitate us.
SECOND READING


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CHURCH LEADERS
FIRST READING
For Our Holy Father, the Pope For our Pope,
that the “sun of justice” may rise in his heart, giving him strength to bring healing to the world’s wounds and to lead the Church away from arrogance and toward a true fear of the Lord. We pray to the Lord.
For Our Bishops For all bishops,
that they may humbly fear the name of the Lord, shunning all arrogance and worldly pride, so that Christ, the sun of justice, may bring healing in his wings to their dioceses. We pray to the BLord.
SECOND READING
For all priests and deacons,
that they may not grow weary in doing what is right, but instead imitate the apostles by working diligently for the Gospel, shunning idleness and disorderly conduct. We pray to the Lord.
For all shepherds of the Church,
that they may lead by example, earning their own keep and working quietly to serve God’s people, so that their flock may imitate their steady and faithful labor. We pray to the Lord.
GOSPEL
For Our Pope in Times of Trial,
that in a world of crumbling institutions and betrayals, he may be filled with supernatural endurance to gain his soul, trusting not in beautiful stones but in God’s saving power. We pray to the Lord.
For All Clergy Facing Hostility
that when they are persecuted or brought before governors, Jesus may give them the promised words and wisdom that none of their opponents can withstand, so they may testify faithfully. We pray to the Lord.
Governing Authorities and the Salvation of the World
We pray for the countless innocent people caught up in wars not of their making, that their tragic suffering will come to an end and healing can begin. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for the world’s poorest peoples most at risk from the extremes of climate change, that wealthy and powerful nations will agree on effective steps to limit global warming. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
SOURCE: Australian Catholics
For all who are persecuted, deprived of their rights, and used as pawns by the powersof this world: that the Sun of Justice may rise for them, heal their wounds, and raisethe lowly to high places
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
SOURCE: Sunday Website
The World
33rd Sunday of Year C
acypNSW (4:00) – To celebrate Children’s Week, the Advocate has created a video featuring children from across New South Wales (Australia) saying a child-friendly version of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
For all governments, organizations, and leaders. We pray that this week’s United Nations Children’s Day on November 20th will spur not just words, but deep and lasting investment in the true needs of children. May we as a global community rejoice in what has been achieved and find new energy in what is possible.
The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice.
Before the LORD, for he comes,
for he comes to rule the earth,
he will rule the world with justice
and the peoples with equity.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM


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POLITICS
FIRST READING
For Healing in Our Politics
For all political leaders, that they may turn from arrogance. May the “sun of justice” rise in our nation and bring “healing in its wings” to our bitter divisions, inspiring leaders to fear God’s name, not political polls. We pray to the Lord.
For Leaders of Humility
For those who govern, that they may reject the path of the “arrogant” and “evildoers” who sow division. May they be blessed with a humble spirit that seeks the common good, empathy, and a just future for all the people they serve. We pray to the Lord.
SECOND READING
For an End to Disorderly Politics
For all members of opposing political parties, that they may stop “disorderly” conduct and partisan attacks. May they be inspired to “work quietly,” focusing not on the business of others, but on the constructive dialogue needed to solve our nation’s problems. We pray to the Lord.
For Diligence in Seeking Unity
For leaders who seek compromise and open-mindedness, that they may “not grow weary in doing what is right.” May they set an “example” for all of us, shunning the idleness of gridlock to build a more just and cooperative society. We pray to the Lord.
GOSPEL
For Wisdom in Our Division
In this time when “nation rises against nation” in our political discourse, we pray for God’s promised “words and wisdom.” May our leaders and all citizens use this moment as an “opportunity to testify” to the power of empathy and mutual understanding. We pray to the Lord.
For the Endurance to Seek Peace
For all who face being “hated” or “betrayed” for reaching across the political aisle. May they be blessed with “endurance,” knowing that by seeking constructive dialogue, they will “gain their souls” and lead us toward a more perfect union. We pray to the Lord.
WORLD PEACE
FIRST READING
For Peace in the Middle East
For all arrogant leaders in the Middle East, whose actions burn the innocent like stubble, that they may fear God’s name. May the “sun of justice” rise with “healing in its wings” for all who suffer. We pray to the Lord.
For Justice in Eastern Europe
For the people of Eastern Europe, enduring a “burning day” of war, that the “sun of justice” may rise upon them, bringing healing and peace, and that all evildoers who fuel this conflict may face the Lord’s judgment. We pray to the Lord.
SECOND READING
For an End to the Trade War
For all nations engaged in trade disputes, that they may cease their “disorderly conduct” and stop minding the business of others. May they “work quietly” to ensure all people, near and far, can “earn their own keep.” We pray to the Lord.
