Prayers of the Faithful, General Intercessions, Petitions
Prayers of the Faithful, General Intercessions, Petitions
Prayers of the Faithful, General Intercessions, Petitions
January 11, 2026
January 11, 2026
Baptism of the Lord (A)
The Church
We pray for the Eastern churches, that their cherished spiritual traditions will enrich the whole people of God. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
SOURCE: Australian Catholics
For the Church: that we may participate more fully in the mission of Jesus and place our gifts and talents in God’s service
For the grace of humility: that we may enter into the woundedness and vulnerability of humanity and allow God to raise us to fuller of life
For the grace to listen: that we may recognize the many ways that God calls us, invites us to life, and provides opportunities for us to respond
SOURCE: Sunday Website
The Church
Baptism of the Lord (A)
ROME REPORTS (1:45) – Pope Leo XIV met with a group of catechumens undergoing Christian initiation, along with their sponsors and instructors. During the meeting, the Pope delivered a profound message on the meaning of Baptism.
We pray for the Church, may our baptismal vows empower us to actively witness Your love and stand against the forces that devalue human life. Grant us courage to be missionary disciples, transforming our world through faith and action.
I, the LORD, have called you
for the victory of justice,
I have grasped you by the hand;
I formed you, and set you
as a covenant of the people,
a light for the nations,
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
For Pope Leo XIV: The Chosen Servant
That Pope Leo XIV, upheld by God as the chosen servant in whom the Father is pleased, may bring forth justice to the nations without crying out or shouting, but by gently leading the Church with the Spirit that has been put upon him for the sake of truth. We pray to the Lord…
For Bishops: A Light for the Nations
That all bishops may realize they have been called for the victory of justice and grasped by the hand of the Almighty to be a covenant of the people and a light for the nations, opening the eyes of the blind and freeing those bound in spiritual darkness. We pray to the Lord…
For Priests and Deacons: The Bruised Reed
That our priests and deacons may imitate the gentleness of the Lord, never breaking the bruised reed or quenching the smoldering wick, but faithfully bringing forth justice and compassion to those they serve until the coastlands wait for the teaching of God. We pray to the Lord…
For Religious and Consecrated Life:
Formed as a Covenant That those in consecrated life, knowing they have been formed by the Creator who stretched out the heavens, may live as a living covenant to the people, breathing the spirit given to those who walk on the earth and serving as witnesses to God’s enduring promise. We pray to the Lord…
For the Laity in the Workplace:
Establishing Justice That lay men and women, filled with the breath of God, may not falter or be discouraged as they work to establish justice on the earth, transforming their workplaces into environments where the prisoners of poverty and ignorance are released from the dungeon. We pray to the Lord…
SECOND READING
For Pope Leo XIV: Proclaiming the Lord of All
That Pope Leo XIV, following the example of Peter who opened his mouth to speak the truth, may boldly proclaim that God shows no partiality and that Jesus Christ is Lord of all, uniting the faithful across every border in the peace that comes from heaven. We pray to the Lord…
For Bishops: Preaching Peace
That our bishops may be anointed with the Holy Spirit and power to preach peace through Jesus Christ to the people of Israel and beyond, ensuring that the word which has been proclaimed throughout all Judea continues to resonate in our dioceses today. We pray to the Lord…
For Priests and Deacons: Healing the Oppressed
That priests and deacons, knowing that God is with them, may go about doing good and healing all those who are oppressed by the devil, acting as true instruments of the Anointed One in a world that hungers for spiritual liberation and divine power. We pray to the Lord…
For Religious and Consecrated Life: Anointed for Service
That men and women in religious life may deeply understand their anointing with the Holy Spirit, dedicating themselves to the work of Jesus of Nazareth by manifesting the goodness of God and offering their lives as a testament that the Father is truly with them. We pray to the Lord…
For the Laity in the Workplace: Acting Uprightly
That the laity in every profession may fear God and act uprightly, proving that in every nation and sector of society, those who do what is right are acceptable to Him, bringing the message of John’s baptism into the secular realities of their daily labor. We pray to the Lord…
GOSPEL
For Pope Leo XIV: Fulfilling All Righteousness
That Pope Leo XIV may lead the Church with the humility of the Savior who came from Galilee to the Jordan, seeking always to fulfill all righteousness in his governance and allowing the will of God to unfold in the mystery of his pontificate. We pray to the Lord…
For Bishops: The Opening of the Heavens
That the heavens may be opened over the ministry of our bishops, and that they may see the Spirit of God descending like a dove upon their local churches, confirming their work and guiding the flock toward the voice that speaks from the majesty of heaven. We pray to the Lord…
For Priests and Deacons: Encouraging the Faithful
