PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, Cycle C: 6th Sunday after Epiphany, Proper 5, February 17, 2019
Let us draw near to the Light of Christ, offering prayer and supplication on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.
A brief silence
Heavenly Father, thank you for grafting us in our Baptism to Christ, the Tree of life rich with abundant fruit. Thank you for immersing us in the streams of living water, the Spirit flowing from your Son’s pierced side. Thank you for raising us to new life in him – a life that delights in him, meditates on him day and night, and produces the sweet fruit of repentance, mercy, and goodness.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Plant your Church amidst those streams of living water, so that its proclamation, worship, teaching, fellowship and charity may bring life and healing to many people.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Father, we pray, as you have commanded, for our enemies, and for everyone hostile to your Word. Soften their hearts, forgive their sins, heal their souls, and lead them in repentance, humility, and faith, to the foot of your Son’s Cross. Give us the grace to welcome them there as our sisters and brothers, fellow debtors to your lavish and amazing grace.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Keep this congregation in your care, and cause all that we do to be in conformity to your will. Use us to share the forgiveness and mercy of Jesus with everyone we encounter, especially the people we don’t much like. Water us daily with the gifts of your Holy Spirit, so that we grow in grace and in fruits that nourish all who hunger for your goodness.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Guide all our earthly leaders in pathways of godliness, righteousness, and integrity. Give them grace to delight in your Law, and to use their authority and power for the benefit of the lives entrusted to their care. And help us all to refrain from scornful, inflammatory words and actions that sow the bitter seeds of discord and violence.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bring healing to the bodies, minds, hearts, and relationships of everyone who is burdened by sin, sickness, suffering, or sorrow. Especially we plead on behalf of: {List}. Cheer their spirits, renew their hope, and encourage and sustain their loved ones and caregivers.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Thank you, Father, for the lives of all your faithful people who are now at rest in you. Thank you for their witness, example, and goodness towards us. Nourish us on our pilgrimage with your Word; refresh us with your Spirit; guide us by your Son’s Cross; and keep us constant in faith toward you and in love for one another. Bring us, in your good time, into the Resurrection-life he has won for all whom you have redeemed by his blood.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For all these things, dear Father, and for whatever else you will for us in your wisdom and compassion, we pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior, Lord, and King. Amen.
