Prayer for the World October 21, 2026
In This Time of Elections
Introduction: I invite us to unite in prayer today for all those who are voting, for our government and for healing of the divisions in our country. We also pray for the soul of our nation and for the strength and courage to recommit our hearts and hands to building a more perfect union.
Song: "Word of God," by Bernadette Farrell
Word of God, renew your people,
make us now your living sign.
Recreate us for your purpose
in this place and in this time.
Word of hope and word of healing,
make us now your living sign.
Recreate us for your purpose
in this place and in this time.
Word of peace and work of justice,
make us now your living sign.
Recreate us for your purpose
in this place and in this time.
With your cross of love upon us,
make us now your living sign.
Recreate us for your purpose
in this place and in this time.
God alone the pow’r we trust in,
make us now your living sign.
Recreate us for your purpose
in this place and in this time.
By our name you call us onward,
make us now your living sign.
Recreate us for your purpose
in this place and in this time.
Readings for Reflection:
The following is taken from the Introduction of the U.S. Bishops document on Faithful Citizenship: As a nation, we share many blessings and strengths, including a tradition of religious freedom and political participation. However, as a people, we face serious challenges that are both political and moral. This has always been so and as Catholics we are called to participate in public life in a manner consistent with the mission of our Lord, a mission he has called us to share. — Introduction of the U.S. Bishops Document on Faithful Citizenship
An authentic faith ... always involves a deep desire to change the world, to transmit other values, to leave this earth somehow better than we found it. We love this magnificent planet on which God has put us, and we love the human family which dwells here, with all its tragedies and struggles, its hopes and aspirations, its strengths and weaknesses. The earth is our common home and all of us are brothers and sisters. If indeed the just ordering of society and of the state is a central responsibility of politics," the Church " cannot and must not remain on the sidelines in the fight for justice." — Evangelii Gaudium, No. 183, Pope Francis
Silent prayer and Reflection
Intercessions: Our response: Hear us, O God.
For those who are voting, that they may be motivated by concern for the common good and for those who are most vulnerable, we pray: Hear us, O God.
For our Congress, that they may collaborate in working for all citizens, no matter their political party, and for the good of our planet, mindful especially of the most vulnerable among us, we pray: Hear us, O God.
For all the people affected by the recent school shooting, especially the families who have lost loved ones, we pray: Hear us, O God.
For all of us that we may strive to live together and respect one another as brothers and sisters, we pray. Hear us, O God.
Silent Prayer and Reflection
Closing Prayer: God, our loving Creator, we ask you to guide and protect our nation during this challenging time. Help us to respect others in all our conversations, even when we might not agree. Open the minds of our elected leaders to the great worth of every human life, especially the most vulnerable. Through the intercession of Mary, Our Lady of Victory, help each of us to heal the divisions among us for the good of all. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Song: "Word of God"