That priests and deacons, like John the Baptist, may recognize the holiness of their call yet humbly accept the grace of Christ, baptizing the people not only with water but with a spirit of repentance that prepares the way for the Beloved Son. We pray to the Lord…
For Religious and Consecrated Life: The Descent of the Spirit
That the Spirit of God may descend like a dove and come upon all those in consecrated life, marking them visibly as those in whom the Father is well pleased, and empowering them to live out their vows with the purity and gentleness of the divine presence. We pray to the Lord…
For the Laity in the Workplace: The Beloved Children
That lay people working in the world may hear the Father’s voice claiming them as beloved sons and daughters, and knowing that God is well pleased with their honest labor, may they witness to the light of Christ rising from the waters of baptism. We pray to the Lord…
Governing Authorities and the Salvation of the World
We pray for an end to all forms of hate and bigotry, that every person and group will be accorded the respect that is their birthright. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
SOURCE: Australian Catholics
For a new springtime of justice: that we may strive to fulfill all righteousness in our words, actions, and relationships so that God may be glorified in all things
For greater unity and cooperation within the human family: that God will heal the wounds between various groups, open hearts to the talents of every person, and help us work together against violence, drug abuse, and poverty
For the members of Congress: that God will give them clear understanding of the issues in our society, courage to address them, and helpful insights to improve the common good
SOURCE: Sunday Website
The World
Baptism of the Lord (A)
ARIZONA CBS 5 (9:25) – Venezuelan families gathered for Sunday mass at St. Louis the King Catholic Church in Glendale, praying for their homeland.
In Venezuela, where political unrest and economic hardship have caused suffering, we pray for a “”new springtime of justice” and the hope for a better future. By striving for righteousness in all aspects of life, may Venezuelans work towards a society that promotes peace, fairness, and prosperity.
God shows no partiality.
Rather, in every nation
whoever fears him and acts uprightly
is acceptable to him.
SECOND 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.
POLITICS
FIRST READING
A Quiet Voice for Justice
That our political leaders may learn from the chosen servant who does not cry out or shout in the streets, replacing harsh rhetoric with constructive dialogue, and ensuring that in their debates they do not break the bruised reed of the vulnerable but faithfully bring forth justice through empathy and care. We pray to the Lord…
A Covenant of Unity
That those in government may realize they are called to be a covenant of the people and a light for the nations, working together to open the eyes of the blind who are stuck in partisan ideologies, and bringing out from the dungeon of division those who yearn for true cooperation. We pray to the Lord…
SECOND READING
Impartial Governance
That all elected officials may perceive that God shows no partiality, and in that spirit, may they transcend party lines to embrace open-mindedness, fearing God and acting uprightly in every decision so that they may truly represent and serve all citizens regardless of their political affiliation. We pray to the Lord…
The Work of Peace
That the word preached through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all, may inspire opposing parties to preach peace rather than discord, empowering them to go about doing good and healing the body politic from the oppression of polarization, knowing that God is with those who seek common ground. We pray to the Lord…
GOSPEL
Humility in Leadership
That leaders may imitate the humility of Jesus who came to the Jordan to be baptized, willing to set aside personal status to fulfill all righteousness, thereby showing that true strength is found in concession and compromise for the greater good of the nation rather than rigid adherence to power. We pray to the Lord…
The Spirit of Gentleness
That the heavens may be opened over our political discourse, allowing the Spirit of God to descend like a dove upon all legislators, softening hearts to replace hostility with the gentleness of the beloved Son, so that diverse parties may find they are well pleased in working together. We pray to the Lord…
WORLD PEACE
FIRST READING
The Bruised Reed
For the people of Venezuela who feel broken by instability and conflict, that they may find hope in the Servant who does not break the bruised reed or quench the smoldering wick, and that a true covenant of peace may be established to open eyes blinded by division. We pray to the Lord…
For Economic Cooperation Among Nations
That the tense trade relations between China and the West may be transformed, so that the wealth of nations and the abundance of the sea are not used as weapons of economic warfare, but are brought together like gold and frankincense to build a global community of mutual prosperity. We pray to the Lord…
SECOND READING
No Partiality in Justice
During this time of transition in Venezuela may the government understand that God shows no partiality, and may be moved to treat every citizen with equal dignity, ensuring that the good news of peace replaces the partiality of partisanship and that the Holy Spirit may anoint their lands with reconciliation. We pray to the Lord…
