Prayers of the faithful - 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time - 30 October 2022

Introduction:  We come today to Mass as we encounter the Lord in his holy word and in the Eucharist.  As the Lord brought salvation to Zacchaeus and his house, may the Lord bring salvation to us all. 

Lord Jesus - you came to seek and save the lost, Lord have mercy. 

Christ Jesus - you are gracious and merciful, Christ have mercy. 

Lord Jesus - you bring salvation to those who place their trust in you, Lord have mercy. 

Priest: God, the creator of all, brings his life to his creation.   Let us be confident that God will hear our prayers today:

For the Church, that we bring joy and enthusiasm to our encounters with the Lord, and that we encounter the Lord in the least of our brothers and sisters, let us pray to the Lord. 

For those in government and in positions of authority may respect the dignity of human life from the moment of conception to the moment of natural death, especially in the formulation of laws and policies, let us pray to the Lord. 

For those who are unable to be in Mass with us today due to their health or due to life circumstances, and for those who bring the Eucharist to them, that God may bless them in the Body and Blood of Christ, let us pray to the Lord. 

That our community of faith may welcome visitors and those who are curious and searching in their faith, that we may help them recognize God’s presence with them, let us pray to the Lord. 

For our first responders, for the men and women serving in the military, for our medical professionals, for all who protect us in society, let us pray to the Lord.  

For the repose of the souls of the faithful departed, for their entry into eternal life, let us pray to the Lord. 

For the prayers that we hold in the silence of our hearts, for all of our intentions both spoken and unspoken, let us pray to the Lord.

Priest:  God of love and mercy, hear us as we call out to you, looking at our needs and the needs of our brothers and sisters, and respond to us according to your divine will.  We present these prayers through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever.  AMEN.