Prayers of the Church, 1st Sunday in Lent, February 18, 2018

THE PRAYERS (with Lessons and Hymns following), 

1^st Sunday in Lent, Cycle B (February 18, 2018)

 

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

 

Let us humbly beseech God for his mercy upon the Church, the world, and one another.

 

A brief silence

 

Lord God, purify your holy Church. When it is tempted by the allure of power, success, or convenience, turn its eyes to the Cross of your dear Son.  By the power of your Spirit, keep it faithful in its proclamation of repentance, forgiveness, and the close approach of your Kingdom.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Purify your persecuted people; and shield them from the temptation to forsake your Word when they are threatened by the powers arrayed against them. Keep them steadfast in their faith. We pray also on behalf of our sister congregations companion dioceses, and for your missionaries throughout the world.

 

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

 

Purify and guide the people of this congregation. When we are tempted to focus on peripheral matters, turn our eyes to Christ, the center of our existence. Give us grace to prefer nothing whatsoever to him.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Purify and defend our youth in middle and high school. Strengthen them to resist the allure of popularity; dangerous pleasures; and anything that would draw them away from loving and trusting you.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Purify this sin-shadowed world. Grant that we may not be seduced by promises of peace and plenty that do not proceed from your holy will. Teach the leaders of the nations that, while people surely need food and justice, their lives are in your hands; and you alone are their sovereign Lord.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Purify all first responders and military personnel.  Turn their eyes to you, the King of all nations. Keep them faithful and honorable in their service; and bring them home safely when their task is done.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Purify and heal the minds, hearts and bodies of all who suffer and cry to you for help —especially: {List}. When they are tempted to despair, turn their eyes to the Cross, on which was hung the life and salvation of the whole world.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Most holy Father, we commend into your keeping the lives of all who died trusting in your mercy. When we are tempted by doubt, confusion, or the cares and pleasures of this world, turn our eyes to our Lord Jesus, our hope and heart’s desire. Fill us with your Spirit, and keep us safely on the path that leads to your eternal home and welcoming embrace.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

For these things, and for whatever else is needful, dear Father, we pray in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen.

 

 

 

February 18, 2018, 1^st Sunday in Lent

 

Genesis 22:1-18 (The near-sacrifice of Isaac)

ELW: Genesis 9:8-17 (God’s rainbow covenant with Noah)

Psalm 25:1-10 (Be mindful of your mercy; do not remember the sins of my youth)

James 1:12-18 (God doesn’t tempt us to do evil; all good gifts come down from Father of lights)

            ELW: 1 Peter 3:18-22 (Christ suffered for all; the Flood prefiguring baptism)

Mark 1:9-15 (Temptation in the wilderness)

 

Opening hymn: LSB #99, O Lord, Throughout These Forty Days

(LSB #418, ELW #319)

OR ELW #320, The Glory of These Forty Days

OR ELW #334, Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery, v.1-3; verse for Lent 1; end with “General” verse

Hymn of the Day: LBW #88, Oh Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High

(LSB #544, ELW #322)

Communion Hymn #1: WOV #660, I Want Jesus to Walk With Me (ELW #325)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #541, Jesus, Still Lead On (ELW #624)

(LSB #718, Jesus, Lead Thou On)

Closing Hymn: LBW #228/9, A Mighty Fortress (LSB #656/7; ELW #503-505)

Or LSB #547, The Lamb, the Lamb

OR WOV #771, Great is Thy Faithfulness (LSB #809, ELW #733)