God our Savior, you called St. John the Baptist to herald the way for your Son. Strengthen our zeal for the Gospel as we pray:
Lord, have mercy.
Uphold prophets and Christians who are persecuted for their faith.
Lord, have mercy.
Prosper efforts to reduce pollutants in oceans, rivers, and seas, and to ensure clean water for all living things.
Lord, have mercy.
Direct our concern and action for those who suffer longterm effects of natural disasters and severe weather.
Lord, have mercy.
Our Father . . .
May God make us firm in faith, constant in hope, and steadfast in love, through the power of Christ living in us. Amen.
