Epiphany 5 (February 4, 2018)

5th Sunday after Epiphany, Proper 4, Cycle B (February 4, 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

Holy God, renew and strengthen your Church. Grant wings to its words of faithful proclamation, so that many hearts may be reached with the Gospel of salvation. Make it swift to accomplish deeds of forgiveness and mercy in your name. Make it tireless in bearing witness to you. Conform it to your will; and use it to draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Renew and strengthen all who suffer for the sake of Jesus. Help them to constantly trust in your strong saving love.  Help us, who do not experience such suffering, to pray for them; defend them; provide for them as we are able; and to live in a way that glorifies you and honors their witness. 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.

Renew and strengthen this congregation. Grant us such confidence in you that we willingly wait upon you for guidance; and gladly obey what you command. Use us to encourage and help our families, friends and neighbors, especially those who most need to know your love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Renew and strengthen your servants who are nearing or in retirement. Fill them with your Spirit, so that they may continue to walk tirelessly in the way of faithfulness and service which you set before them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Renew and strengthen the leaders of the nations. Grant them wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear of the Lord, so that they might rightly care for their people, especially the poor and all who suffer from natural disaster or manmade calamities. Give all of us a teachable heart, eager to learn what makes for righteousness and peace in our communities and world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Renew and strengthen all whose work is difficult and dangerous, including those in our military. Grant them courage and honor; use their labors to accomplish your will; shield them and their loved ones when they are overtaken by adversity; and grant them a swift and joyous homecoming when their task is done.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Renew and strengthen all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit—especially {List}. Give them hope: to wait upon your gifts of health and wholeness. Give them faith: to rise above doubt, despair and sorrow. And give them your love, shared through each of us: to strengthen, shield, and surround them always.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most blessed and glorious Lord, we thank you for the great and final healing you bestow upon all who have died clinging to your promises. Grant us joy in the midst of sorrow; patience in suffering; courage in the face of danger; wisdom when we face hard choices; compassion and mercy as we minister to each other. And, at the last, vouchsafe to us the joy of being welcomed, with all whom you have healed from sin and death, into your eternal kingdom.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayerGraciously 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.