THE PRAYERS,
Christ the King Sunday, Cycle B (November 25, 2018)
In the power of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus for the world, the church, and one another.
A brief silence
Gracious Father, you have made your Son King of creation and head of your holy Church. Bind that Church to Christ with cords of love; make it unswerving in faith, radiant in holiness, and bold in witness to him. Use it to draw all people to his Cross, there to acclaim him as Lord, King, and Savior.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You have made your Son fairer than the sparkling stars on high. Let the light of his love bring joy to the hearts of all Christians who suffer because they name Jesus as Lord; and may that same light illumine and cleanse the darkness in the hearts of their tormentors. Help us to remember them in prayer, to stand with them in witness, and to provide tangible help for their physical needs.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
You have made your Son our Savior and Lord. Fill the people of this congregation with your Holy Spirit, so that in all we say and do, among all people we encounter, we acclaim Jesus Christ as Son of God and Son of man.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You have made your Son fairer than sunlight and moonlight, sparkling stars or the radiant beauty of this good earth. Give to all who love the beauties of this created realm, a deep and everlasting love for the uncreated light and supernal beauty of your Son, the Word by which all worlds were made.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You have made your Son Lord of the nations. By your Holy Spirit, conform the hearts of rulers and people to the heart of Christ; and let his peace reign undisturbed in every land.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You have made your Son our light, joy, and crown. Grant that his strong saving love might accompany those who serve our country, here and abroad. Fill them with honor, courage, and wisdom; bring them home in safety when their task is done; heal and strengthen all who have been wounded; and help us to transition well into civilian life.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You have made your Son fairer than woodlands, meadows and flowers of blooming spring. Let his beauty, healing, and compassion cause all sorrowing hearts to sing. Especially this day we pray for the needs of: {List}
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Most gracious Father, you have made your Son to shine more brightly than the angels of heaven itself. We thank you for the lives of the faithful departed, including {List}, who already see his glory face to face. Fill us with such faith and love that, in your good time, we shall join them in singing, “Glory and honor, praise, adoration, now and forever more be thine.”
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For Jesus’ sake, dear Father, graciously hear and generously answer our fervent petitions, to your glory and for the benefit off for whom we pray. Amen.
