PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, Cycle C: 4th Sunday after Epiphany, Proper 3, February 3, 2019
Let us draw near to the Light of Christ, offering prayer and supplication on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.
A brief silence
Heavenly Father, even as we thank you for your Word, we confess that it can sometimes seem stern and even offensive to us. And yet, in Jesus we have your full assurance that every Word which proceeds from your mouth is good. In him, your never-failing love is fleshed out for us. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, so that we can thank you for every Word you speak to us, and can model, however imperfectly, your perfect and eternal love for your people.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You have appointed prophets and martyrs, pastors and bishops, teachers and ordinary saints to speak your word and to lead all people to new life in Christ. Grant that the Church may speak your word boldly, act fearlessly, and in all things mirror your love, revealed to the world in your beloved Son.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Hear the prayers of your suffering Church; rescue your servants from the hand of the wicked and the grasp of the unjust and the cruel. Be their rock and their refuge; fill their mouth with your praise; and drive out the demons of hatred and unbelief from their persecutors.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Let this congregation overflow with words of praise to you, and deeds of love toward others. Help us to be rich in patience and kindness; and to be lacking only in resentment, irritability, and self-promotion. Let our families, friends, neighbors and communities truly know we are Christians by his love, which touches them through us.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant that the leaders of the nations, most especially our own, may heed your words and seek to do your will. Teach them to love justice, and hate cruelty; to rejoice in truth and reject wrongdoing; and to wield authority in the knowledge that they must give an account of their deeds to you, the Lord of all nations. Give us ears to hear the cries of all who are victims of poverty, injustice or violence; and give us the heart and the strength to answer them well.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
With authority and power, Jesus drove out demons, healed the sick, and forgave and raised up people tormented by the power of sin and death. We pray in his name for all who are afflicted in body, mind, or spirit, and especially for: {List}. Be their rock, their strong deliverer, and their hope. Strengthen all who care for them; and grant them the joy of your salvation.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
We commend into your care our loved ones who have died and are at rest in you. Comfort those whose grief runs deep. Help us to be so gentle, patient, and kind to one another that we may indeed endure all things that afflict us in this mortal life. Lead us at last, with all whom you have redeemed by the love revealed in your Son, into your Kingdom, where faith becomes sight, hope becomes joy, and your love is our all in all.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For all these things, dear Father, and for whatever else you will for us in your wisdom and compassion, we pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior, Lord, and King. Amen.
