THE PRAYERS,
The Third Sunday of Easter, Cycle B (April 15, 2018)
Let us pray to our victorious Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their needs.
A brief silence
Lord Jesus, make you Church so perfectly in your image that, in its words, even unbelievers hear your word of challenge and invitation; and in its deeds, they see your holy love.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Give your persecuted sisters and brothers the grace to speak St. Peter’s words to their tormentors: “You act in ignorance; repent, believe in him; and be forgiven.” We ask your richest blessing also upon our companion synods, sister congregations, and your missionaries throughout the world.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Make this congregation bold to proclaim you as our risen Lord. Help us to speak and act in ways that reflect your holiness and love to those around us.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant to our young children your dearest blessings. Teach them to trust you with all their heart, and to find happiness in sharing your love with their friends and family.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Deliver the people of this world from the powers of sin, evil, and death. Give them leaders who seek to do your Father’s will; and fill every heart with compassion and uprightness. Especially we pray for our elected leaders, and for the welfare of this country, that in all things your will is accomplished and your people are established in righteousness, liberty and peace.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Give boldness, prudence, and fortitude to those who serve in our military or as first responders. Use their labors to establish justice and peace in chaotic places; keep them safely in your care; and grant them joyous reunions with those who love them when their task is done.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray on behalf of all whose needs of body, soul and mind are great, and especially for those who crave our prayers on their behalf, including: {List}. Transform suffering into patient endurance; sorrow into enduring hope; shame, guilt and sin into hope-filled repentance; despair into repentant new life; and the power of death into living joy.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, you promise your resurrection life to all whom you have redeemed. We thank you for fulfilling that promise to those who have died trusting in you, especially: {List}. Comfort those who mourn; walk with us throughout our life’s journey; and transform us into your blest likeness so that, on that great day when we see you face to face, we may with perfect clarity see you also in the faces of all your saints in light.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant to us all that is in accordance with your will, dear Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
