Prayers of the Church for March 18, 2018

THE PRAYERS,  5th Sunday in Lent, Cycle B (March 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

Put a new and right heart within your Church, O Lord, so that it may always cling in perfect faith to Jesus, and may always do your will. Cleanse it from wrongful teaching and shameful deeds; and by the power of your Holy Spirit, make it shine with your Son’s forgiveness, compassion and mercy.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Put a new and faithful heart in your people when they are persecuted for Jesus’ sake. Give them the joy of knowing that they indeed drink with Jesus from his cup. We pray also for our companion synods and for your missionaries throughout the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Put a new and joyful heart within this congregation. By the power of your Holy Spirit, unite us to Jesus’ death and rising; cause us to bear much fruit in his name; and use us to draw others to his cross.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Put a new and patient heart within all who care for family members with special needs. Give them compassion, strength, and the joy of knowing that what they do for their loved one, they do for you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Put a new and wise heart within the rulers of the nations, so that they may always do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly before you. Give to all of us a desire to help our neighbors, especially those who are struggling in these difficult times; and teach us to live together in peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Put a new and steadfast heart into all who serve our country, here and abroad. Give them courage, wisdom, and competence in all they do; strengthen and shield their loved ones; and bring them home in safety when their work is done.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Put a new and trustful heart into all who cry to you for help; especially: {List}. Give them the joy of your saving help; and give to all who care for them the comfort and guidance of your Holy Spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Dear Father, your Son was buried in the ground like a grain of wheat; rose to triumphant and eternal life; and promised that his life would bear much fruit in all who trust in him. We commend into your care all his servants who have departed this life.  Put a new and faith-filled heart into each of us, so that with all who have been buried with Christ, we might likewise be raised with him, and share the joy of your kingdom with all your saints in light.

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.