4 October 2026 - prayers of the faithful for the 26th Sunday of Ordinary Time CYCLE A

Introduction: We are reminded today in our readings that Jesus is the cornerstone of our Catholic faith and of our life of discipleship. In the month of October, we recognize Respect life month. We pray for the most vulnerable who are often rejected by society and by our leaders. We pray today for the unborn, the terminally ill, and inmates on death row. May we never forget that we are all made in the likeness and image of God.

Lord Jesus - you seek a harvest of justice. 

Christ Jesus - you lead us to everlasting peace. 

Lord Jesus - you are a humble servant. 

Priest: With faith and humility, let us bring our needs and the needs of our world before our merciful God. 


1. That all members of God's family in the Church may journey together in faith, unity, and humility. We pray to the Lord. 

2. That God may touch their hearts and minds of our world leaders, guiding them to justly address poverty, oppression, and global concerns. We pray to the Lord. 

3. For those struggling with addictions and mental health issues. For the lost and the abandoned. For those burdened by anxiety or chronic pain. For strength and love. We pray to the Lord. 

4. As we celebrate the feast of St Francis of Assisi this weekend, we pray for a greater care and concern for the earth and all living creatures. We pray to the Lord. 

5. For a greater love and respect for Christ’s true presence in the Eucharist. We pray to the Lord. 

6. That members of our parish community may follow Christ's example of selfless love in our words and our actions. We pray to the Lord. 

7. For the faithful departed. May our deceased loved one and family members be welcomed into the eternal peace and mercy of God's heavenly kingdom. We pray to the Lord. 

8. For Pope Leo’s October prayer intention. For the establishment and strengthening of mental health ministries throughout the Church. May we work together to overcome the stigma and discrimination faced by individuals with mental illnesses. We pray to the Lord.

9. As we honor Respect Life Sunday today, we pray that all of us may respect human life in our words and our actions from the moment of conception to the moment of natural death. We pray to the Lord. 

10. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts today. We pray to the Lord. 
Priest: Loving God, you hear the cries of your people. Receive these prayers we offer in trust. Grant us what we truly need. We make our prayers through Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. AMEN.