Let us pray with today’s Gospel Reading (John 5:17-30):

God Our Father, You never cease to work for our salvation, and in Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, You reveal Your love and Your power to give life. Lord Jesus, help us to recognize Your presence actively at work in our lives, even in moments of silence, struggle, and waiting. You are the Son who lives in perfect unity with the Father, doing only what You see Him doing. Teach us to live in obedience and trust, so that our lives may reflect Your will and not our own desires.

Lord, You have been given authority to give life and to judge with justice and truth. You call the dead to hear Your voice, and those who listen will live. Speak Your word into our hearts today. Awaken us from the sleep of sin, from indifference, and from spiritual complacency. Call us out of darkness into Your marvelous light and grant us the grace to hear Your voice with attentive and faithful hearts. Help us to believe in You, the One sent by the Father, so that we may already share in eternal life.

Lord Jesus, You remind us that a time is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear Your voice. Keep us mindful of that day, so that we may live with responsibility, seeking always what is good, true, and pleasing to You. Form our conscience according to Your truth, that we may walk in righteousness and avoid all that leads to death.

Merciful Savior, guide us on the path that leads to life. May our actions bear witness to our faith, and may we live each day as children of the light. We entrust ourselves to Your judgment, which is always just and full of mercy, for You seek not to condemn but to save those who believe in You. Amen