Prayers of the Faithful 2 September 2025, World Coconut Day

22nd WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME - TUESDAY

Gospel: Luke 4:31–37

Jesus, the Holy One of God, spoke with authority and freed the oppressed. On this World Coconut Day, as we celebrate the gifts of creation and the resilience of our farmers, let us ask him to make us true seeds of peace and hope. LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER or CHRIST, OUR HEALER, SET US FREE.

1. For the Church: That she may teach with courage the truth of the Gospel and witness to the care of creation, so that all may see in her life the seeds of God’s Kingdom. Let us pray to the Lord. 

2. For the world: That leaders of nations may work for justice and peace, protecting the earth’s resources and supporting farmers and communities who depend on crops like coconut for life and livelihood. Let us pray to the Lord.

3. For our farmers and workers: That those who till the land, especially coconut farmers, may find strength in their labor, fair value for their harvest, and the dignity of providing nourishment and livelihood for society. Let us pray to the Lord.

4. For the sick, the poor, and the vulnerable: That those weighed down by illness, poverty, or the effects of ecological destruction may be set free by Christ’s healing word and supported by our solidarity and compassion. Let us pray to the Lord.

5. For the faithful departed: That those who have sown the seeds of faith before us may now rest in God’s eternal harvest of life, joy, and peace. Let us pray to the Lord.

Loving Father, you make flowers bloom on the roadside and fruit grow from the soil of our labor. Bless our farmers and bless our communities, that we may live as true caretakers of creation and witnesses of your peace. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for Creation from Laudato Si’

All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures.
You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.
Pour out upon us the power of your love,

that we may protect life and beauty.
Fill us with peace, that we may live

as brothers and sisters, harming no one.
O God of the poor,

help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth, so precious in your eyes.
Bring healing to our lives,

that we may protect the world and not prey on it,
that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction.
Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain

at the expense of the poor and the earth.
Teach us to discover the worth of each thing,
to be filled with awe and contemplation,
to recognise that we are profoundly united
with every creature as we journey towards your infinite light.
We thank you for being with us each day.

Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle
for justice, love and peace.