23 July 2023 - 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time - prayers of the faithful

Introduction:  On the fourth Sunday of July, we celebrate a special Sunday for grandparents and the elderly as established by Pope Francis.  Our grandparents and the elderly provide a link between the younger generations and those generations who have passed away.  The kingdom of God is like a small mustard seed that can grow into a huge bush.  Today’s elders were once small mustard seeds themselves.  With the blessing of the Lord, our elders have persevered as they continue to help make present the kingdom of God.  We honor our grandparents and elders at Mass today  

Lord Jesus - you are the living word of God - Lord have mercy. 

Christ Jesus - you are the beloved son of the Father - Christ have mercy. 

Lord Jesus - you are our savior and our redeemer - Lord have mercy. 

Priest: In our prayers today, we call to mind our needs, the needs of our brothers and sisters, and the needs of the Church, confident that God who searches our hearts’ understanding will intercede on our behalf before the Father: 

1. For the Church: that in the same way the mustard seed grows in to a dwelling place for the birds of the sky, may we become a dwelling place where others can encounter God, we pray to the Lord. 

2. For our governmental leaders, that they will promote the dignity of all persons, especially the most vulnerable and those whose voices are not heard, we pray to the Lord. 

3. For judges, attorneys, and all who work in the legal system: that they may implement our laws with justice and mercy, with clemency and temperance, we pray to the Lord. 

4. For all of us, that we may be yeast in the world and in our community, that we may nurture and build up each other, we pray to the Lord. 

5. For healing for the sick and the shut-in.  For those who are struggling with addictions and mental illness.   For the repose of the souls of the faithful departed. We pray to the Lord. 

6. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts.  For our prayer intentions, spoken and unspoken.  We pray to the Lord. 

Priest: Merciful God, you give love and love to your children.  May we all bear fruit for your kingdom, spreading your love and grace to others.  Grant our fervent prayers through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever.  AMEN.