Prayers of the Faithful, General Intercessions, Petitions
Prayers of the Faithful, General Intercessions, Petitions
Prayers of the Faithful, General Intercessions, Petitions
March 8, 2026
March 29, 2026
Palm Sunday (A)
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The Church
For the Church: that we may strive to have the same mind as Christ as we offer our lives in loving service to others
For all Christians: that God will fill us with life and raise us up as we surrender ourselves to God and seek to do God’s will
For all who are suffering because of the Gospel: that God will sustain them, help them to give faithful witness to the Gospel, and make fruitful their witness in the hearts of others
SOURCE: Sunday Website
The Church
Palm Sunday (A)
VATICAN NEWS (1:26) – From St. Peter’s Square, Celebration of Palm Sunday and of the Passion of the Lord presided over by Pope Francis 24 March, 2024
Lord, on the Feast of the Annunciation which we will celebrate this Wednesday (March 25), we pray that our Lenten penance be transformed, leading us to say “yes” to Your saving mystery in every word and deed. As we recall the central moment of the Incarnation nine months before Christmas, help us to be a dwelling place where the Word becomes flesh and dwells among us today. We pray to the Lord.
The very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road,
while others cut branches from the trees
and strewed them on the road.
The crowds preceding him and those following
kept crying out and saying:
“Hosanna to the Son of David;
blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord;
hosanna in the highest.”
GOSPEL (PROCESSION WITH PALMS)
PEOPLE OF GOD
FIRST READING
For Pope Leo XIV
That the Lord God may continue to give Pope Leo XIV a well-trained tongue, so he may know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them. May his ear be opened morning after morning to hear God’s voice. We pray to the Lord…
For Bishops
That our bishops will set their faces like flint against the trials of this age and never rebel or turn back. May they trust completely that the Lord God is their help, knowing they will not be put to shame. We pray to the Lord…
For Priests and Deacons
That priests and deacons may humbly accept the buffets and spitting of an unbelieving world. Like the suffering servant, may they offer their hardships to God, serving their parishes with opened ears and obedient hearts. We pray to the Lord…
For the Religious and Consecrated
That those in consecrated life will draw strength from the prophet’s witness, knowing they are not disgraced when facing worldly rejection. May their daily devotion rouse the weary souls they encounter through their dedicated ministries. We pray to the Lord…
For the Laity in the Workplace
That lay men and women will boldly proclaim their faith without shielding their faces from the mockery of secular environments. May they work with confidence, trusting that the Lord God is their true help in all professional endeavors. We pray to the Lord…
SECOND READING
For Pope Leo XIV
That Pope Leo XIV may continuously model the humility of Christ, who emptied himself and took the form of a slave. May his pontificate lead the universal Church to bend every knee at the name of Jesus. We pray to the Lord…
For Bishops
That our bishops will not regard their authority as something to be grasped, but instead lead their dioceses with profound humility. May they embrace obedience to the Gospel, even when it demands sacrificing their own desires. We pray to the Lord…
For Priests and Deacons
That priests and deacons will conform their lives to Christ by humbling themselves before the people they serve. May their preaching and ministry inspire every tongue in their parishes to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. We pray to the Lord…
For the Religious and Consecrated
That consecrated religious will find joy in stripping away worldly attachments, mirroring Christ who came in human likeness. May their vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience testify to the supreme exaltation of God the Father. We pray to the Lord…
For the Laity in the Workplace
That lay Catholics will reject the temptation to grasp at corporate power or status, choosing instead to serve their colleagues in the form of a slave. May their ethical and humble labor bring glory to God the Father. We pray to the Lord…
GOSPEL
For Pope Leo XIV
