THE PRAYERS,
St. Michael and All Angels (Transferred), September 30, 2018
Trusting, through the power of the Holy Spirit, in the goodness of our heavenly Father, let us pray in Jesus’ name for the Church, the world, and one another.
A brief silence
Holy Lord, holy and almighty, holy and immortal, heaven and earth are filled with your glory; and angels and archangels, cherubim and seraphim adore you in unceasing chorus. Give your Church the voice and the faith to join their song. Make its worship a foretaste of heaven; make its proclamation a strong witness to the Lordship of Jesus Christ; and make its deeds of charity a countersign to the deathly powers that seek to enslave all people.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
May your holy angels bless, strengthen and defend your little ones who endure great suffering on account of Jesus. Grant that their time of persecution may speedily end; and convict the hearts of all who torment them, so they may repent and believe in the Gospel.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bless this congregation and make it rich in faith toward you and in fervent love in for one another. Grant that in all our words and deeds, we remember that your little ones – everyone for whom Christ died – have their angels pleading for them before your throne. Help us therefore not to put a stumbling-block before them, but instead to be merciful and gracious, giving and forgiving, as you have been toward us.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer
We lift before you all whom it would be easy to forget, but whose angels continually remember them before the Throne of Grace: the homeless, neglected and needy; the destitute, sick and aged; the mentally ill and physically or mentally challenged; those who are abused, and their abusers; unborn children, and mothers who are tempted or pressured to abort them. Shelter them with your tender care; and help us to bring them healing and hope, forgiveness and friendship, for the love of your dear Son.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We do not often think of angelic guardians for the nations; but as Michael is the defender of Israel and head of the angel host, so we dare to pray that your holy angels would bring wise counsel to the leaders of every nation, and defend all your suffering people from the malice of the Evil One. Keep us safe in your care; teach us those things which make for peace; and preserve us in peace, harmony and righteousness until that day when you make all things new.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant that St. Michael and all the hosts of heaven may guard and guide all who risk their lives for the sake of others. Bless them with steadfast courage, invincible integrity, and unswerving devotion to you, the Lord of all nations. Prosper all they do that is in accord with your purpose. Grant healing to the wounded; honor to the fallen; strength to their family, and respect from all for their service.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray on behalf of everyone who cries out to you for help in time of trouble, suffering, distress or grief; especially: {List}. Speedily rescue them from affliction; stir up compassion and gentleness in all who care for them; and let your holy angels have charge of them, that the Wicked One have no power over them.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Most holy and gracious Father, we praise you for the victory your Son has won over sin and death. We entrust into his never-failing care our departed loved ones, especially: {List}. Grant to us, who still walk as yet by faith and not by sight, the protection of your blessed angels. Grant that, encouraged by their presence and by the witness of all your saints, we may give you thanks for all things; fear nothing except losing you; and lay all our cares on you, knowing that you care for us. Bring us, according to your promise, into the blessedness of eternal life; where the hosts of heaven and the whole company of the redeemed, we shall see you face to face, and adore you forever.
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.