For Peacemakers in the Middle East
For all who labor for peace in the Middle East, that they may “not grow weary in doing what is right.” May they be an example to all, shunning the idleness of endless conflict for the diligent work of justice. We pray to the Lord.
GOSPEL
For the People of Eastern Europe
For all in Eastern Europe where “nation will rise against nation,” that they may not be terrified by these wars. May God grant them the supernatural “endurance” by which they will “gain their souls” and see peace. We pray to the Lord.
For Fair Trade with Asia
For leaders involved in the trade war, that in this time of “betrayal” and “insurrections,” God may give them “words and wisdom” to testify to a just path, seeking cooperation over economic conflict. We pray to the Lord.
For Those Facing Adversities
For inspiration and guidance: that the Spirit will lead to freedom all who are addictedand give courage to all who are working to assist them
For children who are rejected, abused, or neglected: that God’s tender compassionwill comfort them and that they may experience love and nurture
For a spirit of hope: that God will drive disabling fear from our hearts and help us facethe future with confidence and trust that God is always with us and will never abandon us
SOURCE: Sunday Website
Special Needs
33rd Sunday of Year C
ASCENSION PRESENTS (9:09) – Many of us have been in situations where we’ve risked losing. It usually happens during childhood, while competing in sports, the arts, or just making small bets and wagers with our friends. But have you ever looked back on those losses and thought they might have been preparing you for the bigger losses we experience in adulthood—the loss of a loved one, a dream job, or a hard breakup?
For all who are experiencing an “end of their world” who feel they have lost everything; that they may feel the power of the Holy Spirit who raised Jesus, and be given the strength to persevere: to get up, get out of bed, and keep walking.
By your perseverance you will secure your lives.
GOSPEL



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PRIESTS FOR LIFE (2:11)
RESPECT FOR LIFE
FIRST READING
Prayer for Justice
The Unborn For the unborn, threatened by the “arrogant” and “evildoers” of the culture of death. May the “sun of justice” rise for them, and may its “healing rays” bring comfort to all who have been wounded by abortion. We pray to the Lord.
Prayer for Mercy
The Condemned For our nation, that we may reject the “arrogant” act of the death penalty. May the “sun of justice” bring “healing” to our legal system, replacing the “blazing” fire of vengeance with a profound fear of God’s name. We pray to the Lord.
SECOND READING
Prayer for Purity
An End to Exploitation For all who are trapped in the “disorderly” and “idle” world of pornography. May they be freed from this exploitation and inspired to “work quietly” in virtue, respecting the dignity of every person. We pray to the Lord.
Prayer for Dignity
The Vulnerable That we may “not grow weary” in upholding the dignity of all human life, especially the elderly and disabled who are seen as a “burden.” May we set an “example” of love and “work quietly” to build a culture of life. We pray to the Lord.
GOSPEL
Prayer for Life
The Unborn For the most vulnerable, especially the unborn who are “betrayed” in the place they should be safest. We pray for “endurance” for all who are “hated” for defending them, that they may “gain their souls.” We pray to the Lord.
Prayer for Courage
Pro-Life Advocates For all pro-life advocates who are “arrested” or “persecuted,” that they may see this as an “opportunity to testify.” May God give them the promised “words and wisdom” to speak for those who have no voice. We pray to the Lord.
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
The Healing of Our Wounds
For all who carry wounds of sorrow and pain, who feel they are living through a “blazing day” of suffering. May the “sun of justice” rise for them, bringing “healing in its wings” and turning their despair into HOPE. We pray to the Lord.
Hope for the Hopeless
For those who feel like “stubble,” worthless and scorched by the “arrogant” and “evildoers.” May they learn to fear God’s name, so the “sun of justice” may rise and bring healing and HOPE. We pray to the Lord.
SECOND READING
For Those Who Heal Our World
For all who “work quietly” to heal the “disorderly” wounds of our society. That they may “not grow weary in doing what is right,” but be filled with HOPE as they set an “example” for all of us. We pray to the Lord.
Hope for the Idle
For those living in hopelessness, who are “disorderly” and “idle” because they see no future. May they be inspired by Christ to find HOPE and dignity in “their own work,” and so find peace. We pray to the Lord.
GOSPEL
Endurance for the Betrayed
For all who carry the deep wounds of “betrayal.” When their world is shaken and “not one stone” seems left, may God grant them the supernatural “endurance” to “gain their souls” and find HOPE in Him alone. We pray to the Lord.
