For Pope Francis,/ who this week celebrates both his 83rd birthday/ and his 50th anniversary of priest-ordination./ We pray for his safety and good health,/ asking that his ministry to the Church and the world would be fruitful./ We pray to the Lord.
It is Gaudate Sunday,/ may we find some inner cause for joy/ and not succumb to bitterness,/ cynicism and fear./ We pray to the Lord.
We pray for ourselves,/ but also for our families/ and those with us at Mass today./ For those who are alone at Christmas,/ or who are feeling confounded,/ angry or sad./ We pray to the Lord.
We pray for the Jewish people who celebrate Hanukkah this month,/ asking for an increase of light in our world,/ the end of wars,/ terrorism,/ planet destruction/ and the poverty which claims the lives of children./ We pray to the Lord.
The simple beauty of Christ's Bethlehem birth,/ stands in contrast to the imperial power of ancient Rome./ Grant that world leaders would be wise people of good conscience and clean heart./ We pray to the Lord.
We pray for the sick,/ those in hospitals and nursing homes./ For those who are wounded or broken by accident or disaster,/ asking for gifts of healing,/ consolation and enduring strength./ We pray to the Lord.
