30 July 2023 - prayers of the faithful - 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Introduction: God draws us today to be nourished by God’s word and by the Eucharist.  We may take our faith and the rituals of the Church for granted sometimes, but today’s Gospel remind us of the gifts we have been given by God.  Jesus gift of his body and blood, broken and shared for all of us, is a great treasure in our lives.  Let us gifts that God has given us, that we may treasure them 

Lord Jesus - you are the living word of God, you are the source of all that is good, Lord have mercy. 

Christ Jesus, you lead us to the joys of God’s kingdom, Christ have mercy. 

Lord Jesus, you are a just judge who will come in glory on the last day, Lord have mercy

Priest: Let us ask God to bless us in his abundance as we present our prayers for our needs, the needs of the Church, and the needs of the world: 

1. For the Church, that we may joyfully share the treasure of our faith with those who are searching for hope, peace, and meaning in life, we pray to the Lord. 

2. For the governmental leaders of the world, that they may exercise wisdom in the decisions they have to make, we pray to the Lord. 

3. For peace in our communities, for peace amongst the nations, for peace in our hearts.  We pray for those who are broken and conflicted, who cannot find peace in their lives.  We pray to the Lord. 

4. For those who have hurt us.  For those we have trouble forgiving.  For those who disagree with us.  For those who have abandoned us.  May we all be open to reconciliation and forgiveness in our lives and our relationships.  We pray to the Lord. 

5. That we may nurture an understanding heart.  May we treat others with kindness and mercy.  We pray to the Lord.  

6. For our children, our youth, and our families.  For safety and joy in their activities and as they start the new school year.  We pray to the Lord.  

7.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. 

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

Priest: God of wisdom, in your generosity you have blessed us.  As you promise the fulfillment of your kingdom, may we pursue the joy of Christ’s Gospel message in our lives.  We present our prayers to you through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever.  AMEN.