THE PRAYERS, 

6^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 8, Cycle B (July 1, 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 gracious Lord, have compassion on your Church throughout the world. Heal it from every false teaching, unkind act, and unfaithful witness. Raise it up from sloth and sin; provide so generously for its needs that it may be generous in sharing your gifts with others; and by its winsome and lovely righteousness, draw all people into your Son’s life-giving presence.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Incline your ear to your persecuted Church, so that they may never despair of your goodness but rather give thanks to you forever for your great mercy. Shield and defend your missionaries, especially when they are met with hostility and rejection.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fill the people of this congregation with the spirit of gentleness, generosity, and compassion, so that we reflect Jesus’ goodness to everyone we meet, and our church becomes a byword among our neighbors for your strong saving love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

For many, this is a week of holiday and travel. Keep us in safety and concord, that all may enjoy the blessings of freedom, leisure, friendship, and family.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have given us this good land as our heritage. Make us always remember your generosity and constantly do your will. Save us from violence, discord, confusion, and every evil course of action. Give us what outward prosperity may be your will; but above all things, give us faith in you, that our nation may glorify your name and be a blessing to all peoples.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We thank you for patriots, past and present, who have served God and nation with honor. Shield and guide all who currently serve and protect our nation, here and abroad. Keep them strong; make them wise; heal their wounds of body, mind and soul; and use them to establish safety, justice and freedom. Grant comfort, patience and hope to their families and friends; and let their communities and country show them respect and use their gifts when they return.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Clothe all who wear the sackcloth of suffering with the clean linen of your salvation and joy. We lift before you the needs of: {List}. Give them such confidence in you that they constantly turn to you for help. And grant to all who love and care for them, such tenderness and skill that suffering and loneliness are eased and hope and faith are strengthened among us all

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

There is no profit if we go down to the pit; nor shall dust praise your faithfulness. Therefore, we praise you for your Son’s triumph over sin, evil and death; and for the eternal life that you promise to all who call upon his name. Give us the full measure of your Spirit, so that we may trust you even when we are surrounded by our ancient enemies; may encourage and console one another along our common pilgrimage; and may cling to the Cross of Jesus until it unbars the gates of your Kingdom, and you welcome us home.

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.

 

“Let your hand be on the man of your right hand, on the son of man whom you made strong for yourself. So we will not turn away from you. Revive us, and we will call on your name. Turn us again, Yahweh God of Armies. Cause your face to shine, and we will be saved.” (Psalm 80:17-19)

We were created to be in fellowship. In union with one another, we can and do prosper. God demonstrates this with Trinity and shows us definitively with His Son who is our Savior. When the people wander off, they flounder, but when they come together to Him, they see the Lord is with them. Come then into the presence of the Lord and walk in His light.

Lord, the wisdom You give seems so simple, but often it is hard to do. Turn my heart to receive You and then do what it is You say. Help me now and always to hear and heed Your Word of wisdom and walk in Your counsel, not as an expectation of results, but as a way of life. In You alone is there hope for any and all people and apart from You comes the guarantee of failure.

Lord Jesus, You are the right hand of the Father Who has come and freed us from the recompense of sin. There is still the battle against sin, death and the forces of darkness. Help me now and always to live into the hope You give knowing that only in You is there life. As You have modeled for us, so help me live in my daily life to be an example for others of fellowship and faithfulness. Amen.