23 February 2025 - prayers of the faithful - 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Introduction: In our world today, we unfortunately see a lot of disrespect for human life. Terrorism, mass shootings, abortion, and capital punishment go against the values of our Catholic faith. Every human life is precious in the eyes of God as every human life has the promise of resurrection and the heavenly image of Christ. As we celebrate Mass together today, let us thank God for all human life and the promise of the eternal life to come. 

Priest: Penitential Rite:

Lord Jesus - you heal the sins and divisions in our lives. 

Christ Jesus - you redeem us and restore us to holiness. 

Lord Jesus - you show compassion to those who place their trust in you. 

Priest: The Lord is kind and merciful. Let us have the confidence to offer our prayers to the Lord, knowing that we will be heard. 

1. For the worldwide Church, that we may be a model of mercy and understanding, reaching out to others in the world. We pray to the Lord. 

2. That nations in conflict may reconcile their differences and find ways to overcome their divisions. We pray to the Lord. 

3. We pray for our veterans, the men and women serving in the military, our first responders, and our medical professions. In thanksgiving for the ways they protect us and keep us safe. We pray to the Lord. 

4. In this Jubilee Year where we are called to be pilgrims of hope, may we sow seeds of forgiveness and work to resolve conflicts. We pray to the Lord. 

5. For the growth of faith in our lives. That the dying and rising of Christ be our foundation and inspire all our words, deeds, and desires. We pray to the Lord. 

6. That all of us may be generous in giving to our Diocese’s Catholic Service Appeal, strengthening the ministries of our Diocese that bring healing and wholeness to others. We pray to the Lord. 

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

Priest: Generous God, grant us the good things we present to you in our prayers and bless us with the resolve to imitate your generosity. We ask this through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. AMEN.