Let us pray that new leadership will be found for the truth and reconciliation commission on aboriginal residential schools so that Canada’s First Nations can be helped as they struggle to heal this tragic wound for so many.

Let us pray that our own political leaders can set aside personal ambition to put first the interests of those Canadians most in need during this economic turmoil.

Let us pray for wisdom for U.S. President-elect Barack Obama so that he can lead the American people in their struggle to overcome economic calamity and help those hundreds of thousands of their fellow citizens put out of work or thrown into hardship.

Let us pray that the struggle to reduce the killing of unborn human beings will begin to bear fruit, throughout Canada and the world.

Let us pray that Canadians will undergo a conversion of their hearts so they come to understand the sacred value of their oldest and most frail brothers and sisters and refuse to countenance the legalization of euthanasia or assisted suicide.

Let us pray for our church, that our leaders receive the wisdom and compassion they need to be servant-leaders of their flocks.

Let us pray for our Pope Benedict XVI, that he may find the grace he needs to shepherd his global flock through turbulent times and wrap his guidance in kindness and love.

Let us pray for parents and their children. In a world in which children are surrounded by messages of hate and greed, the importance of strong, loving and present parents has never been greater.

Let us pray for all those who struggle with poverty and want this Christmas. May we never forget their needs in our anxiety over our own challenges.

Let us pray for our soldiers in Afghanistan, as well as the Afghan people, that their work may bear fruit in a lessening of violence and a return of stability and security to that wounded nation.

Let us pray for a renewal of efforts to find peace in the Middle East between the Palestinians and Israel to bring a lasting solution to their decades’ old conflict.

Let us pray for an end to terrorism and for increased efforts to remove the root causes of alienation and oppression that feed it.

Let us pray that, this Christmas, the spiritually starved may turn to the nearest church and, walking through the door, be welcomed home by Jesus Christ.

Lord, hear our prayer.