Call to Payer

Ecclesiastes 4:1
Again, I saw all the oppressions that are practiced under the sun. Look, the tears of the oppressed — with no one to comfort them!

Reflection
When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping." To this day, especially in times of "disaster," I remember my mother's words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world. - Fred Rogers

Every day humanitarian aid workers help millions of people around the world, regardless of who they are and where they are. World Humanitarian Day pays tribute to the men and women who risk their lives in service to others and raises awareness and support for those affected by crises around the world. Scripture tells us there is no greater love than to lay down one's life for a friend (John 15:13). Rejecting the myth of our disconnectedness, they offer their lives in service not for their friends but for strangers. Humanitarians make real God's love for the world.

Intercessions
For the dawn of peace to dispel the night of war. We pray,

Lord, hear the cry of the poor.

May God protect and keep the tens of millions of refugees of conflict and those who are hostage to war in their countries. We pray,

Lord, hear the cry of the poor.

That decision makers consider it their top priority to enact policies that cherish and safeguard the dignity of all people. We pray,

Lord, hear the cry of the poor.

In gratitude for the helpers, may they be strengthened in their resolve, supported in their vocation and filled with the Spirit of God. We pray,

Lord, hear the cry of the poor.

For those who have died as victims of war, may they know God's eternal peace. We pray,        

Lord, hear the cry of the poor.

Closing Prayer (together)

Amen.