THE PRAYERS,
12th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 14, Cycle B (August 12, 2018)
For the Church, the world, and needs of all people, let us pray to the Lord.
A brief silence
Heavenly Father, feed your Church with the life of your dear Son; and by the power of your Spirit, raise it up on the last day as the very Bride of Christ. Grant that all pastors, priests, bishops, and theologians may feed your people with your living Word, so that many taste and see your graciousness, and are forever blessed for trusting in you.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant strength, encouragement, and refreshment to all whose lives are in danger because they name Jesus as Lord. Make their witness shine the light of your judgment and your forgiveness in the hearts of their persecutors. Use your missionaries to feed many hearts with the Word of life and salvation.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Turn the hearts of all in this parish toward you, their life and salvation, their living bread and eternal hope. Bless our words and deeds, our worship and fellowship; and use them to glorify your name and nourish the hearts of our neighbors with food that satisfies.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer
Keep in your care all who are single by choice or by circumstance. Help them to find their joy and fulfillment in serving you, and in strengthening the ties of Christian love that bind one to another.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Raise up among us wise and faithful rulers who are guided by your Word and anointed with your Spirit. Incline their ears to the cries of the needy, and to the instruction of your prophets. Help us all to know that true justice and lasting peace are founded upon your commandments alone; and give us strength to live accordingly.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Strengthen, guide, and shield those who serve in our military, and all who stand in harm’s way on behalf of others. Bless their families and friends; and help all of us to appreciate and honor their service and their sacrifice. Grant them swift and joyous reunions when their task is done.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You fed Elijah in the wilderness, and he journeyed forty days in the strength of that food. We pray that you would grant the bread of health and salvation those who dwell in the wilderness of suffering; that you would strengthen them in their pilgrimage; and that you would surround them with compassion, friendship, encouragement; and that you would keep them steadfast in faith and strong in hope. Today we especially plead on behalf of: {List}.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We bless you for the lives of all those who have trusted in you, and who now taste and see the full measure of your gracious care – including: {List}. Give us true and trustful hearts; draw us all to Christ, our Living Bread, our Resurrection and our Life; and raise us up at the last day to rejoice in the fullness of the salvation you have prepared for your people.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Incline your ear to our prayers, dear Lord; and answer them according to your most gracious and holy will, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
