Universal Prayer suggestions for the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time – August 17, 2025

Joe Milner

For the Church: that we may be transformed by the fire of the Spirit into a dynamic community of faith and give witness to God’s abiding presence and action in the world

For this community of faith: that the Spirit will raise a sense of urgency within us to share God’s love and mercy with all who have no direction in life

For the grace of perseverance: that God will strengthen us in times of conflict and suffering so that we may remain faithful disciples

For all who speak the truth to power: that they may faithfully witness to the truth without succumbing to pride, self-centeredness, or being judgmental

For all who are suffering for their discipleship: that God give them strength, console them when they are rejected, and help them to respond with love and forgiveness

For a spirit of gratitude: that we may appreciate all the gifts that God has given us and become rich in those things that foster life and love

For courage: that the Spirit will empower and sustain us even when the fruits of our pursuit of the truth yield division and confusion

For families which are divided or in conflict: that God will help them to hear and understand one another and find ways to support each other on life’s journey

For all teachers and administrators as they prepare for the coming school year: that God will give them wisdom, patience and understanding for each of the students with whom they will work this year

For young people who are heading off to college, particularly those going away for the first time: that God will guide them as they adapt to being on their own and help them to make wise decisions and many new friends

For all who have been impacted by violence or abuse: that God will heal their wounded spirits and memories, help them find places of safety, and help restore a spirit of trust within them

For greater understanding of God’s creation: that God will guide us in understanding the interrelationships of our environment and help us be good stewards of creation

For all recovering from storms, floods, or wildfires: that God will comfort them in their loss, give them strength, and open the hearts of many to assist them

For all people impacted by warfare: that God will inspire peace talks, bring an end to violence and revenge, and restore safety and peace in all areas