What shall we pray for this month?

Pope Benedict's general prayer intention for December is for "Personal Suffering as a Help to Others who Suffer":

"That our experience of suffering may help us better understand the pain of the many people who are alone, sick, or aged, and stir us to generous help."

His mission intention is for "Opening our Doors to Christ":

"That the peoples of the earth may open their doors to Christ and to his gospel of peace, brotherhood, and justice."