Prayers of the Faithful 6 September 2025, International Vulture Awareness Day or Our Lady on Saturday

https://www.littledayout.com/international-vulture-awareness-day-special-edition-show-jurong-bird-park/

22nd WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME - SATURDAY

Gospel: Luke 6:1–5

Jesus teaches us that God’s law is always at the service of life and everything that has breath. On this International Vulture Awareness Day, we are reminded that even creatures often misunderstood or feared have their place in God’s plan and play an essential role in creation. Trusting in the God of life, let us bring our prayers before Him: LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER or LET YOUR WORD SAVE US, O LORD.

1. That Christians may see God’s commandments as gifts of freedom, guiding us away from sin and opening us to the fullness of life in Christ. Let us pray to the Lord.

2. That those in government and law enforcement may promote justice and mercy, ensuring that laws serve the true good of people and not rigid legalism. Let us pray to the Lord.

3. That in worshipping the God we cannot see, we may not neglect our brothers and sisters in need whom we do see—feeding the hungry, caring for the neglected, and defending the vulnerable. Let us pray to the Lord.

4. In Scripture, a gathering of vultures can symbolize God’s judgment and a diseased spiritual condition, reminding us of the cost of sin. Yet in creation, vultures are nature’s cleaners, ecosystem guardians, flying giants, and devoted parents—essential for preventing disease and maintaining balance. May we learn to protect them and, in doing so, honor the wisdom of God’s creation. Let us pray to the Lord.

5. That those burdened in body, mind, or spirit may experience the healing and compassion of Christ. Let us pray to the Lord.

6. That the dead may now rest in the eternal Sabbath of God’s presence. Let us pray to the Lord.

Lord God, you sent your Son Jesus to reveal that your law is made for life and not for destruction. May your Word free us from fear, renew us in hope, and move us to care for one another and for all creation—especially the often-misunderstood creatures who quietly keep the earth in balance. 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.