• 8/7 – 1 Maccabees 10 – Do I consider the decrease of temporal power for the Church as a loss or as a blessing? Prayer starter: Lord, you take no delight in offerings made of silver and gold, but those who offer you a sincere and humble heart move you.
• 8/8 – 1 Maccabees 11 – Do I expect privileges for my Church or do I care more about my Church being at the service of society? Prayer starter: Lord Jesus, you want us to be free people not for our own advantage but to be true witnesses to your gospel.
• 8/9 – 1 Maccabees 12 – How can Scripture help me reflect upon and understand the stakes of today’s topical issues? Prayer starter: Let, O Lord, our strength be our faith in you and may we always find in your word the encouragement we need in times of trial.
• 8/10 – 1 Maccabees 13 – How far am I willing to go to live out the motto: “In God We trust”? Prayer starter: Lord God we entrust ourselves to you: Whatever you will for us and whatever you tell us, we will do.
• 8/11 – 1 Maccabees 14 – Is our collective ideal of prosperity and success in keeping with that of God’s prophets? Prayer starter: Lord, do not allow us to be overconfident in our achievements or ever to forget what you have done to make us a free people.
• 8/12 – 1 Maccabees 15 – Is the power of money and wealth a divisive factor in our community? Prayer starter: Lord God, do not allow the attractions of power and wealth to prevail in your Church over its spiritual and charitable mission.
• 8/13 – 1 Maccabees 16 – What do I expect most from our religious leaders? Prayer starter: O God, you are our only Lord and Savior: Give us leaders according to your heart and according to our needs so that we may be a free and holy people.