For a Stewardship of International Grace
That world leaders dealing with the crises in Ukraine and Eastern Europe may exercise a true stewardship of grace, realizing that the revelation of peace belongs to all people, and that no nation should be excluded from the dignity of being accounted as fellow heirs of a secure future. We pray to the Lord…
GOSPEL
The Descent of Peace
That the Spirit of God may descend like a dove upon Venezuela, marking the people not as enemies but as beloved sons and daughters in whom God is well pleased, and granting them the grace to live together in the light of divine favor. We pray to the Lord…
For Choosing Another Way in Geopolitics
For diplomats negotiating ceasefires in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, that having encountered the innocent victims of war, they may be warned against returning to old patterns of aggression and find the courage to depart for home by “another way” of dialogue and lasting reconciliation. We pray to the Lord…
For Those Facing Adversities
We pray for the victims of crime, that those who have suffered harm will recover from their trauma and not be trapped in bitterness. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for children with special needs, that they and their families will receive the support they need to lead truly fulfilling lives. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
SOURCE: Australian Catholics
For all who are discerning vocation choices, for those considering marriage, the single life, religious life, or ministry: that God will open them to greater self-understanding, inspire them to greater love, and strengthen them in their commitments
For all who have experienced violence: that God will heal their wounds and memories, free them from fear, and protect them from further harm
For a greater awareness of the deepest longings within our hearts: that we may recognize the hopes and dreams which God has placed in our hearts and allow God to lead us to their fulfillment
SOURCE: Sunday Website
Special Needs
Baptism of the Lord (A)
JOSH GROBAN (3:56) – “You Are Loved (Don’t Give Up)” by Josh Groban, from Awake.
As Jesus was affirmed by the Father at His baptism, may those facing challenges feel God’s presence and approval, empowering them to persevere.
The heavens were opened for [Jesus],
and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove
and coming upon him.
And a voice came from the heavens, saying,
“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
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 the Unborn: The Breath of God
That we may protect the most vulnerable among us, recognizing that God gives breath to the people upon the earth and spirit to those who walk in it, so that we may not break the bruised reed of unborn life but faithfully bring forth justice for every child waiting to be born. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Prisoners: Opening Blind Eyes
That those who support the death penalty may have their eyes opened to the dignity of every human life, and that we may work to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon of vengeance, remembering that the Lord has called us for the victory of justice, not the destruction of the sinner. We pray to the Lord…
SECOND READING
Prayer for Human Dignity: Lord of All
That our society may realize that God shows no partiality between the healthy and the sick, the young and the old, but that in every nation whoever fears him is acceptable, inspiring us to reject the culture of death and preach peace through Jesus Christ who is Lord of all life. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Purity: Healing Oppression
That those oppressed by the devil through the addiction of pornography may be healed and find freedom, and that our culture may turn away from exploitation to go about doing good, honoring the bodies of others as temples anointed with the Holy Spirit and power. We pray to the Lord…
GOSPEL
PPrayer for Truth: The Heavens Opened
That the heavens may be opened over our nation, revealing the truth that every life is a beloved son or daughter in whom God is well pleased, and that we may reject the lies that devalue life and instead permit the will of God to be fulfilled in all righteousness. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Conversion: Rising from the Water
That those who profit from the destruction of life may undergo a baptism of repentance, rising from the waters of error to see the Spirit of God descending like a dove, softening their hearts to cherish the sanctity of life from conception to natural death. We pray to the Lord…
The Local Community
We pray for families in all their rich diversity. May the festive season bring their members together in a spirit of joy and gratitude. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
SOURCE: Australian Catholics
For all who are discerning vocation choices, for those considering marriage, the single life, religious life, or ministry: that God will open them to greater self-understanding, inspire them to greater love, and strengthen them in their commitments
For a spirit of wonder: that our hearts may be filled with joy as we recognize God’s many gifts to us in our relationships, our opportunities, and our freedoms
SOURCE: Sunday Website
Local Community
Baptism of the Lord (A)
ARCHDIOCESE OF BRISBANE (2:50) – An introduction to Baptism for children undertaking the sacramental program of the Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane.
