Each summer, we see articles that suggest titles of books to be read as people have more time with vacations and a slower pace of life. They seek to respond to the general question: “What shall I read this summer?”

 

However, if in fact we do have some spare time or a more relaxed summer pace of life, shouldn’t we take advantage of it to deepen our spiritual lives? We could, for example, spend another morning or two during the week to attend Mass. Perhaps we could find an open time to adore as part of the Perpetual Adoration in our parish or in a neighboring one. 

 

If this is the case, we might then change the question to: “What shall I pray for this summer?” Here are some suggestions that come to mind.

 

For the Church

 

Pray for the Church. This summer in the United States we will begin a three year process of Eucharistic Revival. It is a response to the studies that show that faith and understanding of the True Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist has grown weak among Catholics, even practicing Catholics. For the next three years there will be various programs to catechize both practicing and non-practicing Catholics. But as in so many cases, we first need to implore God’s grace to open minds and hearts so they are ready to listen and to follow Christ.

 

For Ukraine

 

Pray for peace and justice in Ukraine. The Russian invasion seems to have renewed and the war shows no signs of concluding. The Bishops of Ukraine have constantly urged the faithful there to turn to prayer and the sacraments as they endure and resist the terrible violence. And they have asked that we join them by means of our prayers. Pope Francis has already entrusted Russia and Ukraine to the intercession of Mary in a special way, and the Diocese of Rockford joined in that effort. Let’s continue to pray for peace and for our fellow believers as well.

 

For Our Country

 

Pray for our country. This month the Supreme Court of the United States is likely to make public its ruling in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. A leaked draft of that decision suggested the Court is ready to overturn its tragic Roe v. Wade decision issued in 1973. The result of that decision that legalized abortion has been the death of an estimated 65 million preborn babies.

 

For the Supreme Court

 

We should pray that the Court is enlightened by justice, science and reason as it renders its decision. We must pray that Roe v. Wade is overturned. But our prayers cannot stop there. An overturning of Roe v. Wade will not make abortion illegal; rather, it will leave to each State to decide. We will need to pray for legislators on the state level in all 50 states, that they will craft laws that protect and assist families, mothers and the preborn. 

 

For Our Society

 

We need also to pray for peace and healing in our country and our society. There are concerns that protests may accompany a just decision by the Supreme Court and that the prominence of the Catholic Church in standing up for the lives and rights of the preborn and of mothers since 1973 could make it a target of disruption and even potential violence. Let us pray that as a nation and as a people we are better than such intimidation and violence.

 

For the Sick

 

Finally, pray for the sick. I am struck by how many people have come up to me as bishop in recent months and quietly asked for prayer for serious health problems and life-threatening illnesses. It is a reminder that Jesus loved the sick, and so should we.

 

For what should we pray? You can add your own personal intentions and interests. But if there are extra moments during the summer, our faith should lead us to offer Our Lord our thoughts and prayers, asking for His grace upon a world that so needs it.