20 July 2025 - prayers of the faithful - 16th Sunday in ordinary time

Introduction: We do not know when and how the Lord will come into our midst. He may come to us as a stranger or as someone in need. Perhaps we will encounter Jesus in a dream or in a quiet time of prayer. We encounter God today in a special way as we gather for Mass. We meet him in the assembly of the Body of Christ, in our fellow parishioners, and in the Eucharist. In our readings today, let us be reminded that in the many ways the Lord comes to us, we are to respond in attention and kindness. 

Priest - penitential rite

Lord Jesus - you are the holy one of God. 

Christ Jesus - you are the Lord of justice. 

Lord Jesus - you are the way that leads us to salvation. 

Priest: Let us now turn to the Lord with our needs, the needs of the Church, and the needs of our brothers and sisters. 

1. That we in the Church may take the time and make the effort to listen to God in the different ways he speaks to us, spending time with God in prayer and in worship. We pray to the Lord. 

2. That the nations of the world work toward peace and reconciliation. We pray for peace in the Middle East, in Ukraine, and in those communities and cities overtaken by crime and violence. We pray to the Lord. 

3. We pray that through works of charity and outreach that we may bring hope to the world in this jubilee year of hope. We pray to the Lord. 

4. For our farmers and gardeners. For a bountiful harvest from their labors. We pray to the Lord. 

5. That all of us as disciples of Christ may go out into the world and invite others to be a part of our faith. We pray to the Lord. 

6. That we may always a community of welcome and hospitality. We pray to the Lord. 

7. For those who are adversely affected by the summer’s heat. We pray to the Lord. 

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

Priest: Heavenly Father, we pray that we may always find a home in you. We ask that you grant the prayers we make today through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. AMEN.