THE PRAYERS,
11th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 13, Cycle B (August 5, 2018)
For the Church, the world, and needs of all people, let us pray to the Lord.
A brief silence
Holy Father, grant to your Church, which is the body of Christ, unity with him and unity in him. Fill it with your Holy Spirit, so that it may become fully mature, grown into the fullness of his stature and his likeness. When people hear its words and see its deeds, by your grace, let them see your love, forgiveness, and salvation, won for them by your dear Son.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Help us to be ever mindful of our union with those who are persecuted for Jesus’ sake; and strengthen them with the knowledge that they are not forgotten by you or by the rest of the Church. Use your missionaries to feed many hearts with the Word of life and salvation.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Feed the people of this congregation with the living Bread of Heaven; and nourish us with the Cup of Blessing from Christ’s hand. Help us to know the depth, height, and breadth of your great love; and give us those gifts of your Spirit which help us to share that love with others.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer
We pray on behalf those who maintain food pantries, soup kitchens, community gardens, and all initiatives great and small which feed the hungry and help them to feed themselves. Grant that, as their bodies are nourished, their minds, souls and spirits also may be fed with the living Bread from Heaven.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Guide the deliberations and actions of our earthly rulers, so that your will may be done and your people may receive all they need to live in safety. Teach us to feed one another, not only with food that perishes, but also with your imperishable and holy Word; and establish your peace in our midst.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Be with first responders and with all who serve in our military, here or abroad. Conform their actions to your will. When their task is done, grant them swift and joyful reunions with their loved ones. Help us to honor their service, and to provide tangible support for their transition to civilian life.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You promise to open your hand and fulfill the desire of every living creature. Therefore, we pray: bestow the gifts of health and hope, comfort and guidance, strength and cheer, to all whose need is great – including: {List}. Feed them with faith and fill them with the life-giving and refreshing waters of your grace and salvation.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
With reverence and affection, we remember before you all our loved ones who have died and are at rest in you. Keep us in union with them through our common union in Christ Jesus. Strengthen our love and fellowship with our fellow pilgrims along life’s journey. Bring us all into the unimaginable joy and life you share with your Son and the Holy Spirit, and which you so graciously extend to those whom you have redeemed.
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.
