Catholics worldwide are urged to pray for priests today on the World Day of Prayer for Priests. The day was begun my Saint John Paul II in 2002 with the objective of having all Catholic faithful join in prayer for the sanctification of Priests. The World Day of Prayer for Priests coincides with the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Prayer for Priests
Gracious and loving God, we thank you for the gift of our priests.
Through them, we experience your presence in the sacraments.
Help our priests to be strong in their vocation.
Set their souls on fire with love for your people.
Grant them the wisdom, understanding, and strength they need to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.
Inspire them with the vision of your Kingdom.
Give them the words they need to spread the Gospel.
Allow them to experience joy in their ministry.
Help them to become instruments of your divine grace.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns as our Eternal Priest.
Amen.