Pope Francis’s Monthly Intentions*
Readings for Sunday, January 24, 2021 – Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Priest: With open hearts and obedient ears attuned to the merciful, forgiving voice of God, let us offer our prayers.
Our response is: “Let us pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer.”
- That those who lead the church’s flock may guide the hearts of the faithful to everlasting life through the sacrament of reconciliation and forgiveness of sins.
- That our national and world leaders may receive guidance from the Holy Spirit and the true Shepherd so that they create policies that model mercy and forgiveness.
- That Christians who face persecution for practicing their faith may be consoled in their anguish and guided by Jesus’ perfect example of forgiveness.
- That God help us to overcome indifference and embrace and uphold the unconditional dignity of every human life, especially those who are most vulnerable and so often overlooked and disregarded.
- That we, along with our catechumens and candidates, may have the courage to wholeheartedly follow Jesus.
- For our Holy Father’s Intention for January – May the Lord give us the grace to live in full fellowship with our brothers and sisters of other religions, praying for one another, open to all.*
- For an end to the unrest throughout the world and for an end to violence everywhere.
- That more young people may respond to God’s promptings to serve others selflessly in ministry and in religious life.
- For an end to the unrest throughout the world and for an end to violence everywhere.
- For the sick, especially those with COVID-19, and for those whose names are listed in our church bulletin, and their caregivers.
- For those who have died and whose names are listed in this week’s church bulletin. May they celebrate everlasting life in Christ Jesus.
- For those prayers that we hold in the silence of our hearts.
During this pandemic:
- That God may give us the grace to show kindness in caring for one another as we remain challenged by COVID-19.
- That people everywhere receive the patience, vigilance, and understanding necessary to keep us safe during the current surge of COVID-19, even as we gratefully await the distribution of the vaccine.
- For the doctors and researchers working to find a vaccine and effective treatments.
- For all those who give of themselves so that others may be helped – doctor, nurse, healthcare worker, EMT, police officer, firefighter, grocer, trucker, store clerk, mail carrier, takeout cook, hospital and building cleaner, teacher, child care worker, mental health professional, and countless others. May they receive your protection as they serve.
- For those who have lost loved ones to the coronavirus: May God console them and grant them peace.
For our parish and diocese:
- For all who share in the ministry of this parish community, that they bring compassion and understanding to all those in need.
- That our parish will grow in faith, hope, and love through deeper devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the holy rosary.
- That our parish may grow in holiness through the graces of the Eucharist.
- For an increase of vocations to the priesthood and to consecrated life.
- That we may be trustworthy stewards of your abundant blessings and generally support the Annual Catholic Appeal.
Priest: Merciful Father, we come to you today, with these prayers and petitions. Grant us the grace and courage to radically forgive others as Jesus and your saints have modeled for us. Help us in our weakness to look to you for the strength we need each day. We ask all this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
