We join Pope Francis as he asks us to pray for those who are persecuted for their religion,/ mindful of the Christians of Nigeria and China,/ for whom life is particularly difficult./ And for first world Christians who can sometimes be discontented complainers./ We pray to the Lord.
Wherever there are human beings, there is sin./ We pray for traffickers,/ abusers,/ exploiters,/ grifters,/ panderers,/ murderers,/ haters,/ liars and thieves./ And in humility,/may we know the darkness that may be found in our own hearts./ We pray to the Lord.
Much of California is in flames,/ while Gulf States have endured a devastating hurricane this week./ We pray for those who are suffering losses,/ or who are exhausted in their efforts to help./ We pray to the Lord.
In 213 countries,/ more than 24 million people have contracted coronavirus,/ and more than 825,000 have died./ We pray for the dead,/ for mourners/ and scientists,/ lab workers and medical staff./ Through this difficult time,/ may we learn to love other people rightly./ We pray to the Lord.
For the President of the United States and those in leadership around the world./ For those who seek public office./ We ask for leaders who are healers and community builders,/ freed of suspicion,/ dishonesty and greed./ We pray to the Lord.
We pray for the children of the world who have been failed by adults,/ who are waiting to be born,/ who are trapped,/ abandoned,/ un-educated,/ unwelcomed and unloved./ We pray to the Lord.
For ourselves and our families and friends,/ asking for gifts of health and safety,/ strength and hope in the challenges we face./ For anyone who has lost gratitude,/ who has given up,/ feeling cynical or depressed./ We pray to the Lord.
