THE PRAYERS,
The Seventh Sunday of Easter, Cycle B (May 13, 2018)
(May also be used for the Ascension of Our Lord)
Let us pray in the name of our risen and ascended Savior for the Church, the world, and for all people according to their needs.
A brief silence
Heavenly Father, your Church worships and blesses you for the triumph of your Son over the powers of sin, evil and death. We praise you for his ascension to your right hand; and we pray that you would give your Church steadfastness, joy, and boldness to proclaim his rule to all the world, until he comes in glory.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Ease the suffering of all who are persecuted for naming Jesus as Lord; and give gentleness to their words and peace in their hearts. Bring to repentance and humble faith all who torment them. We also ask your gracious favor upon all missionaries of the Gospel, and upon our sister congregations and synods.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
This congregation thanks and praises you for the passion, resurrection, and ascension of Christ our Savior. Grant us grace to live in accordance with his commands; to proclaim his Lordship over the world; and to share his forgiveness and grace with those who need them most.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You care tenderly for your people, especially the littlest who are laid in your arms. We therefore ask your blessing upon all mothers and those who act with a mother’s love. Give them your own patience, steadfastness, tenderness and wisdom. Share your deep gentleness and strong love as they care for their children.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Your Son has ascended on high, and rules as king of all nations. Grant wisdom, humility, and fairness to the leaders of the earth; and teach all people to live together in peace and unity, until the day Christ comes to judge the living and the dead. Bless this nation with peace, honor, and goodness; and conform it to your will.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We lift before you the sacrifices made by all who risk their lives on behalf of others, especially those who have been wounded; we thank you for those who gave their lives in defense of their country; and we ask your blessing and protection upon all who currently. Bless them, their loved ones, and those whose lives they protect and defend.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We lift before you the needs of all whose lives are shadowed by suffering or sorrow— especially: {List}. Grant to them the abundant life promised by Jesus; fill them with the grace and comfort of your Holy Spirit; and bless those who care for them.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father, as Christ has ascended to heaven to reign in glory forever, we await the coming of that day when we, too, shall live with you and with all of your people in joy and glory everlasting. We entrust into your care those who have died trusting your promised inheritance. Keep us in union with them, with all of your saints, and with you, in the power of your Holy Spirit, for the sake of Christ our Savior.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Hear and graciously answer our prayers in accordance with your will, dear Father, for the sake of your beloved Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
