One another, Advent4A

December 21, 2025

Isaiah 7:10-14; Psalm 24 (23); Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-24

Brothers and sisters, as we joyfully await the glorious coming of the Christ, let us pray for the needs of the church, our community, and the world:

For the Church: that we, like Joseph, may wholeheartedly live our faith traditions and yet remain open to the mystery of God's unconventional work in our lives and in the world around us: let us pray to the Lord.

For the gift of wisdom: that like Mary, we may perceive the invitation of God in the strange and sometimes unreasonable situations into which God calls us: let us pray to the Lord.

For a deepening of faith: that through the mystery of Jesus becoming human, we may open ourselves to a fuller sharing in the divine life: let us pray to the Lord.

For all who are busily preparing for Christmas: that the Holy Spirit will help us to stay aware of whose life we celebrate and to show Christ’s love in all our interactions: let us pray to the Lord.

For renewed awareness: that we may honor the gift of life that God has given to each person and honor God by respecting everyone whom we encounter: let us pray to the Lord.

For freedom from judging others: that like Joseph, we may hold our judgments so that the work of God may unfold in the hearts and lives of those who are dear to us: let us pray to the Lord.

For all who are awaiting the birth of a child or who are new parents: that they may recognize God’s presence in their child and nurture the gift of life entrusted to their care: let us pray to the Lord.

For all who are having an unplanned pregnancy: that they may honor the gift of life entrusted to them and draw strength from God to love and nurture their child: let us pray to the Lord.

For all who are caught by consumerism: that God will free their minds and hearts so that they may hear God’s call and choose the greater good in their use of their time and resources: let us pray to the Lord.

For all who are away from home during these weeks: that God will guide, protect, and reunite missionaries, relief workers, members of the military, and healthcare providers with their families and loved ones in the New Year: let us pray to the Lord.

For all who are suffering for their faith, particularly Christians in the Middle East and East Africa: that God will heal those who have been wounded, give strength to those living their faith, and turn the hearts of oppressors toward coexistence: let us pray to the Lord.

For reconciliation within families: that in our celebrations of God being with us, we may forgive past hurts and strive to renew relationships in our families: let us pray to the Lord.

For all who will be traveling this week: that their journeys may be safe and their visits with friends and loved ones be renewing and refreshing: let us pray to the Lord.

For all who are burdened by poverty and for those who seek to assist them: that God will open new ways to meet their needs and bring them hope and courage: let us pray to the Lord.

For peace: that the coming of the Prince of Peace may bring healing and safety to those impacted by domestic violence, civil unrest, immigration issues, or warfare: let us pray to the Lord.

God of promise, you have given us a sign of your love through the gift of Jesus Christ, our Savior, who was promised from ages past. We believe as Joseph did the message of your presence whispered by an angel, and offer our prayers for your world, confident of your care and mercy for all creation. Amen.

References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2025dd, December 21). Fourth Sunday of Advent. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122125.cfm

-Cormier, J. (1995). Lord, Hear Our Prayer: Prayer of the Faithful for Sundays, Holy Days, and Ritual Masses.

One another, Advent3A

December 14, 2025

Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10; Psalm 146 (145); James 5:7-10; Matthew 11:2-11

Brothers and sisters, as we joyfully await the glorious coming of the Christ, let us pray for the needs of the church, our community, and the world:

For the Church: that we, who have been created in the image and likeness of God may always find joy through our relationship with Christ: let us pray to the Lord.

For a deeper knowledge and connection to Jesus: that Spirit will lead us into a fuller relationship and help us know and love Jesus more fully: let us pray to the Lord.

For a joyful spirit: that as we recognize the gift of our relationships and the many blessings that God has given us, our hearts may be grateful, and our spirits filled with joy: let us pray to the Lord.

For freedom of spirit: that God will free us from selfishness, prejudice, and fear so that we may be true sisters and brothers to one another: let us pray to the Lord.

For the growth of reverence: that God will open our eyes so that we may see the presence of God in one another and help us to listen attentively to each other: let us pray to the Lord.

For a renewal of the gift of the Holy Spirit: that God will stir up the Spirit that has been given to us so that we may announce the Good News, share hope, and offer compassionate care to those around us: let us pray to the Lord.

