These ideas are designed to be starting points for the prayers of a particular community of faith.

Joe Milner

For the Church: that we may recognize the voice of the Lord in our lives, distinguish it from the many other sounds which demand our time and attention, and follow the invitations of Jesus to a fuller life

For all who have shepherded us, particularly parents, pastors, teachers, and mentors: that God will continue to work through them and guide them in helping others may grow

For all who preach amidst opposition and peril: that God will embolden their hearts, empower their words, and inspire them in announcing God’s mercy and unbounded love

For freedom from fear: that we may rely upon the Spirit’s strength as we face challenges and negative messages in our work and society

For all the newly baptized: that they may enter more fully into the life of the parish, share in its mission, and help all of us to be renewed

For the grace to share our gifts: that we may place our gifts at the service of others for God’s glory even if they are not accepted

For healing of the divisions in the human family: that God will heal the wounds of racism and ethnic discrimination so that there may be one crowd of people from every land offering praise and worship to God with a common voice

For all who serve in pastoral ministry: that God will guide them in the service of the community, help them to follow Jesus more closely, and continually renew their strength and energy

For all who are discerning a call to pastoral ministry: that they will hear God’s invitation to share in nurturing and guiding the faith community and respond with generous hearts

For all mothers and those who have been like a mother to us: that God will bless and strengthen them and inspire us to greater love by their witness of love and concern

For students, as they complete the semester:  that God will give them strength, guide them as they study for exams and write papers, and help them to recall what they have learned

For inspiration: that the Holy Spirit will guide the administration and Congress as they seek ways to resolve the issues around immigration and that Gospel may open new ways to help all who must flee their homes

For greater care of earth's resources:  that God will move hearts to greater awareness of the fragility of the air and freshwater so that they may be preserved for our children and grandchildren

 For peacemakers: that the Holy Spirit will inspire all who are working to end violent conflicts, open avenues for the safe moments of the vulnerable, and help everyone to recognize the dignity of every human life

 For all who have died, particularly our mothers:  that they may experience the love of the Good Shepherd and join the great multitude of holy ones rejoicing in God's presence