Prayerful Concerns of Our Parish Community – 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

We offer these Prayers of the Faithful for the 16th Sunday of Ordinary Time, July 16-17, 2022, with the sincere hope that you find them helpful in some way as you consider your prayer life. Perhaps one, two, or all might be a point of reflection, and contemplation that leads to action.
Martha and Mary welcomed Jesus into their home; Abraham was blessed in his welcoming of strangers. Let our prayers and our actions be welcoming that we, too, may be blessed.
Lord, some of us see only our failures. Help us to experience a friendship with Jesus, his gentle knowledge and welcome to us. We pray to the Lord.
Lord, some of us may not be aware enough of the ways we are not welcoming to others or even you. Show us how to recognize the attitudes and actions that can block friendship and connection. We pray to the Lord.
Lord, it used to be said that sometimes people met angels sent by you when they welcomed strangers or people in need. Help us to look beyond our fears and open our hearts and doors to those people you send us. We pray to the Lord.
For the people in Ukraine whose suffering seems to be increasing, and for other brothers and sisters who are living in danger or persecution. For the United Nations and other world organizations working for peace and justice in our world. We pray to the Lord.
For our young people and young families, that they may see in Jesus a good way to live and that our community welcome them among us. We pray to the Lord.
For our loved ones who have died. May they recognize in your call to them complete welcome and a blessing greater than any that had known. At this liturgy we especially remember:
4:30 PM Adus O’Connell
7:30 AM For the People of the Parish both Living & Deceased
9:30 AM William & Michael Jennings
5:00 PM Katherine E. Noel
We pray to the Lord.
Lord, with Mary of Bethany we open our ears to hear your word; with Martha we open wide our hands to do your work. Bless those for whom we pray. Bless us with your presence.
Amen.