Prayers for the Week of March 1-March 7, 2009

For the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, and his intentions...

For priests and religious, and for a continued growth in vocations...

For those affected by winter weather and cold...

For those who need assistance in the way of food, shelter, clothing, or medical care...

For persecuted Christians throughout the world...

For the faithful departed, may their souls, through the mercy of God, rest in peace...

For an end to all abortion and euthanasia, and a flourishing of the culture of life...

For those oppressed by tyrannical governments...

For those affected by unemployment and economic turbulence...

For J., and all those suffering from health issues, may their suffering unite them with Christ...

For expectant mothers and fathers...

For all the intentions on the blogosphere...

For all the intentions we hold in our hearts...

Prayers for the week of February 22-February 28, 2009

For his Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, and his intentions...

For expectant mothers, may they know the joys of nurturing and bearing new life and look to Mary as an example of motherhood...

For expectant fathers, may they know the joys of fatherhood and look to Joseph as an example of fatherhood...

For Catholics and Christians everywhere, as we enter the holy season of Lent, may we turn our hearts and minds to the Lord, our paths to repentence, and renew ourselves as we travel through this spiritual desert to the glory of Christ's Passion and Resurrection...

For abused and neglected children, may they find loving homes and parents through the word and actions of people of faith...

For an end to all abortions and euthanasia and a flourishing of the Culture of Life...

For those afflicted with drug, alcohol, and other addictions, may they find healing and stregth to change their lives...

For those affected by severe seasonal weather...

For the elderly and infirm, may they find comfort and peace through communities of faith...

For those suffering from any emotional or physical distress, may their pains be united with the pain and suffering of Christ and offered up for the good of all...

For the faithful departed, may their souls, through the mercy of God, rest in peace...

For the American people, may we turn our focus back to Christ and away from fruitless avenues of hope and embrace the source and summit of all hope, Christ Jesus...

For all the intentions on the blogosphere...

For personal intentions...

Prayers for the Week of February 15-21, 2009

For Pope Benedict XVI and his intentions...

For those afflicted with diseases of the skin, may they know healing...

For persecuted Christians throughout the world, may their right to religious freedom be respected...

For the unemployed and those affected by economic downturn, may they find gainful employment and assistance from communities of faith...

For married couples, may their relationship be a reflection of Christ's love for His Church, and open to the miracle of life...

For all the faithful departed, may they be remembered in prayer and rest in the glory of our Risen Lord...

For those affected by natural disaster, may they find support and recovery from people of faith...

For J., and those afflicted with terminal illness, may they grow in unity with Christ through their suffering, and find grace in a happy death...

For vocations, may faithful men answer the call to serve Christ and His Church...

For personal intentions...

For all intentions throughout the blogosphere...

Prayers for the Week of February 8-14, 2009

For the Holy Father, Benedict XVI, and his intentions...

For the Catholic Church, that we may find the strength to be witnesses to Christ...

For the unborn, may they be protected as human beings and never denied the fundamental right to life...

For chastity, may our culture embrace God's plan for love, marriage, and our bodies...

For married couples, may they persevere and be a reflection of God's love for His Church...

For the poor, the unemployed, and those hit hardest by these economic struggles...

For those denied the freedom of speech and freedom of religious expression...

For persecuted Christians throughout the world...

For a just end to war...

For those affected by harsh winter weather, may the coming spring offer them hope and encouragement...

For the people of Australia, affected by horrible wildfires...

For J., G., and all who seek gainful employment...

For those who struggle to live out their faith...

For J., who is struggling with health issues, and for her family...

For personal intentions...

For all the intentions mentioned in the blogosphere...

Prayers for the Week of December 21-27, 2008

For the intentions of the Holy Father...

For Nick Thomm* and his family, and all who face life-threatening illness, may God extend His healing hand and provide them comfort and guidance...

For a flourishing of the Culture of Life, an end to all abortion, and a respect for the dignity of the human person - created in the image and likeness of God - from the moment of conception to natural death...

For J., and all who suffer from ALS, may she and her family find strength, comfort, and healing...

For Julie D.'s intentions, and for the souls of her friend and friend's children...

For "Mary", being induced this evening, and all expectant mothers and fathers, may the Holy Family be their inspiration and guide as parents...

For the poor and homeless, may we show them the mercy of Christ...

For those hit by difficult economic times, may they know support and love through our communities of faith...

For a new year, may we grow in faith and holiness in Christ...

For all the intentions on the blogosphere...

For all the intentions we hold in the silence of our hearts...