That Pope Leo XIV will confidently lead the Church into the modern world, coming in the name of the Lord to a society that is shaken. May his guidance help all nations recognize Jesus as the true King. We pray to the Lord…
For Bishops
That our bishops will act with the prompt obedience of the disciples sent to Bethphage. Whenever the Master has need of them, may they immediately gather the faithful and prepare the way for Christ’s triumphant entry into our culture. We pray to the Lord…
For Priests and Deacons
That priests and deacons will willingly lay their cloaks on the road, offering their entire lives and vocations to honor the Son of David. May they lead the crowds preceding and following Christ in singing joyful Hosannas. We pray to the Lord…
For the Religious and Consecrated
That those in religious life will be like the large crowd cutting branches from the trees, striving to adorn the path of the Lord with their spiritual sacrifices. May their hidden lives of prayer continually bless Him who comes. We pray to the Lord…
For the Laity in the Workplace
That lay workers will enthusiastically spread their cloaks before the Lord in their offices and factories. When their secular colleagues ask “Who is this?”, may they boldly reply that He is Jesus the prophet and Savior. We pray to the Lord…
CHURCH UNITY
FIRST READING
For Unity Among All Christian Faiths
May the Lord God give all who confess Christ a well-trained tongue to speak words of peace that rouse the weary. Grant that we may open our ears morning after morning to hear His voice together, setting our faces like flint against the division that causes us shame before the world. We pray to the Lord…
For Peace Between Christians and Muslims
We pray for a spirit of mutual respect so that we do not turn back or rebel against the call to love our neighbor. May we find common ground in the help of the Lord God, trusting that those who seek Him with a sincere heart will not be put to shame. We pray to the Lord…
For Harmony Between Traditionalists and Progressives
Grant that we may not shield our faces from one another’s perspectives or offer buffets of insults within your Holy Church. Open our ears to the truth found in both tradition and renewal, so that together we may follow the Servant who was never disgraced because He trusted in God’s help. We pray to the Lord…
SECOND READING
For Unity Among All Christian Faiths
May all baptized believers follow Christ Jesus by not regarding their own interpretations as something to be grasped at the expense of charity. Help us to empty ourselves of pride so that every tongue may eventually confess together, in one voice, that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. We pray to the Lord…
For Peace Between Christians and Muslims
We pray for all who acknowledge the One God, that we may honor the humility of those who serve the poor in the form of a slave. May our shared desire to do God’s will lead us to a day when every knee shall bend in reverence to the Creator who is above every name. We pray to the Lord…
For Harmony Between Traditionalists and Progressives
That we may be of the same mind as Christ, humbling ourselves rather than grasping for power or influence over one another. Let us find unity in His obedience unto death on a cross, recognizing that our different expressions of faith are all intended to bring glory to God the Father. We pray to the Lord…
GOSPEL
For Unity Among All Christian Faiths
As we draw near to the heavenly Jerusalem, may all Christians join the large crowd in laying their cloaks of different traditions before the Son of David. Let our various voices blend into a single Hosanna, proclaiming with one heart that blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. We pray to the Lord…
For Peace Between Christians and Muslims
May the peace of the King who comes to us meek and riding on an ass settle upon the hearts of all who seek the way of the prophets. When our cities are shaken by tension, let our response be one of hospitality and mercy, recognizing that the Master has need of our shared commitment to peace. We pray to the Lord…
For Harmony Between Traditionalists and Progressives
That the entire Church, from those preceding to those following, may walk together in the procession of faith without discord. Whether we cut branches of new growth or spread the ancient cloaks of our fathers, let our common cry be Hosanna in the highest as we welcome Jesus into our midst. We pray to the Lord…
VOCATIONS
FIRST READING
For an Increase in the Priesthood
