One another, 20C

August 17, 2025

Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10; Ps 40 (39); Hebrews 12:1-4; Luke 12:49-53

Friends in Christ, God invites us to hold the needs of our sisters and brothers as dear to us as our own needs. Loving our neighbors as ourselves, we offer our thanksgivings and our petitions on behalf of the church and the world:

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: let us pray to the Lord.

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: let us pray to the Lord.

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

For a renewed inspiration: that as we recall the witness and example of the women and men who have gone before us, we may be inspired to offer witness in our society to the Paschal mystery: let us pray to the Lord.

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: let us pray to the Lord.

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: let us pray to the Lord.

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: let us pray to the Lord.

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

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: let us pray to the Lord.

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: let us pray to the Lord.

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: let us pray to the Lord.

For all who work in public safety: that God will guide them in their service and protect them from all harm: let us pray to the Lord.

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: let us pray to the Lord.

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: let us pray to the Lord.

For all recovering from storms or floods: that God will comfort them in their loss, give them strength, and open the hearts of many to be generous to them: let us pray to the Lord.

Hear our prayers, God of power, and through the ministry of your Son free us from the grip of the tomb, that we may desire you as the fullness of life and proclaim your saving deeds to all the world. Amen.

References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2025bt, August 17). Twentieth Sunday in ordinary time. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081725.cfm

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