THE PRAYERS, 

8^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 10, Cycle B (July 15, 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

Holy God, judge your Church with equity and mercy. Cleanse it from false teaching, lukewarm worship, and hurtful words and deeds. Grant to all bishops, pastors, and theologians the courage, clarity and faithfulness of your servant, John the Baptist, so that at all cost, your Word of Law and Gospel might be proclaimed to all people, and many hearts might be drawn to repentant faith.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Like John the Baptist, the lives of many of your servants are in danger today. Keep them steadfast in faith, bold in witness, patient in suffering, and joyful in their hope for redemption in Christ. Bestow your favor and guidance upon your missionaries, especially those serving in dangerous places.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep the people of this congregation faithful to our mission, which is to proclaim Christ, crucified and raised from the dead, for the forgiveness of sins unto life everlasting. Make our words winsome; our actions gracious; and our lives lovely, so others desire to know more about the Lord we serve.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Bless our youngsters as they enjoy their summer vacation. Delight them with the wonders of your creation; and instill in them a love of learning that does not end with classroom bells.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant that the leaders of the nations should have and should heed advisors who dare to speak truth to power, calling them to account for their actions, and always setting before them the high ideals of justice, integrity and mercy. Give each of us a teachable spirit, so that we might hear your commandments, seek to obey them, and strive to live at peace with our neighbors.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Prosper the work of all those who stand in defense of life and liberty, whether in this country or in faraway places. Give them strong and faithful spirits; competence in emergencies; and a swift, safe and joyful homecoming when their work is done. Grant healing to those who are injured and honor to all who have died in the line of duty; and shield their loved ones from sorrow and fear.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We lift before you the needs of all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit, including: {List}. Especially this day we remember before you those who, like John the Baptist and St. Paul, are unjustly imprisoned. Grant them healing, hope, and courage. Give them the strength and comfort of your Holy Spirit. Help us to share support and encouragement, comfort and counsel; and restore them to fullest fellowship with those who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, we thank you that in Christ Jesus, we have an imperishable inheritance and the promise of life everlasting. Fulfill that promise to all who have fallen asleep in him. Comfort those who mourn with the sure knowledge that their hope is not in vain. Give us strength to confess Christ without compromise; to trust him without reservation; and to rejoice in him without end. And bring us, with all of your servants of every time and place, into your most holy presence, where with your Son and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, God 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.

 

“For they have conspired together with one mind; against You they make a covenant: The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, Moab and the Hagrites; Gebal and Ammon and Amalek, Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre; Assyria also has joined with them; they have become a help to the children of Lot.” (Psalm 83:5-8)

The children of the world, though they be enemies against each other, band together to conspire against the Lord. All of the wickedness of the ages is simply a repeat of the same thing in a different time and a different place. Those who practice wickedness will be destroyed. Yet, for a time it shall seem as though they have power. But God is Sovereign over all things and no one is able to thwart His will.

Lord, I do not understand the perpetual wickedness of the world. Yet for your purposes it has remained in this age of rebellion. Guide my heart to look to you knowing that all power and authority is in Your hands and that this age of continuous rebellion will one day cease. Help me keep my eyes upon Your salvation and my feet on the path of righteousness for Your Name’s sake.

Lord Jesus, You came into the middle of a rebellious time when people were stirred up. In that age it seemed as though Rome would always rule, but they fell. Help me see that You save amidst the turmoil and that no people that raise their heel against You shall prevail. Lead me this day in the way You would have me go that I may abide in Your presence now and forever. Amen.