May the Lord God give our future priests a well-trained tongue so they may rouse the weary with the Word of Life. Grant that they may open their ears morning after morning to hear His call, never turning back or rebelling when the ministry demands sacrifice. We pray to the Lord…
For the Permanent Diaconate
That many men will offer their lives to the Church, setting their faces like flint against the distractions of the world to serve as deacons. May they trust that the Lord God is their help, sustaining them through every buffet and insult they face while ministering to the poor. We pray to the Lord…
For Religious Life
We pray for an abundance of vocations to the consecrated life, that many may follow the Servant who was not disgraced by worldly rejection. May their daily devotion to the Lord’s voice rouse those who are exhausted, showing that those who trust in God will never be put to shame. We pray to the Lord…
SECOND READING
For an Increase in the Priesthood
May young men follow Christ Jesus by not regarding worldly status as something to be grasped, but instead emptying themselves for the sake of the Gospel. Grant them the grace to take the form of a slave, becoming obedient to the Father’s call to serve at the altar of sacrifice. We pray to the Lord…
For the Permanent Diaconate
That the Lord may call humble servants to the diaconate who find joy in coming in human likeness to meet the needs of the suffering. May their hidden service lead many to bend the knee at the name of Jesus, confessing with every tongue that He is truly Lord. We pray to the Lord…
For Religious Life
We pray for those called to the religious life, that they may find their exaltation in the humility of the Cross. May their vows of poverty and obedience reflect the mind of Christ, who was greatly exalted by the Father for his selfless love and total gift of self. We pray to the Lord…
GOSPEL
For an Increase in the Priesthood
That many young men will act with the prompt obedience of the disciples, going immediately wherever the Master has need of them. May they lead the large crowd in proclaiming “Hosanna to the Son of David,” joyfully preparing the way for the King of Glory to enter our hearts. We pray to the Lord…
For the Permanent Diaconate
We pray for men to serve as deacons, coming in the name of the Lord with the meekness of the King who entered Jerusalem. May they be willing to lay their cloaks upon the road, offering their lives as a path for others to encounter Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth. We pray to the Lord…
For Religious Life
May the Lord inspire many to enter religious life, joining the preceding and following crowds who cry out “Hosanna in the highest.” Grant them the courage to be a sign that shakes our cities, boldly answering those who ask “Who is this?” by pointing always to the Savior. We pray to the Lord…
Governing Authorities and the Salvation of the World
For leaders of government and business: that through the example of Jesus, they may recognize how to be servant leaders and never forget the needs of the most vulnerable
For all who work in the legal system, for judges, attorneys, and juries: that they may always respect the dignity of both the injured and accused parties and work diligently to find the truth, abuse, addictions, violence, or disease.
For all who believe in the one God: that Christians, Jews, and Muslims may work together to end hunger, poverty, and abuse to that the one God may be honored by our care for one another
For peace: that God will open new awareness among all conflicting groups to the dignity of each person, inspire leaders with new ways to settle disputes, and protect the children and elderly from harm
SOURCE: Sunday Website
The World
Palm Sunday (A)
EWTN NEWS (13:05) – Pope Leo XIV’s calls for peace in Iran are becoming increasingly urgent as the conflict in the Middle East expands — former U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Francis Rooney and Vatican analyst Inés San Martín analyze the Holy Father’s diplomatic approach to the Iran War and how he’s choosing to engage with the United States.
For leaders of nations and those who bear grave responsibility in armed conflicts: That they may undergo a serious examination of conscience, turn away from violence, and recognize that true justice and stability can never be achieved through the killing of innocent civilians.
“He deserves to die!”
Then they spat in his face and struck him,
while some slapped him, saying,
“Prophesy for us, Christ: who is it that struck you?”
