In this first prayer intention of the year, Pope Leo XIV invites us to rediscover the transforming power of the Word of God, a Word in which “we find the light that guides our steps.”

Together with the Holy Father, we prepare ourselves for prayer, asking to be a Church that “prays with the Word, is built upon it, and shares it with joy, so that in every person the hope of a new world may be reborn.”

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amén.

Lord Jesus, living Word of the Father,
in You we find the light that guides our steps.

We know that the human heart lives restless, hungry for meaning,
and only your Gospel can give it peace and fullness.

Teach us to listen to you each day in the Scriptures,
to let ourselves be challenged by your voice,
and to discern our decisions from the closeness to your Heart.

May your Word be nourishment in weariness,
hope in darkness,
and strength in our communities.

Lord, may your Word never be absent from our lips or from our hearts
the Word that makes us sons and daughters, brothers and sisters,
disciples and missionaries of your Kingdom.

Make us a Church that prays with the Word,
that is built upon it and shares it with joy,
so that in every person the hope of a new world may be born again.

May our faith grow in the encounter with you through your Word,
moving us from the heart to reach out to others,
to serve the most vulnerable,
to forgive, build bridges, and proclaim life.

Amen.