THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
Let us lift our hearts, hands, and voices to the Father of light, beseeching him through his Son Jesus to have mercy upon his Church, his world, and his people.
A brief silence
Lord God, you called Jonah to preach repentance to Nineveh; and your Son called his disciples to proclaim repentance and the coming of your Kingdom. Give your Church boldness to preach of judgment, repentance, and forgiveness. And give it graciousness, so that many should gladly turn to Christ Jesus and be saved.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Many do not want to hear your call to repent and believe the Good News. Some do not want to tolerate the presence of those who do believe. Because of that, Christians suffer throughout the world. Have mercy on your servants; and do not let their witness falter. We also ask your blessing upon our sister congregations and companion synods, and upon all missionaries of your Gospel.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Have mercy on us, Lord, when like Jonah, we want to run away from the tasks you have called us to do! Renew our faith. Give us words that lovingly call others to repentance and trust in you. Shape our actions to model Jesus’ compassion. And help us to rejoice when someone surprises us with repentance or new-found faith.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray this day for our members in their middle years. Grant them the fire and enthusiasm of youth, and the wisdom and humility that comes with years; and form them into fishers of men and women, eager to make disciples for your Kingdom.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You judge all people in righteousness and truth. Grant wisdom to earthly rulers, so they are wise in deliberation, truthful in words, and righteous in deeds. Protect the poor and hungry; those unjustly imprisoned; and all who are exiled or homeless through human malice or natural disaster. Grant to us all the blessings of peace and concord.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Shield, defend and strengthen those in our military, and all first responders. Grant healing to the wounded, honor to the fallen, patience and courage to their loved ones, and a swift and safe return to all whose work is not yet done.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We lift before you the needs of the lonely and bereaved; the forgotten and abandoned; the abused—and their abusers. Most especially we plead on behalf of loved ones who seek our prayers — including: {List}. Give them ears to hear the glad tidings of your salvation, healing and constant presence; and grant them faith to firmly cling to these great gifts.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Holy Lord, we remember with reverence and affection all our departed loved ones. Keep us united with them through bonds of faith and love, and turn our hearts in repentance and trust toward you. In your good time, deliver us into the fullness of that blessed Kingdom announced and promised to us by your beloved Son, so that with all the redeemed, we might forever praise and adore you in glory everlasting.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Graciously hear, and generously answer our prayers and petitions, dear Father, as may be best for us and to your greater glory, thorough your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Download these Prayers of the Church along with hymn suggestions here: Epiphany 3, 01-21-18
