THE PRAYERS,
Nativity of St. John the Baptist, Cycle B (June 24, 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
Heavenly Father, grant that your Church should be like your servant John: Humbly and fearlessly pointing to the One who is greater, and who baptizes with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Make its proclamation urgent, faithful, and unambiguous. Use it to bring many to repentant faith in Jesus, that they may live.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
The message of repentance and baptism into Christ is scorned and rejected by many. Christians in Syria, Pakistan, and elsewhere are tortured for their faith. Keep them steadfast in faith, lovely with holiness, and persistent in their witness to Jesus, that their enemies may repent and be saved. We pray also missionaries of the Gospel, especially in dangerous places.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Make this congregation a place of fervent worship and loving service in your name. Help us especially to reach out to those who are poor, hurting, or alienated from us and from you.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer
Bless all farmers, gardeners, and other stewards of creation. Make them wise and generous in their care for the earth and its creatures. By their labors, give food, raiment, and refreshment to all your people.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant wisdom and righteousness to our earthly rulers, especially those elected or appointed to guide this country, state and community. Teach them to prefer integrity over re-election; justice for all, over special interests; and attentiveness to your will over party platforms or expediency.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bless with courage, prudence and patience all who work to keep us safe. Give them such integrity and clarity of purpose that all who are in danger or distress may turn to them without hesitation or fear. Shield them from harm; shelter their loved ones in your mighty arms; and bring them home in safety when their task is done.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for all who suffer in mind, body, or spirit – especially: {List}. Help us to proclaim the words of John’s father: “In the tender compassion of our God, the dawn from on high shall break upon us; to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Keep safe in your mighty arms all our beloved dead, and comfort all whose grief is raw and deep. Remind us that you indeed have come to your people to set them free from all that harms and vexes us. Keep our eyes firmly fixed on Christ, our hands constantly extended in prayer and service, and our hearts forever set on the joy you have set before all whom Jesus has redeemed.
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.