* Click here for information on the Thomm family, and to donate to help with mounting medical expenses.

Prayers for the Week of December 14-20, 2008

For the intentions of Pope Benedict XVI...

For a flourishing of the Culture of Life, may life be respected from conception to natural death and may the evils of abortion and euthanasia be replaced by an understanding of the true nature of humanity and our inherent dignity...

For president-elect Barack Obama, may he be moved to enshrine a culture of life, defend the freedom and dignity of peoples everywhere, and remain safe from terrorism and harm...

For our economy, may we learn the true value of money, spend wisely, and share our resources willingly with others out of love for Christ...

For the unemployed, may they find gainful, meaningful work...

For Fr. Neuhaus, and all living with cancer, may they find comfort, strength, and healing in Christ...

For the repose of the soul of Dorothy Martin, Young Mi Yoon, Rachel Yoon, Grace Yoon, & Suk Im Kim, Avery Cardinal Dulles, and all who have passed into eternal life, may God welcome them into His loving embrace...

For Stacey, and all discerning a call to conversion, may Christ call them home and support them on the path to faithful life in Him...

For all those persecuted for their faith, may religious freedom reign supreme and may our Judeo-Christian heritage be the foundation of our nation and our moral compass...

For the intentions of all in the blogosphere, and the intentions we hold in the silence of our hearts...

For personal intentions...

Please e-mail your intentions to oratefratres@yahoo.com

Prayers

For Dong Yun Yoon, who lost his wife, mother-in-law, and young daughters (ages 15 months and 2 months) when a fighter jet crashed into their home.

Lord, we ask you to welcome Mrs. Yoon, Grace, Rachel, and their Grandmother into your loving arms. Provide comfort for your son, Dong, and the family and friends who grieve. May his community be a source of support, and may your presence comfort them in these difficult times.

Prayers for the week of December 7 - 13, 2008

For the intentions of Pope Benedict XVI...

For president-elect Barack Obama, may he be moved to enshrine a culture of life, defend the freedom and dignity of peoples everywhere, and remain safe from terrorism and harm...

For our economy, may we learn the true value of money, spend wisely, and share our resources willingly with others out of love for Christ...

For the unemployed, may they find gainful, meaningful work...

For a flourishing of the Culture of Life, may life be respected from conception to natural death and may the evils of abortion and euthanasia be replaced by an understanding of the true nature of humanity and our inherent dignity...

For the victims of violent crime and terrorism, may Christians work to prevent crime and create a culture of peace, and may we know when to defend life and liberty from unjust aggressors...

For those affected by inclement weather, may they find shelter and comfort from people of faith; for those injured in weather-related accidents, may the find grace in their physical suffering and healing in their hearts and minds; for those killed in weather-related accidents, may Christ welcome them into His kingdom...

For Christians celebrating Advent, may we use this period of reflection, prayer, and preparation to create a permanent home for Christ in our hearts as we celebrate His birth and hope for His glorious return...

For D. & E., may their marriage be a blessing for their family and friends and may all married couples reflect the love and relationship of Christ and His Church, enduring all things in patience and love, and bringing new life into the world as parents...

For N. B. & her family, may they find healing and justice in difficult times...

For personal intentions...

For all the intentions we hold in the silence of our hearts, and for the intentions of all in the blogosphere...

Prayers for the week of November 30-December 6, 2008

For the intentions of Pope Benedict XVI...

For president-elect Barack Obama, may he be moved to enshrine a culture of life, defend the freedom and dignity of peoples everywhere, and remain safe from terrorism and harm...

For the people of Mumbai, and the victims of terrorism, may they know peace in death, may the survivors be comforted, and may the perpetrators of evil be brought to justice...

For our economy, may we learn the true value of money, spend wisely, and share our resources willingly with others out of love for Christ...

For the unemployed, may they find gainful, meaningful work...

For the emotionally and psychologically depressed and distressed, may they know the peace of Christ in their hearts and minds and find solace in communities of faith...

For persecuted Christians throughout the world, may God give them strength and fortitude to remain faithful in times of hardship and be glorified in heaven...

For religious freedom, may governments throughout the world respect the inherent rights of peoples to express their religious beliefs in public, and especially in political involvement, and protect religious persons from persecution, harassment, and unjust laws...

For an immediate end to abortion and a flourishing of the culture of life, may people everywhere respect their bodies and fertility, embrace life from conception to natural death, and may the rights of the unborn and women be protected with dignity, love, and assistance in times of crisis pregnancy...

