Prayers of the Faithful 4 September 2025, Save the Koala Month

Photo taken by Francisca Bustamante at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Brisbane Australia 

22nd WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME - THURSDAY

Gospel: Luke 5:1–11

When Jesus said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch,” he revealed the abundance of God’s grace. Today, as we celebrate "Save the Koala Month," we are reminded that all creation is part of God’s gift, entrusted to our care. With trust in His providence, let us now raise our prayers with confidence: LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER or DIVINE MASTER, HELP US TO LAUNCH INTO THE DEEP.

1. That the Holy Father, bishops, priests, religious, and all the faithful may persevere in being “fishers of people,” courageously bringing the Good News into the deep waters of today’s world. Let us pray to the Lord.

2. That fishermen, seafarers, and coastal communities may be protected from harm, blessed in their work, and guided to respect the bounty of the oceans as a sacred trust. Let us pray to the Lord.

3. That like Simon Peter, we may trust the Lord even when weary or doubtful, and joyfully bear witness to unbelievers of the hope found in following Jesus. Let us pray to the Lord.

4. May we recognize the beauty and value of God’s creatures, especially the koalas—endemic to Australia and officially classified as an endangered species in 2022. May we be moved to protect them and all endangered species whose survival is threatened by habitat loss. Let us pray to the Lord.

5. That those who have gone before us may share in the eternal joy of Christ, who calls all into the fullness of life. Let us pray to the Lord.

Lord of the deep, in your Son Jesus you reveal both the abundance of your grace and the mission to care for people and creation. Inspire us to be faithful stewards of the earth, to protect the forests and habitats that sustain life, and to walk gently with all creatures of your making. 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.