For a renewal of prayer: that we may recognize how God is communicating with us in every moment and allow our words and deeds to be a response to the love that God has shown us: let us pray to the Lord.

For all who are held captive, whether by economic situations, lack of education, or addiction: that God will free them and open new opportunities for life, growth, and wholeness: let us pray to the Lord.

For all searching for God: that the lights, hymns, and warm greetings of this season may be a doorway to finding God in all things and to recognizing that God is with us: let us pray to the Lord.

For all who must wait: that God's loving presence will give strength and hope to those who are in isolation, awaiting surgery or the birth of a child, or who are caring for the sick or dying: let us pray to the Lord.

For a new appreciation of the created world: that we may find God in all things that God has created and rejoice that God is close to us this day: let us pray to the Lord.

For all public officials: that God will move them to recognize and take action to address the needs of the poor, the homeless, the elderly, and children so that no one will be forgotten in our communities: let us pray to the Lord.

For all who are traveling: that God will guide their journey, keep them safe, and free them from delays: let us pray to the Lord.

For all who are suffering: that God will comfort the grieving, heal the sick, guide the homeless to safe places with warmth, provide food for the hungry, and safety to those fleeing violence: let us pray to the Lord.

For peace: that God will bring forth a new springtime of peace in every land, end the fighting in Ukraine and Sudan, maintain the ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, and turn darkness into light, pain into joy, and fear into hope:let us pray to the Lord.

God of joy and exultation, you strengthen what is weak; you enrich the poor and give hope to those who live in fear. Look upon our needs this day. Make us grateful for the good news of salvation and keep us faithful in your service until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives for ever and ever. Amen.

References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2025dc, December 14). Third Sunday of Advent. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121425.cfm

-Cormier, J. (1995). Lord, Hear Our Prayer: Prayer of the Faithful for Sundays, Holy Days, and Ritual Masses.

One another, Advent2A

December 07, 2025

Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72; Romans 15:4-9; Matthew 3:1-12

God of hope, you raised up John the baptizer as a herald who calls us to conversion. As we joyfully await the glorious coming of Christ, we pray to you for the needs of the church and the world:

For the Church: that God will give us the energy and desire to pursue conversion, advocate for justice and peace, and be heralds of God’s presence in our world: let us pray to the Lord.

For courage: that we may bear witness in both word and deed to Jesus, the savior, who brings life and hope to human hearts: let us pray to the Lord.

For all lost in the blindness of possessions or power: that God will awaken them to the beauty of relationships, the gift of each new day, and the love that brings life: let us pray to the Lord.

For openness of heart: that God will renew the gift of the Spirit within us and help us to be active and dynamic disciples: let us pray to the Lord.

For all Christians during this Advent season: that we turn from the wastelands of violence and deceit, and dedicate ourselves to promoting faithful, honest, and loving relationships: let us pray to the Lord.

For all who are searching: that God’s love and presence may be revealed to all who desire something more in life, particularly catechumens, youth, and those who have experienced trauma: let us pray to the Lord.

For all burdened by poverty: that God will raise our awareness of those who are in need around us and free us to respond generously with both our time and resources: let us pray to the Lord.

For students beginning their exams: that the Spirit will guide their preparations and help them to clearly manifest all that they have learned this semester: let us pray to the Lord.

For all suffering from the cold: that God will guide those who have no homes or who have no heat in their homes to places of warmth and safety during these harsh days: let us pray to the Lord.

For all who must be out in the cold: that God will preserve the health safety of public safety personnel as they assist others, sustain all who work outdoors, and help all who are traveling to arrive safely: let us pray to the Lord.

For all making healthcare decisions: that the Spirit will give insight to all making decisions about healthcare plans and guide legislatures in finding new ways to support the health needs of our society: let us pray to the Lord.

For the kidnapped children from Nigeria: that God will protect them, open a door for their safe return, and help their parents and families during these days of separation: let us pray to the Lord.

For Peace: that God will guide the negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, sustain the Ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, and preserve the peace in Venezuela: let us pray to the Lord.

Hear our humble prayer that we may serve you in holiness and faith and give voice to your presence among us until the day of the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2025cy, December 7). Second Sunday of Advent. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120725.cfm

-Cormier, J. (1995). Lord, Hear Our Prayer: Prayer of the Faithful for Sundays, Holy Days, and Ritual Masses.