GOSPEL
CIVIL UNREST
FIRST READING
A Well-Trained Tongue for Civil Discourse
Grant our political leaders a well-trained tongue so they may know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them rather than divide. May they open their ears morning after morning to hear the needs of the marginalized, refusing to turn back from the path of constructive dialogue. We pray to the Lord…
Faces Set Like Flint Against Polarization
May those in public office set their faces like flint against the temptation of partisan bitterness and never rebel against the common good. Help them to endure the buffets of political criticism with grace, trusting that the Lord God is their help as they seek understanding with their opponents. We pray to the Lord…
SECOND READING
Emptying the Self of Partisan Pride
We pray that members of all political parties may have the same mind as Christ, not regarding their own power as something to be grasped. May they empty themselves of the need for dominance and take the form of a slave to the truth, promoting empathy for all citizens. We pray to the Lord…
Humble Obedience to the Truth
Grant that our legislators may find the humility to bend the knee before the moral law, putting aside ego for the sake of the nation. May their every tongue confess the dignity of every human person, working together in obedience to the truth that brings glory to God the Father. We pray to the Lord…
GOSPEL
The Meekness of the King in Governance
May our leaders emulate the King who comes to us meek and riding on an ass, rejecting the trappings of worldly arrogance. When our cities are shaken by political unrest, grant that those in authority may respond with the peace of the Son of David, fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect. We pray to the Lord…
Spreading Cloaks of Cooperation
That the various parties preceding and following the path of justice may lay down their cloaks of pride to prepare a way for peace. May they act with the prompt obedience of the disciples, recognizing that the Master has need of their cooperation to heal the divisions within our land. We pray to the Lord…
WORLD PEACE
FIRST READING
For Peace in Ukraine
Lord God, give the leaders involved in the conflict in Ukraine a well-trained tongue to speak words of peace to the weary and displaced. May their ears be opened morning after morning to hear the cries for justice, and may they never turn back from the path of true reconciliation. We pray to the Lord…
For the People of Venezuela
We pray for the citizens of Venezuela, that they may set their faces like flint against the trials of poverty and oppression. May they trust that the Lord God is their help, sustaining them through every buffet and insult as they strive for a society built on truth and freedom. We pray to the Lord…
For an End to War in the Middle East
That the nations of the Middle East and Iran may refuse to rebel against the call for mercy and cease the violence that causes many to be put to shame. May the Lord God open the ears of those in power to hear a word that will rouse the weary. We pray to the Lord…
For Protection Against Terrorism in the U.S.
That our domestic security forces may have their ears opened to the promptings of wisdom to protect the innocent from those who offer buffets of violence. May the Lord God be our help and shield us from the disgrace of fear, keeping our hearts resolute in the face of hidden threats. We pray to the Lord…
SECOND READING
For Peace in Ukraine
May the leaders of Russia and Ukraine have the same mind as Christ Jesus, not regarding territory or power as something to be grasped at the cost of human life. May they humble themselves to seek a peace that reflects the obedience of the Son of David for the common good. We pray to the Lord…
For the People of Venezuela
That the authorities in Venezuela may empty themselves of the desire for status and take the form of a slave to their suffering people. May every knee in that nation bend in reverence to the moral law, leading to a restoration of dignity that brings glory to God the Father. We pray to the Lord…
For an End to War in the Middle East
We pray that every tongue in the Middle East and Iran may confess the lordship of peace rather than the power of weapons. May those in human likeness who suffer from the cross of war find exaltation through the name that is above every name, ending all cycles of retaliation. We pray to the Lord…
For Protection Against Terrorism in the U.S.
That those tempted by the pride of terrorism may reject the urge to grasp power through destruction and instead humble themselves before the Creator. May our nation find safety in the name of Jesus, ensuring that our public squares are places where every tongue can safely speak of God’s glory. We pray to the Lord…
GOSPEL
For Peace in Ukraine
As the city of Jerusalem was shaken by the entry of the King, may the shaken cities of Ukraine find peace in Him who comes in the name of the Lord. May the world join the large crowd in laying down cloaks of pride to welcome a savior who brings true healing. We pray to the Lord…
For the People of Venezuela
That the leaders of Venezuela may act with the prompt obedience of the disciples, recognizing that the Master has need of their humility to serve the poor. May the crowds following the path of justice cry out Hosanna, welcoming a new era of peace and stability for their long-suffering land. We pray to the Lord…
For an End to War in the Middle East
May the King who comes to us meek and riding on an ass settle the ancient animosities between the nations of the Middle East and Iran. When the whole world is shaken by the threat of war, let us respond with a cry of Hosanna in the highest. We pray to the Lord…
For Protection Against Terrorism in the U.S.
