Let us pray with today’s Gospel Reading (Matthew 19:16-22):

Lord Jesus Christ,

Today, a young man asks You, “What good deed must I do to have eternal life?” Yet when You invite him to leave his attachments and follow You, he goes away sadly because he has many possessions. Teach us not to allow the things of this world, wealth, success, comfort, recognition, or personal ambitions, to become more important than You. Give us hearts that are free to follow You wherever You lead us.

Lord, bless everything we undertake this week. Bless our work, studies, ministries, journeys, meetings, conversations, and every responsibility entrusted to us. Give us wisdom in our decisions, patience in difficulties, courage in challenges, and humility in success. May we never become so occupied with our activities that we forget You, the One who gives meaning and purpose to all that we do. Help us to begin each day with You, work with You, and return everything to You.

Into Your hands, Lord, we place this new week. Take away our fears and anxieties. Open the doors that are good for us and close those that would lead us away from Your will. Give us the grace to accept what we cannot change and the courage to do what You ask of us. Amen