• 8/14 – 2 Maccabees 1:1-10 – How can we share more about common values with sister communities? Prayer starter: Lord Jesus, we pray to you for all our brothers and sisters who believe in your name and abide by your gospel.
  • 8/15 – 2 Maccabees 1:10 – 2:18 – is it important to me to spend quality time reading more about faith and spirituality? Prayer starter: Lord, your words are food for our souls. May we always hunger for them and find in them nourishment for our journey.
  • 8/16 – 2 Maccabees 2:19-82 – What kind of nourishment do I hope to find in my reading of 2 Maccabees? Prayer starter: Lord, you speak to us in so many ways: through creation, through prophets and messengers, through the community-church. Make us good readers of what you teach us through history./li>
  • 8/17 – 2 Maccabees 3 – Is my local church a place where I can find quiet and spend some time encountering God? Prayer starter: Lord, may we always value shrines, churches, and temples as your dwelling places where we gather to glorify your name and to give you thanks for your saving deeds.
  • 8/18 – 2 Maccabees 4 – What are the convictions and values on which I am unprepared to compromise? Prayer starter: Lord, keep us faithful to your word and help us to discern wisely among lifestyle changes proposed by today’s prevailing culture.
  • 8/19 – 2 Maccabees 5 – Are we more concerned about the future of our buildings or about the liveliness of our communities? Prayer starter: Lord Jesus, you reminded us that human beings are more sacred to God than any religious symbol or ritual. Make us a lively and grateful community witnessing to your gospel.
  • 8/20 – 2 Maccabees 6 – Who are today’s Christian martyrs whose witnessing inspires me most? Prayer starter: Whether we live or die, Lord Jesus, we know that nothing can separate us from your love and from the love of your Father.