We pray that the Master may protect our communities from those who precede and follow with intentions of harm. May we be like the large crowd that welcomes the Prophet from Nazareth into our streets, ensuring that our response to those who ask “Who is this?” is always one of peace. We pray to the Lord…
ENVIRONMENT
FIRST READING
An Opened Ear to the Cries of the Earth
Grant us an opened ear morning after morning to hear the voice of God calling us to protect His handiwork. May we never rebel or turn back from our duty to the environment, but instead use a well-trained tongue to speak for the weary and exploited lands. We pray to the Lord…
Faces Set Like Flint Against Waste
May we set our faces like flint against the temptation of corporate greed and the buffets of consumerism that destroy our natural resources. Help us to trust that the Lord God is our help as we courageously defend the integrity of the ecosystem from further disgrace. We pray to the Lord…
SECOND READING
Emptying Ourselves of Environmental Pride
We pray that all people may have the same mind as Christ, not regarding the earth’s resources as something to be grasped for selfish gain. May we empty ourselves of wasteful habits and take the form of a slave to the planet, serving the needs of future generations. We pray to the Lord…
Bending the Knee to the Creator
That every knee should bend in reverence for the beauty of the natural world created through the Word. May every tongue confess that Christ is Lord over all creation, leading us to an obedience that honors the Father by preserving the human likeness in a healthy, thriving world. We pray to the Lord…
GOSPEL
The Meekness of the King in Stewardship
May we welcome the King who comes to us meek and riding on an ass by respecting the humble creatures and beasts of burden in our care. When the whole world is shaken by climate change, let us respond with the prompt obedience of the disciples to restore God’s garden. We pray to the Lord…
Spreading Cloaks of Conservation
That the large crowds of the faithful may lay down their cloaks of indifference and cut branches of sustainable growth to honor the Son of David. May we join those preceding and following the Lord by protecting the trees and fields, shouting Hosanna through our active care for creation. We pray to the Lord…
For Those Facing Adversities
For all who have been condemned to death: that the Spirit of God will lead them to conversion and into a new life
For all who have experienced abandonment, betrayal, or rejection: that God’s Spirit will comfort them, help them to hold fast to the truth, and guide them to new communities
For all who are grieving: that God will comfort them, bring supportive people to accompany them, and fill their hearts with peace
SOURCE: Sunday Website
Special Needs
Palm Sunday (A)
For all who have been humiliated or unjustly accused: that God will give them strength, heal their pain, and help them find their value in being children of the Father
The governor said to them in reply,
“Which of the two do you want me to release to you?”
They answered, “Barabbas!”
Pilate said to them,
“Then what shall I do with Jesus called Christ?”
They all said,
“Let him be crucified!”
But he said,
“Why? What evil has he done?”
They only shouted the louder,
“Let him be crucified!”
GOSPEL
RESPECT FOR LIFE
FIRST READING
Prayer for the Unborn: The Well-Trained Tongue
Grant us, O Lord, a well-trained tongue so we may speak a word to rouse the weary who are pressured toward abortion. May our ears be opened morning after morning to hear the silent cry of the unborn, never turning back from our mission to defend their sacred right to life. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Prisoners: Faces Set Like Flint
We pray for those on death row, that society may set its face like flint against the culture of death and refuse to rebel against the dignity of the human person. May we trust that the Lord God is our help, seeking a justice that offers mercy instead of disgrace. We pray to the Lord…
SECOND READING
Prayer for Human Dignity: Emptying of Pride
May all people have the same mind as Christ Jesus, not regarding the lives of the vulnerable as something to be grasped or discarded for personal convenience. Help us to empty ourselves of the pride that fuels pornography and exploitation, taking instead the form of a slave to true love. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for the Culture of Life: Bending the Knee
That at the name of Jesus, every knee should bend in reverence for the gift of life from conception to natural death. May every tongue confess that Christ is Lord, leading our nation to an obedience that rejects the cross of assisted suicide and honors the Father’s divine plan for humanity. We pray to the Lord…
GOSPEL
Prayer for Mothers: The Meekness of the King
