At Ground Zero/ Pope Francis said the deep fountains of flowing water reflect the tears shed on September 11, 2001,/ but also the tears people cry around the world each day,/ caused by terrorism,/ war and destruction./ For those who weep/ to be comforted./ We pray to the Lord.
Today is the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi./ We ask for a new willingness to love and protect the earth/ and every living thing,/ God's great gift to us./ We pray to the Lord.
Our political climate is characterized by bitter divisions./ And if we cannot hope to work together well for the common good,/ can we at least hope by prayer to stop demonizing each other./We pray to the Lord.
We ask blessings for the peace-making work of the United Nations as it celebrates its seventieth anniversary./ We pray too for the healing of any part of our own lives where we feel disturbed,/ troubled or despairing./ We pray to the Lord.
We pray for the reform of prisoners around the world./ For the enlightening of consciences,/ the turning of hearts/ and growth in goodness./ We pray too for the healing of those who have been victimized by violence and crimes./ We pray to the Lord.
We pray for the many who are injured in wars: soldiers and civilians./ For the conversion of those who plan and execute terrorist attacks./ For refugees,/ the sick,/ the elderly and all the world's children./ We pray to the Lord.
And we pray for those who have died to enter God's promised life of light and peace/ where saints live in joy./ We pray to the Lord.
Our political climate is characterized by bitter divisions./ And if we cannot hope to work together well for the common good,/ can we at least hope by prayer to stop demonizing each other./We pray to the Lord.
We ask blessings for the peace-making work of the United Nations as it celebrates its seventieth anniversary./ We pray too for the healing of any part of our own lives where we feel disturbed,/ troubled or despairing./ We pray to the Lord.
We pray for the reform of prisoners around the world./ For the enlightening of consciences,/ the turning of hearts/ and growth in goodness./ We pray too for the healing of those who have been victimized by violence and crimes./ We pray to the Lord.
We pray for the many who are injured in wars: soldiers and civilians./ For the conversion of those who plan and execute terrorist attacks./ For refugees,/ the sick,/ the elderly and all the world's children./ We pray to the Lord.
And we pray for those who have died to enter God's promised life of light and peace/ where saints live in joy./ We pray to the Lord.