For the disabled, the elderly, the infirm, the depressed, and all suffering with chronic or terminal illness, may they find dignity in their suffering, and a closer connection to Christ, and may our culture treat these people with respect, preserving and protecting their lives until natural death...

For persons dealing with addiction, may Christ strengthen them to defeat their addictions and may people of faith assist them in finding support and assistance to defeat addiction...

For missionaries both at home and abroad, may they be faithful witnesses to Christ, unafraid to speak the Truth of God's word and the works of Christ, and the teachings of the Christian faith...

For the victims of the priest sexual abuse scandal, may they find healing...

For the priests and bishops involved in the sexual abuse scandal, may they be brought to justice and repent of their sins...

For the Milwaukee Archdiocese and the Faith in Our Future campaign, may everyone involved prayerfully consider their contributions as they put forth time, talent, and treasure to ensure the continuation of the Catholic faith for generations to come...

For the protection of traditional marriage, may those caught in all sexual sin learn fully the beauty and dignity of God's design for our sexuality and live out that powerful, life-giving love in sacramental marriage...

For persons of other faith who face persecution for holding to traditional values and morality, may they find allies in Catholicism and Christianity who are willing to set aside theological differences for the sake of preserving religious freedom and morality...

For women persecuted and oppressed by terrorism and radical Islam, may they find freedom and peace in the protection of Christians...

For the repose of the soul of Leo Kitzke, Dorothy Leona Koretzky Martin, and for all the faithful departed, may they find peace and solace in spending eternity with Christ...

For the family and friends of the faithful departed, may they find comfort and healing in faith...

For the intentions of all in the blogosphere, may God hear the prayers they hold in the silence of their hearts...

For personal intentions...

Please feel free to e-mail any requests or intentions to oratefratres@yahoo.com.

Prayers for the Week of August 11-17, 2008

For the intentions of the Holy Father...

For an end to all abortion and a flourishing of the Culture of Life...

For the intentions in all the blogosphere...

Prayers for the Week of August 4-August 10, 2008

For the intentions of the Holy Father...

For an end to abortion and a flourishing of the Culture of Life...

For priests and all called to religious life...

For those facing threat from Tropical Storm Eduardo...

For all burdened by heat and extreme summer weather...

For a peaceful and successful Olympic Games...

For peace throughout the world...

For the hungry in the world...

For those who hate and despise the Church and her teachings...

For J., and all who seek gainful employment...

For personal intentions...

For all intentions in the blogosphere...

Prayers for the Week of July 28-August 3, 2008

For the intentions of the Holy Father...

For a conversion of souls...

For an end to all abortion and euthanasia, and for a flourishing of a Culture of Life...

For a respect for the disabled and their human dignity...

For an end to divorce and a strengthening of sacramental marriages...

For parents, may they find the strength to raise their children free from negative cultural influences...

For an increase in vocations...

For all intentions in the Christian blogosphere...

For J., and all who seek gainful employment...

For personal intentions....

Pray for PZ Myers Month

I'm extending this to a month of pray for all who hold Christ and His Church in contempt. Atheists, non-Catholics who despise or misunderstand the Church, and those who do not respect the Eucharist.

A special attention should be paid to Professor PZ Myers (Jimmy Akin has the details here), for his repentance and conversion.

The Month of Prayer begins Friday, August 1, and goes through until August 31. Pray the Rosary, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, novenas, observe fasts and abstinence and offer up sufferings for the conversion of souls to the One True Faith.

More details, including the original source of the idea, here.

Prayers for the Week of July 21-27, 2008

For the intentions of the Holy Father...

For a conversion of souls to the one True Faith...

For those who hate and despise the Catholic Church...

For atheists and those who reject God...

For those who lead others to sin, may they turn from their ways...

For an end to all abortion and a flourishing of the Culture of Life...

For all who suffer in hopelessness and despair...

For peace throughout the world...

For the flourishing of families and sacramental marriages...

For all intentions in the Christian blogosphere...

For J., and all who seek gainful employment...

For those looking for a place to call home...

For personal intentions...

Prayers for the Week of July 14-20, 2008

For the intentions of the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI...

For all attending World Youth Day in Australia...

For those who hate, persecute, harrass, and bear false witness against the Church...

For our young people and a deepening of their faith...

For the repose of the soul of Nancy S., for her husband and all her family who mourn her loss...

For those in California affected by wildfires, mudslides, and other disasters...

For an end to all abortion...

For the victims of abortion...

For peace throughout the world...

For persecuted Christians everywhere...

For those afflicted with addictions to drugs, alcohol, and other vices...