May the King who comes to us meek and riding on an ass inspire a spirit of gentle care for expectant mothers in crisis. When the whole city is shaken by the struggle between life and death, grant us the prompt obedience of the disciples to provide for those in need. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for the Vulnerable: Spreading Cloaks of Protection
That the large crowds of the faithful may lay down their cloaks of indifference to protect the elderly and the disabled. As we cry out Hosanna to the Son of David, let us cut branches of support to welcome every person as a blessing who comes in the name of the Lord. We pray to the Lord…
MARGINALIZED
FIRST READING
Prayer for the Homeless: The Well-Trained Tongue
May the Lord God give those without shelter a well-trained tongue to speak their needs and a word to rouse the weary who ignore them. Grant our community an opened ear morning after morning to hear the cries of the displaced, never turning back from our duty to the poor. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for the Hungry: Faces Set Like Flint
We pray for those who lack daily bread, that they may set their faces like flint against the trials of poverty and not be put to shame. May we trust that the Lord God is our help as we work together to feed the hungry and end the disgrace of want. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for the Marginalized: Refusal to Rebel
That those pushed to the edges of society may not rebel in despair but find solace in the Servant who suffered buffets and spitting for their sake. May our leaders have their ears opened to the truth, ensuring that no human being is disgraced or abandoned by the world. We pray to the Lord…
SECOND READING
Prayer for the Poor: Emptying of Pride
May we have the same mind as Christ Jesus, not regarding our wealth or status as something to be grasped while our brothers and sisters suffer. Help us to empty ourselves of greed and take the form of a slave to those who live in human likeness without basic necessities. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for the Vulnerable: Bending the Knee
That at the name of Jesus, every knee should bend in reverence for the dignity of the lowly and the forgotten. May every tongue confess that Christ is Lord by serving those who have been humbled by life, bringing glory to God the Father through our acts of mercy. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for the Oppressed: Obedience to Love
We pray for those trapped in cycles of systemic poverty, that they may find hope in the One who was greatly exalted after becoming obedient unto death. May our nation reject the temptation of power and instead find its true exaltation in the name that is above every name. We pray to the Lord…
GOSPEL
Prayer for the Homeless: The Meek King
May the King who comes to us meek and riding on an ass inspire us to welcome the homeless into our hearts and cities. When the whole world is shaken by the crisis of displacement, grant us the prompt obedience of the disciples to provide for the Master’s need in the poor. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for the Hungry: Spreading the Cloaks
That the large crowds of the faithful may lay down their cloaks of abundance to pave a way for those who have nothing. As we cry out Hosanna to the Son of David, let us cut branches of support to feed the hungry and honor the King who comes to save. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for the Marginalized: The Prophet’s Voice
We pray for the subjects of God’s kingdom, especially the children and the poor who precede us into the city of peace. When the crowds ask “Who is this?”, may our response be a life of service that reveals Jesus as the prophet and protector of the most vulnerable. We pray to the Lord…
ADDICTION & RECOVERY
FIRST READING
Prayer for the Addicted: The Well-Trained Tongue
Lord God, give those struggling with addiction a well-trained tongue to speak their need for help and a word to rouse the weary in their support groups. May their ears be opened morning after morning to hear Your call to sobriety, never turning back from the difficult path of healing. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Recovery: Faces Set Like Flint
We pray for those in recovery, that they may set their faces like flint against the temptation to use and not be put to shame by past relapses. May they trust that the Lord God is their help, sustaining them through the buffets of withdrawal and the insults of a judging world. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for the Families: Refusal to Rebel
That the families of the addicted may have their ears opened to the truth of this disease and not rebel in anger against their suffering loved ones. May they find the strength to offer their own hardships to God, knowing that those who trust in Him will not be disgraced. We pray to the Lord…
SECOND READING
Prayer for the Addicted: Emptying of Pride
