Prayer Requests

A reader writes:

It occurred to me at Mass today that some people who could definitely use some prayers are Bowe Bergdahl and his parents. Regardless of what he might or might not have done (I think he is entitled to a presumption of innocence at the very least), they are enduring a nation’s and perhaps a whole culture’s hatred, and there is something dreadfully like scapegoating going on here. I would be grateful if you would ask your other readers to pray for him and his parents.

Father, hear our prayer that these people would be seen as persons and not used as soccer balls and punching bags for taking out political rages and ideological hatreds on a scapegoats.  If crimes have been committed then let justice be done impartially.  If not, let them live out their lives in peace.  We ask this through Christ our Lord. Mother Mary, pray for them. Amen.

Another reader writes:

The following is a rough translation of a message received today from a Dominican who in a convent in Mosul:

Bad news.  I write you in a critical and apocalyptic situation of violence in Mosul.  Most of the inhabitants of the city have already abandoned their houses and fled into the villages and are sleeping in the open without anything to eat or drink.  Many thousands of armed men from the Islamic Groups of Da’ash have attacked the city of Mosul for the last two days. They have assassinated adults and children.  The bodies have been left in the streets and in the houses by the hundreds, without pity.  The regular forces and the army have also fled the city, along with the governor.  In the mosques, they cry “Allah Akbar, long live the Islamic State.”  Qaraqosh is overflowing with refugees of all kinds, without food or lodging.  The check points and the Kurdish forces are blocking innumerable refugees from entering Kurdistan.  What we are living and what we have seen over the last two days is horrible and catastrophic.  The priory of Mar Behnam and other churches fell into the hands of the rebels this morning. . . . and now they have come here and entered Qaraqosh five minutes ago, and we are now surrounded and threatened with death . . . . pray for us. I’m sorry that I can’t continue . . . They are not far from our convent . . . .

Don’t reply. . . .

Father, hear our prayer for these people, for all the Christians of Iraq, and for all Iraqis caught up as victims and perpetrators of violent fanaticism.  Bring peace to Iraq by the blood of your cross, Lord Jesus.  And forgive us–and me–for ever having supported the war we made that led to this.  St. Michael the Archangel, defend them in battle.  Mother Mary, pray for them!  We ask this through Christ our Lord.  Amen!

Another reader writes:

I wrote to you awhile back for prayers for my pregnancy. I had a healthy baby girl on the 11th. She was 7 lbs and nothing is wrong with her. Can i ask for prayers for her continued good health and also for me? I had a 3rd degree tear and two other tears during birth and i have been in a lot of pain. Its affecting my bladder and that’s the reason i haven’t been discharged yet. I really need prayers for this and for healing. I named her Selena. Her father still doesn’t want to be involved. I’m praying and hoping he changes his mind and heart. I hope you are doing well. God bless you and your family.

Father, thank you for beautiful Selena!  We ask that would grant my reader swift healing in body, soul, and spirit and that you would move her father to embrace his family in love, take responsibility and rejoin the family he has helped make.  Thank you that my reader has courageously chosen the way of love and life for her child.  Reward and bless her for that.  Do all to the glory of your Name, Father.  Mother Mary, pray for them.  We ask this through Christ our Lord.