4th Sunday after Epiphany, Proper 3, Cycle B (January 28, 2018)
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
Heavenly Father, raise up in your church such prophets to faithfully speak your Word with boldness, clarity, and charity. Give its members hearts that faithfully listen to them with obedience and gladness. And give, to those who have never heard or heeded your Word, ears to hear it rightly, ponder it patiently, and believe it firmly.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Give your persecuted disciples steadfastness, courage, and gentleness of heart, to rightly confess Christ before their enemies. And, by your mercy, bring their tormentors to repentant faith. 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.
We ask your dearest blessings upon this congregation, so that in all we say and do, we proclaim the strong saving love of Christ. Strengthen our families, and make them into havens of safety, grace, and forgiveness.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Have mercy upon all who are tormented by mental illness; post-traumatic stress; substance abuse; or anything else that clouds minds, distorts personalities, and shatters souls. Give them release from whatever has demonic control over their lives; and restore peace, sanity, relationships and hope to them and to their loved ones.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Drive out from this world the demons of hatred, violence, apathy and injustice. Fill the hearts and minds of earthly leaders, and the people entrusted to their care, with your most holy Spirit. Give to all of us a passion for caring for our neighbors, especially those who are despised and afflicted; and grant us your peace.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We honor and pray on behalf of those serving our country, here and abroad. Make and keep them faithful, true, and bold; keep them in your care when they fall in the line of duty; and return them in safety to their loved ones when their task is done.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant healing, strength, comfort and hope to all who are wounded in body, mind, or heart— especially {List}. Shield them from ever power of evil; drive from them the demons of despair; restore them to wholeness and to the company of all who love them; and fill them with the blessed peace of your Holy Spirit.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Merciful Father, we entrust into your safekeeping all who have died trusting in you. Comfort those who mourn. Keep us safe in the presence of our enemies – sin, evil and death. And lead us into that eternal and glorious Sabbath rest in which peace, wholeness and holiness are restored to all whom you have redeemed.
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.
You may download the Prayers of the Church and hymn suggestions here: Epiphany 4, 01-28-18