Hope in Our Persecution
For all who are “hated” and carry the pain of being rejected for their faith. May they find HOPE in Christ’s promise that “not a hair of your head will perish,” and by their “endurance,” inspire a weary world. We pray to the Lord.
The Local Community
We pray for all who care for others with habitual acts of kindness, that their neighbourly love will be a blessing for themselves as well as for those they serve. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for health workers tending the new-born or those approaching the end of life, that they will care for them with skill and love. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
SOURCE: Australian Catholics
For leaders of the Christian community: that their ministry and preaching will help theircommunities of faith to continue their deeds of loving service and witness to the Gospel until Christ comes in glory
For families that are divided and in opposition to one another: that God’s peace maytouch their hearts and lead them toward reconciliation and healing
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
33rd Sunday of Year C
ST. JAMES CATHOLIC, VA (5:24 – Volunteering at a parish is a meaningful way to live out one’s faith, experience personal spiritual growth, and demonstrate Christ’s love and mercy to others
We pray that in our parish, we may understsand that St. Paul’s words are not just for the clergy or staff; it is a call to every single one of us. Paul’s “toil and drudgery” was his work of building the community, and that is our shared work, too. This “work” is found in the ministry of setting up chairs, lectoring at Mass, teaching our children in faith formation, volunteering at the food pantry, and even the simple, vital “work” of welcoming a stranger in the pews.
Brothers and sisters:
You know how one must imitate us.
For we did not act in a disorderly way among you,
nor did we eat food received free from anyone.
On the contrary, in toil and drudgery, night and day
we worked, so as not to burden any of you.
SECOND READING



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FAMILIES
FIRST READING
Prayer for Healing
Our Children For children burned by the “arrogant” and “evildoers” of this world. May the “sun of justice” rise for them, bringing “healing in its wings” to their wounds and granting them a future of safety, love, and peace. We pray to the Lord.
Prayer for Parents:
For all parents, that they may “fear” God’s name and reject the path of arrogance. May they be a “healing” presence in their homes, guiding their children by the light of the “sun of justice” and not by the “blazing” fire of worldly pride. We pray to the Lord.
SECOND READING
Prayer for Diligence:
For all parents, that they may be a “model” for their children in “toil and drudgery.” May they “work quietly” to provide for their families, teaching their children the dignity of work and the sin of “disorderly” idleness. We pray to the Lord.
Prayer for Families:
For all our families, that we may imitate St. Paul and “not act in a disorderly way.” May our homes be places of quiet work, not places where we are “minding the business of others,” so our children may learn to “eat their own food” in dignity. We pray to the Lord.
GOSPEL
Prayer for Endurance:
For families divided, and for children who feel “betrayed” by “parents and brothers.” May God grant them the supernatural “endurance” to “gain their souls” and the “wisdom” to testify to His love even in their suffering. We pray to the Lord.
Prayer for Children:
For our children, who see a world of “wars” and “plagues.” May we teach them not to be terrified, and may God’s promise that “not a hair of your head will perish” fill their hearts with “endurance” and unshakable peace. We pray to the Lord.
SACRAMENTS
FIRST READING
Prayer for the Sick: Healing
For all who suffer in body or spirit, who feel the “blazing” pain of our world. May they find in the Sacrament of Anointing the “healing in its wings” promised by the “sun of justice,” bringing peace and hope to their lives. We pray to the Lord.
Prayer for Mass: The Sun of Justice
For our parish community, that in the Holy Eucharist, we may truly recognize the “sun of justice.” May this holy food burn away our “arrogance” and help us “fear” God’s name, so we may be renewed by His healing presence. We pray to the Lord.
SECOND READING
Prayer for Ministry: Our Leaders
For our priests and deacons, that through the Sacrament of Holy Orders, they may be a faithful “model” for us. May their “toil and drudgery” for the parish inspire us all to abandon “disorderly” conduct and serve one another in faith. We pray to the Lord.
Prayer for Families: Daily Work
For all married couples, that the Sacrament of Matrimony may strengthen them in their “toil and drudgery.” May their faithful “work” be a “model” for their children, teaching them to live in order and peace, not as “busybodies.” We pray to the Lord.
GOSPEL
Prayer for Witnesses: The Confirmed
For all who are Confirmed, that when they are “persecuted” or “hated” for their faith, they will see it as an “opportunity to testify.” May the Holy Spirit give them the promised “words and wisdom” to be brave witnesses in a hostile world. We pray to the Lord.
Prayer for Healing: Reconciliation
For all who are wounded by “betrayal” from “parents and brothers.” May they find the grace for “endurance” in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, so they may “gain their souls” and be freed from the chains of resentment and sin. We pray to the Lord.
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