For the intentions of all in the Christian blogosphere...

For personal intentions, and thanksgiving for intentions filled...

Prayers for the Week of July 7 - 13, 2008

For the intentions of the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI...

For an end to all abortion, and a flourishing of the Culture of Life...

For our armed forces, and for their safety...

For those affected by the California wildfires, and for those battling the blaze...

For persecuted religious persons everywhere, and a rebirth of free speech and free religious expression...

For the intentions of all in the blogosphere...

For personal intentions...

Prayers for the Week of June 30 – July 6, 2008

For the intentions of the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI…

For an end to all abortion, and a flourishing of a Culture of Life…

For marriages, may husbands and wives live their vocation in accordance with God’s will…

For our youth, may they come to know Christ and God through the Catholic Church…

For vocations, and for priests, nuns, and those who carry out the work of Christ…

For Catholic apologists and evangelists, may we work tirelessly to defend and spread the One True Faith…

For victims of the Arizona helicopter crash, as well as their family and friends…

For Asia Leeshawn, as well as his family and friends…

For those facing tough economic times…

For genuine peace found through following Christ…

For the conversion of souls, especially those hostile to religion…

Prayers for Confirmands

Tomorrow we have the honor of attending our Diocese Confirmation Mass. Dave is doubly honored as he will be sponsoring Antonio for the Sacrament of Confirmation. I had the delight of meeting up with one of my acquaintances from high school - Michelle - who will also receive the Sacrament tomorrow.

We ask for prayers for Antonio, Michelle, and all who receive this Sacrament tomorrow and always. May it call to mind our Confirmation vows and instill in us a desire to pray for the gifts of the Holy Spirit and to live with the zeal and love expected of all Christians.

Prayer for the Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit, divine Consoler, I adore You as my true God, with God the Father and God the Son. I adore You and unite myself to the adoration You receive from the angels and saints.

I give You my heart and I offer my ardent thanksgiving for all the grace which You never cease to bestow on me.

O Giver of all supernatural gifts, who filled the soul of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, with such immense favors, I beg You to visit me with Your grace and Your love and to grant me the gift of holy fear, so that it may act on me as a check to prevent me from falling back into my past sins, for which I beg pardon.

Grant me the gift of piety, so that I may serve You for the future with increased fervor, follow with more promptness Your holy inspirations, and observe your divine precepts with greater fidelity.

Grant me the gift of knowledge, so that I may know the things of God and, enlightened by Your holy teaching, may walk, without deviation, in the path of eternal salvation.

Grant me the gift of fortitude, so that I may overcome courageously all the assaults of the devil, and all the dangers of this world which threaten the salvation of my soul.

Grant me the gift of counsel, so that I may choose what is more conducive to my spiritual advancement and may discover the wiles and snares of the tempter.

Grant me the gift of understanding, so that I may apprehend the divine mysteries and by contemplation of heavenly things detach my thoughts and affections from the vain things of this miserable world.

Grant me the gift of wisdom, so that I may rightly direct all my actions, referring them to God as my last end; so that, having loved Him and served Him in this life, I may have the happiness of possessing Him eternally in the next. Amen.

Prayers for the week of May 5-11

For the intentions of His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI...

For Bill Maher and all who despise the Church...

For the unborn, victims of abortion, victims of child abuse, and children who've died from neglect...

For Rick's mother, Rick, and his family...

For the people of Chile...

For the people of Myanmar...

For Americans affected by severe spring weather...

For those who help in times of crisis and natural disaster...

For those preparing for Confirmation and First Communion...

For those converting to the faith...

For couples discerning the vocation and Sacrament of Marriage...

For mothers and fathers...

For children...

For those who witness to the Truth and defend the Faith...

For students preparing for graduation...

Prayers for the Week of 4/21-4/27

For the Holy Father, as he travels back to Rome. May his time in America spark a return to orthodoxy and the teachings of the Church, as well as healing and reconciliation...

For the unborn, especially those who face the threat of abortion...

For all women, may they be inspired by the example of the Blessed Virgin and exalted...

For married couples, may they live in love and fidelity, welcoming children and striving to be an example to others through their vocation and the Sacrament of Matrimony...

For priests, religious, and an increase in vocations...

For peace throughout the world...

For a respect for the fundamental rights of life and religious freedom, may they be respected and sanctified above all other rights...

For J., P., G. and all who are seeking gainful employment...

For the intentions we hold in the silence of our hearts...

In thanksgiving for personal intentions answered...

For all the intentions of the community in the Catholic and Christian blogosphere...