For all parents who are preparing for baptism of their child and for all who are newly baptized: that the Spirit of God will guide their growth in faith, wisdom, and holiness
The voice of the LORD is over the waters,
the LORD, over vast waters.
The voice of the LORD is mighty;
the voice of the LORD is majestic. d him homage.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
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 Parents: A Gentle Spirit
That parents may imitate the Lord’s chosen servant, not shouting or crying out in anger, but teaching their children with infinite patience; may they never break the bruised reed of a child’s spirit but faithfully bring forth justice and love within the home, grasping their little ones by the hand. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Families: A Light to Nations
That our families may recognize they are called in righteousness to be a covenant of the people and a light for the nations, opening the eyes of their neighbors to God’s love and freeing those bound in the darkness of loneliness through their shared witness of faith and hospitality. We pray to the Lord…
SECOND READING
Prayer for Children: Showing No Partiality
That our children may learn the truth that God shows no partiality, accepting one another and their peers with open hearts; may they fear God and act uprightly, understanding that in every nation and schoolyard, those who do what is right are acceptable and loved by the Father. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Households: Doing Good
That every household may be anointed with the Holy Spirit and power, going about doing good and healing the oppressions of modern life; may the word of peace preached by Jesus Christ reside in our homes, making them sanctuaries where God is truly with us in our daily lives. We pray to the Lord…
GOSPEL
Prayer for Affirmation: Beloved Children
That every child may hear the voice of the Father speaking over them, assuring them that they are beloved sons and daughters in whom God is well pleased; may this divine love empower them to grow in wisdom and grace, secure in the knowledge that the heavens are open to them. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Guidance: Fulfilling Righteousness
That parents and guardians may lead by humble example, just as Jesus sought to fulfill all righteousness at the Jordan; may they guide their families through the waters of life, allowing the Spirit of God to descend like a dove upon their homes and dwell within their hearts. We pray to the Lord…
SACRAMENTS
FIRST READING
Prayer for Forgiveness: The Dungeon Opened
That through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the Lord may grasp us by the hand and bring us out from the dungeon of our sins; may our eyes be opened to His mercy so that He does not break the bruised reed of our contrition but faithfully brings forth justice. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Confirmation: The Spirit Given
That those receiving Confirmation may be filled with the Spirit put upon them by the Creator who stretched out the heavens; may they be sent forth as a light for the nations, not crying out in anger, but establishing justice on the earth with the breath God gives them. We pray to the Lord…
SECOND READING
Prayer for Healing: Anointed with Power
That the sick and suffering may find comfort in the Anointing of the Sick, trusting in Jesus of Nazareth who was anointed with the Holy Spirit and power; may they be healed from the oppression of illness, knowing that God is with them and shows no partiality in His love. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Clergy: Preaching Peace
That bishops, priests, and deacons may faithfully preach peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all; having been chosen to witness to the people through Holy Orders, may they fear God and act uprightly, going about doing good and manifesting the anointed presence of Christ. We pray to the Lord…
GOSPEL
Prayer for Baptism: The Heavens Opened
That in the Sacrament of Baptism, the faithful may perceive the heavens opened and the Spirit of God descending like a dove upon the newly initiated; may they rise from the water to fulfill all righteousness, claiming their identity as beloved sons and daughters of the Father. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Eucharist: The Beloved Son
That as we receive the Eucharist, the very presence of the Beloved Son in whom the Father is well pleased, we may be strengthened to serve; may this holy mystery unite us to the divine will, just as Jesus submitted to the Father’s plan at the River Jordan. We pray to the Lord…
SUNDAY WEBSITE | AUSTRALIAN CATHOLICS | UN OBSERVANCES