May those trapped in the cycle of use have the same mind as Christ Jesus, not regarding their own will as something to be grasped. Help them to empty themselves of the pride that fuels secrecy and take the form of a slave to the truth that sets them free. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Recovery: Bending the Knee
That at the name of Jesus, every knee should bend in intercession for those seeking a new life in human likeness. May every tongue in recovery confess that Christ is Lord, finding their exaltation through a humble obedience to the Father that brings glory to God and peace to their souls. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for the Hopeless: Obedience to Life
We pray for those who feel defined by their cross of addiction, that they may find hope in the One who was greatly exalted after being obedient unto death. May they recognize that the name of Jesus is above every craving, leading them out of the darkness and into His light. We pray to the Lord…
GOSPEL
Prayer for the Addicted: The Meek King
May the King who comes to us meek and riding on an ass bring peace to the hearts of those shaken by the chaos of addiction. Grant them the prompt obedience of the disciples to follow the Master’s call toward a new life of sobriety and spiritual healing. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Recovery: Spreading the Cloaks
That those in recovery may join the large crowd in laying down their cloaks of past shame to prepare a way for the Lord’s mercy. As they cry out Hosanna to the Son of David, let them cut branches of support from their communities to sustain their journey. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for the Hopeless: The Prophet’s Entry
We pray for those preceding us in the struggle for life, that they may find the Son of David entering the dark cities of their hearts. When the world asks “Who is this?”, may their transformed lives boldly reply that Jesus is the prophet who saves and restores the weary. We pray to the Lord…
The Local Community
For the Elect and the Candidates for Full Communion: that they may enter more deeply into the mystery of God’s unconditional love through the celebrations of Holy Week
For courage: that God’s love will sustain us in times of suffering and rejection, and help us to trust in God’s providence each day
For the grace to forgive: that we may have the courage to forgive freely all who injure us just as God has forgiven us
For all who have died: that they may be united with Christ and live forever in the peace and joy of God’s presence
SOURCE: Sunday Website
Local Community
Palm Sunday (A)
EWTN (6:45)
For this gathered community, as we embark on this “Journey Through Christ’s Passion & Resurrection”; that the Holy Spirit may open our hearts to understand the profound “Symbols, Gestures, & Meaning of Salvation” presented to us in these coming days. Let us pray to the Lord.
While they were eating,
Jesus took bread, said the blessing,
broke it, and giving it to his disciples said,
“Take and eat; this is my body.”
Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying,
“Drink from it, all of you,
for this is my blood of the covenant,
which will be shed on behalf of many
for the forgiveness of sins.
THE PASSION
GATHERED ASSEMBLY
FIRST READING
PPrayer for Holiness: New Life
Lord, we pray that You would open the graves of our spiritual indifference and breathe Your Spirit into this assembly. May we no longer be like dry bones, but rise up as a living people, settled in Your grace and confident that the Lord has spoken and will act in our lives. We pray to the Lord.
Prayer for Charity: Promised Land
For this community, that we may never feel cut off from one another or from Your love. May the Spirit of God put life within us so that we may serve our neighbors with a renewed heart, witnessing to the truth that the Lord restores all things and leads us to His peace. We pray to the Lord.
SECOND READING
Prayer for Prayer: Indwelling Spirit
We pray for our assembly, that we may not live according to the flesh but in the Spirit of God who dwells within us. May our communal prayer be a testament that our spirits are alive because of righteousness, trusting in the One who gives life to our mortal bodies through His Spirit. We pray to the Lord.
Prayer for Growth: Spirit of Christ
For all of us gathered here, that we may belong more fully to Christ by putting to death the works of the flesh. May the Spirit of the One who raised Jesus from the dead guide our growth in holiness, transforming our assembly into a temple where God’s life-giving Spirit truly dwells. We pray to the Lord.
GOSPEL
Prayer for Following: Christ’s Command
Lord, help our assembly to hear Your voice calling us to come out from the darkness of our sins. May we have the courage to roll away the stones of pride that keep us from the glory of God, following Your command to walk as children of the Resurrection and the Life. We pray to the Lord.
