3 September 2025, Pope St Gregory the Great

22nd WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME - WEDNESDAY

Gospel: Luke 4:38–44

Like the people who brought their sick and suffering to Jesus, the Divine Physician, we bring before our heavenly Father the needs of the Church, the world, and all creation: LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER or DIVINE PHYSICIAN, GIVE US PEACE.

1. That, following the example of St Gregory the Great, the Church may proclaim the Gospel with humility, serve as “the servant of the servants of God,” and devote her treasures to freeing the poor and vulnerable from every burden. Let us pray to the Lord.

2. That, like St Gregory who used the wealth of the Church to feed the poor and ransom captives, leaders may govern with compassion, ensuring that resources serve the common good. May they heed the call of Laudato Si’ to hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor. Let us pray to the Lord.

3. That, inspired by Laudato Si’ and by St Gregory’s witness of stewardship, we may recognize God’s presence in all things, care for the earth with reverence, and build a world where creation itself finds peace through justice. Let us pray to the Lord.

4. That those weighed down by illness, anxiety, or despair may find in Christ the sure anchor of hope, and may discover meaning and strength in their trials through the prayers of the Christian community. Let us pray to the Lord.

5. That the dead may share in the joy of Christ’s Resurrection, and that their loved ones may be consoled by God’s healing love. Let us pray to the Lord.

Almighty Father, St Gregory the Great said “God is within all things but not included; outside all things but not excluded. God is above all things but not beyond their reach.” Watch over your family, heal our wounds, and keep us in your care. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for Creation from Laudato Si’

This prayer by Pope Francis appeared at the end of his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si'. It is for all who believe in God who is the all-powerful Creator.

All powerful God,
you are present in the 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 your 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 recognize 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.