Prayers of the faithful - 5 November 2023 - 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time - Central Mississippi Correctional Facility

Introduction: We come today this weekend to praise and thank God and to celebrate the Eucharist as Jesus called us to do. We do all of this in a spirit of humility since all that we are and all that we have comes ultimately from God. We receive the Eucharist as Christ own body and blood, which he offers us so that we may have eternal life. In today’s Gospel, we are reminded that it is proper to humbly ourselves before the Lord, for we are called to serve, not to be served.  

Lord Jesus - you are our Savior whom we serve. 

Christ Jesus - you alone have the words of life. 

Lord Jesus - you lead us to healing and wholeness.  

Priest: Let us now humbly bring our needs and the needs of the world before the Lord, ready to answer God’s call to serve our neighbor:

1. That our Church leaders, by their example, help us to recognize God’s grace in their lives, we pray to the Lord. 

2. That those in positions of power, especially our governmental leaders, use their authority and fulfill their responsibilities with humility, we pray to the Lord. 

3. That we all may make the effort to carefully listen to God’s call, regardless of our status in life. May we all be open to that call, serving God and his people with courage and generosity.  We pray to the Lord. 

4. For those who care for the sick and dying, that they persevere in their service and be aware of the holiness of their work, we pray to the Lord. 

5. For those who struggle with depressions, mental illness, or addictions, for those who feel adrift or overwhelmed in life, that in God they may find peace, we pray to the Lord. 

6.  For our deceased family members and loved ones, for their entry into eternal life, we pray to the Lord. 

7. For healing of our illnesses and brokenness in body, mind, and spirit, we pray to the Lord.

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

Priest: Merciful God, with humble hearts, we ask that you bestow your blessings upon us.  May we share those blessings with our brothers and sisters. We make our prayers through your Son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever.  AMEN.