Prayer for Service: Untying Others
For our parish family, that we may believe in the Son of God and see His glory revealed in our midst. Grant us the grace to help untie those bound by sorrow or burial bands of sin, letting them go free as we live out Christ’s command to love one another. We pray to the Lord.
FAMILIES
FIRST READING
Prayer for Families: New Life
Lord, we pray that You would open the graves of division and hardship within our domestic churches. May Your Spirit enter our homes to breathe new life into weary relationships, so that every family may be settled in Your peace and know that the Lord has spoken and will surely act. We pray to the Lord.
Prayer for Children: Promised Land
For our children and youth, that they may never feel cut off from Your love or like dry bones in a desert of doubt. Put Your Spirit within them, O Lord, that they may rise up with hope and walk toward the land of the living according to Your divine promise. We pray to the Lord.
SECOND READING
PPrayer for Parents: Indwelling Spirit
We pray for parents, that they may lead their children not according to the flesh but in the Spirit of God who dwells within them. May their spirits be alive because of righteousness, showing their families that the Spirit of the One who raised Jesus gives life to our mortal bodies. We pray to the Lord.
Prayer for Households: Life and Peace
For all households, that the Spirit of Christ may be the foundation of their shared life. May every family member put to death the works of the flesh that cause conflict, finding instead the peace and holiness that comes from the Spirit of God dwelling in their hearts and homes. We pray to the Lord.
GOSPEL
Prayer for Youth: Coming Out
Lord, we pray for our young people, that they may hear Your voice calling them to come out from the darkness of worldly tombs. Roll away the stones of fear and peer pressure, that they may believe in You as the Resurrection and the Life and see the glory of God. We pray to the Lord.
Prayer for Brokenness: Untying the Bound
For families mourning the death of a loved one or the loss of a relationship, that they may know the weeping Jesus is with them. Command the burial bands of grief to be untied, letting them go free into the light of the Resurrection and the hope of the Son of God. We pray to the Lord.
SACRAMENTS
FIRST READING
Prayer for Baptism: New Life
Lord, we pray that through the waters of Baptism, You would open the graves of our old selves and breathe Your Spirit into our dry bones. May this sacrament settle us in the land of Your grace, as we recognize that the Lord has spoken and acts to bring us out of the death of sin into the light of Your promise. We pray to the Lord.
Prayer for Confirmation: Promised Spirit
We pray for a deepening appreciation of Confirmation, that Your Spirit may enter the hearts of the baptized to give them new life. May this anointing rise us up from the graves of fear and doubt, empowering us to be witnesses who know that the Lord has put His Spirit within us that we may truly live. We pray to the Lord.
SECOND READING
Prayer for Eucharist: Indwelling Spirit
We pray that through the Eucharist, we may experience the Spirit of God dwelling within us, leading us to live not in the flesh but in the Spirit of Christ. May our participation in this holy banquet remind us that the One who raised Jesus from the dead will also give life to our mortal bodies through His indwelling presence. We pray to the Lord.
Prayer for Matrimony: Spirit of Righteousness
For those called to the sacrament of Matrimony, that their union may be a sign of the spirit alive because of righteousness. May they put to death the works of the flesh and find strength in the Spirit of the One who raised Jesus, showing the world the enduring life and peace that comes from a life belonging to Christ. We pray to the Lord.
GOSPEL
Prayer for Reconciliation: Untying the Bound
Lord, we pray for a renewed understanding of the sacrament of Reconciliation, where You call us to come out from the tomb of our sins. May the words of absolution roll away the stone of our guilt and untie the burial bands of our past, setting us free to walk in the glory of God. We pray to the Lord.
Prayer for Anointing: Resurrection and Life
For all who receive the Anointing of the Sick, that they may believe that Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life even in their suffering. May this sacrament bring hope to those who weep and reveal the glory of the Son of God, who commands us to rise and trust in the life that overcomes the shadow of the tomb. We pray to the Lord.
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