9 September 2025, St Peter Claver

23rd WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME - TUESDAY

Gospel: Luke 6:12–19

On this day of the Season of Creation, we ask for the intercession of St Peter Claver—“the slave of the slaves forever,” patron saint of African Americans and of enslaved peoples. We pray for the grace that God’s love may overcome all divisions: LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER or SAVE US, LORD, AND MAKE US ONE.

1. That the Church, rooted in prayer like Jesus on the mountain, may continue to proclaim the dignity of every person and build communities where no one is excluded. Let us pray to the Lord.

2. That government leaders and lawmakers may enact policies that reduce inequalities, promote justice, and ensure that no one is excluded because of race, class, or poverty, in the spirit of Sustainable Development Goal SDG 10. Let us pray to the Lord.

3. That, following the example of St Peter Claver, Christians may embrace the marginalized, defend the oppressed, and heal wounds of racism, slavery, and division. Let us pray to the Lord.

4. For all who are trapped in modern slavery—whether through human trafficking, forced labor, or the exploitation of migrant and domestic workers—that Christ the Liberator may break their chains, restore their dignity, and move society to protect them with justice and compassion. Let us pray to the Lord.

5. That science, technology, and innovation may be used for the common good. Bless the work of The UN Science, Technology and Innovation Forum to be held today, that its efforts may serve the poor, protect creation, and promote sustainable development. Let us pray to the Lord.

6. For all who have died, may Christ welcome them into the eternal freedom of His Kingdom. Let us pray to the Lord.

God of all peoples, you sent your Son to heal and to reconcile, gathering all into one family. Hear our prayers, and through the intercession of St Peter Claver, make us servants of one another and faithful stewards of your creation. 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.