Let us pray with today’s Gospel Reading (Luke 6:6-11):
Lord Jesus Christ,
As we begin this new week, we come before You with humble and hopeful hearts. We thank You for the gift of life, for the days ahead, and for the grace to begin again. Today, You entered the synagogue and saw a man whose right hand is withered. While others watch and judge, Jesus looked upon him with compassion and restored his hand. Lord, teach us to see beyond appearances and to notice those who are hurting, forgotten, rejected, or carrying silent wounds.
Lord Jesus, at the beginning of this new week, stretch out Your healing hand over us. Heal what is broken in our hearts, our families, our relationships, our work, and our faith. Restore what has become weak, discouraged, or lifeless within us. Free us from the spirit of judgement and indifference. May we never become so concerned with rules, appearances, or the opinions of others that we fail to recognise a person in need. Give us hearts that choose mercy, compassion, and love.
Lord, bless our families throughout this week. Protect our children, strengthen marriages, comfort parents, and bring peace into homes experiencing difficulties. Be close to the sick, the elderly, the lonely, and all those who begin this week carrying heavy burdens. Give us courage to do what is good even when others misunderstand us. Like the man in the Gospel, may we place our woundedness before You and trust that Your grace can restore us.
Lord, bless our work and responsibilities. Guide our decisions, protect us from discouragement, and help us use our hands not only to earn our living but also to serve, help, comfort, and build others up. May this new week be a week of healing, renewal, forgiveness, and new beginnings. When we are tired, strengthen us. When we are afraid, reassure us. When we fall, lift us up. When our hearts become hard, teach us mercy. Lord Jesus, stretch out Your healing hand over every person praying this prayer. Restore their hope, renew their faith, and fill their home with Your peace. Amen
