THE PRAYERS,
16th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 18, Cycle B (September 9, 2018)
Trusting, through the power of the Holy Spirit, in the goodness of our heavenly Father, let us pray in Jesus’ name for the Church, the world, and one another.
A brief silence
Heal and restore your church, O Lord, purchased with the precious blood of your dear Son. Drive from it all partiality and false teaching. Enliven its faith so that, through its words and its works, many may hear the Good News, turn with confidence to Jesus, and receive forgiveness, life and salvation.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Give a spirit of trustfulness to your Church wherever it is persecuted because it confesses Christ as Savior; and grant repentance and regeneration to its foes; until all hearts turn to you in adoration and praise. Bless, protect, and guide missionaries of your Gospel throughout the world.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant to the people of this congregation such confidence in the love of Christ, that they trust his holy Word, treasure his life-giving Sacraments, and constantly tell others of his great mercy.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer
Help us to never put road blocks in the way of non-Christians if they seek to learn more about your forgiveness, healing, and love. And grant that many who do not yet believe, may yearn for the rich morsels of mercy that fall from your table.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You are Lord of all the nations; and to you all the rulers of the earth shall bow down and give an account of their deeds. Teach them to act with wisdom and without partiality; to care for the widows and widowers, orphans, and destitute; to seek justice within and peace beyond their borders; and to be examples of integrity, fairness and compassion to their citizens.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Protect and guide all in our military, and all who stand in harm’s way. Bless those who tend them when they are wounded; and give strength and patience to their families. Bring them home swiftly, and use their skills, whether here or abroad, to establish the blessings of liberty, justice, and peace.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant that all who cry to you for help and healing; for forgiveness and restoration; or for guidance and comfort, may find your grace sufficient for their need. Especially we lift before you {prayer list}.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Holy and gracious Father, we entrust into your care all who clung to your promises in this life, and whose death we now mourn. Grant us such a sure and confident hope in our Lord Jesus, that our sorrow may be turned to joy. Give us the power to console, encourage and assist one another throughout our earthly pilgrimage. By your great mercy, bring us to your house, where we are fed not crumbs under the table, but the rich banquet fare of the Lamb’s high feast. And there, by the power of your gracious Spirit, let us, in the company of all the redeemed, worship and adore your infinite majesty, which shines in the face of your dear Son.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Incline your ear to our prayers, dear Lord; and answer them according to your most gracious and holy will, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
