THE PRAYERS, 

4^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 6, Cycle B (June 17, 2018)

 

Let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Most merciful Lord, clothe your Church with the beauty, holiness and righteousness of Christ. Nurture it with the living water of your Word and Sacraments, so that it may become the lovely dwelling-place for people of every nation, race, and tribe. Grant that its words and deeds may bear the fruit which you desire, and which last unto eternity.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 We lift before you the plight of Christians around the world who are persecuted and reviled for your Name’s sake. Grant that their suffering may bear a rich harvest of faith, endurance, and forgiveness, until every knee should bow to adore you. Shield and defend your missionaries, especially when they are met with hostility and rejection.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Plant this congregation firmly in Christ, our living water; so that we may abide in his love, share his forgiveness, teach his commandments, and share in his righteousness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Heavenly Father, in you all good and faithful earthly fatherhood finds its source, its guide, and its consummation. Bless all fathers, and all who act with a father’s love, not just this day but always. Fill them with holy wisdom, gentle strength, steadfast care, and patient hope; and grant that in their care, all children may find protection, guidance and love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Teach our earthly rulers to walk not in the counsel of the ungodly; nor to stand in the way of sinners; nor to sit in the seat of scoffers. Teach them rather to delight on your Law; to meditate on it day and night; and to establish it as the source of justice, truth, and well-being among all people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Keep in your special care all who take up arms in defense of life and liberty. Teach them your commandments; fill their minds with wisdom, their hearts with integrity, and their arms with courage and strength. Bless their loved ones, and grant them a swift and joyful homecoming.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give to all who suffer in mind, body, or spirit, the refreshing waters of your compassion and healing; and grant that they may dwell in the safety of your care even in the midst of all that troubles them. Especially we remember before you: {List}.  Bless those who care for them; help us all to speak words of encouragement and offer deeds of kindness to them; and bring us all into the unending joy of your Kingdom.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for gathering into the spacious branches of your heavenly Kingdom all the redeemed who have gone before us, especially those we love and miss the most. Grant that we may always find refreshment in your Word, blessing in your Sacraments, guidance in your Spirit, and forgiveness in your Son, so that, with all your people, we may be gathered into the welcoming shelter of your embrace and may abide there in joy forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Hear and graciously answer our prayers, dear Lord, as it is best for us and most glorifies your holy name. Amen.

 

“So He brought them to His holy land, to this hill country which His right hand had gained. He also drove out the nations before them and apportioned them for an inheritance by measurement, and made the tribes of Israel dwell in their tents.” (Psalm 78:54-55)

The Lord has always provided in the way He promised. Yet, the Lord is ignored by those who simply want what they want and want it in the way they want it. Yet, He still provides. He is gracious and kind and gives in spite of the people rebelling against Him. See that all things are in the Lord’s hands and that He provides for the just and the unjust. All things will be as He determines.

Lord, when things do not go the way I want, I am upset and think You have abandoned me. I want it to go the way I want it to go and I often think of You as being under my direction. Clear my mind of such rebellious thoughts that I may live in accordance with Your will and humbly walk in Your ways knowing that You alone are able to accomplish what You determine and have determined.

Lord Jesus, You have come to free me from this bondage to the self. Guide me, O Lord, in the way I should go that I may walk now and forever with You in the grace You have given from the cross. Lead me, O Lord, now and always in Your way of truth that I may walk humbly with You knowing that all things are now, as they always have been, in Your hands and that You will guide me. Amen.