Prayer Before An Election 

Lord God, as the election approaches,
we seek to better understand the issues and concerns that confront our city/state/country,
and how the Gospel compels us to respond as faithful citizens in our community.
We ask for eyes that are free from blindness
so that we might see each other as brothers and sisters,
one and equal in dignity,
especially those who are victims of abuse and violence, deceit and poverty.
We ask for ears that will hear the cries of children unborn and those abandoned,
Men and women oppressed because of race or creed, religion or gender.
We ask for minds and hearts that are open to hearing the voice of leaders who will bring us closer to your Kingdom.
We pray for discernment
so that we may choose leaders who hear your Word,
live your love,
and keep in the ways of your truth
as they follow in the steps of Jesus and his Apostles
and guide us to your Kingdom of justice and peace.
We ask this in the name of your Son Jesus Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

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Litany of Prayers for Priests

based on a Prayer for Priests by Richard Cardinal Cushing (1895-1970) 
Archbishop of Boston
<CLICK HERE>


Prayer For Charity In Truth 

Father, your truth is made known in your Word.
Guide us to seek the truth of the human person.
Teach us the way to love because you are Love.

Jesus, you embody Love and Truth.

Help us to recognize your face in the poor.

Enable us to live out our vocation to bring love and justice to your people.

Holy Spirit, you inspire us to transform our world.

Empower us to seek the common good for all persons.

Give us a spirit of solidarity and make us one human family.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

This prayer is based on Pope Benedict XVI's 2009 encyclical, Caritas in Veritate (Charity in Truth)

Prayer To Discern A Vocation 

Lord, there are so many things in my life that I do not understand, so many questions about the future that I need to ask.

What is Your plan for me?

What is the work You want me to do?

All I really know is that You love me.

Show me the road You want me to walk –
to fulfillment, to happiness, to holiness.

And if You are calling me to priesthood or to the religious life, give me the strength to say “yes”
and the grace to begin even now to prepare myself for the challenge of a life spent in Your service and in the care of Your people.

I ask You this in Jesus’ Name.

Amen.

Theodore Cardinal McCarrick
Archbishop Emeritus of Washington

Prayer During Difficult Economic Times 

Gracious God, 
We know that your love is infinite and that you care about all areas of our life. 

In this time of economic insecurity, help us to trust that all of our security is in you. 

Keep us mindful that you always have and always will provide for our needs.  

Apart from you we can do nothing. 

Merciful God,
We ask that you give our leaders the wisdom to guide our nation and the world out of the current economic crisis.  

Help us to protect the poor and all those who are struggling during this difficult time. 
Provide for their needs and give them hope. 
Open new opportunities for them and furnish the resources they need to live with dignity.  

Encourage those who have enough, to share essential resources with those who lack the necessities of life, and to do so with humble, grateful and loving hearts. 

We ask this through Christ, Our Lord.  Amen.