Let us pray with today’s Gospel Reading (Luke 6:1-5):

Lord Jesus Christ,

We come before You with grateful hearts, remembering Your words of Jesus today: “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” Lord, teach us that our faith is not meant to become a burden of rules, but a path that leads us into a deeper relationship with You. Give us hearts that understand the spirit of Your commandments. Keep us from judging others by appearances or rigid expectations while forgetting mercy, compassion, and love. Help us to remember that the law is given to lead us closer to God and to one another.

Lord, when we become focused on what others are doing wrong, turn our eyes back to our own hearts. Remove from us hypocrisy, harshness, and self-righteousness. Teach us to see people as You see them, with patience, dignity, and compassion. Like the disciples who were hungry, remind us that You know our human needs and weaknesses. When we are tired, discouraged or struggling, help us to bring everything to You rather than believing that we must carry everything alone.

May our observance of the Sabbath and our participation in the Eucharist never become merely external practices. May Sunday and every moment of prayer become opportunities to encounter You, to be renewed in Your love, and to become instruments of mercy.

Lord, bless our families today. Bring peace to homes experiencing conflict, comfort to those who are grieving, healing to the sick, strength to those who are weary, and hope to those who feel forgotten. Help us to become more attentive to the needs of those around us.

Lord Jesus, You are Lord of the Sabbath and Lord of our lives. Teach us to place You at the centre of everything we do. May our obedience be filled with love, our worship with sincerity, and our faith with compassion. Amen