“Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the nations, to give thanks to Your holy name and glory in Your praise. Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting even to everlasting. And let all the people say,“Amen.” Praise the Lord!” (Psalm 106:47-48)

From every tribe, tongue and nation the Lord will call together those who have not bent the knee to honor the foolish things of this world. From among all nations, the Lord calls out those who bend the knee only to Him. Come then as one called into the presence of the Lord and walk humbly in His sight. Know that only the way of the Lord is the path of abundant life now and then life everlasting.

Lord, I am often fooled by the tugs of this world. Guide me, O Lord, in the way You have revealed that is for those who are called out from among the nations. Keep me from stumbling over the false idols of this age to live into the hope of eternity which You have granted by grace to all who believe. Lead me in the upward call of the salvation You give through Christ alone.

Lord Jesus, You have come that we may have an abundant life in and through You. Guide me, O Lord, in the way of obedience that I may learn from You how to obey all that You command. Thank You for the grace I need and the mercy the Father grants that I may walk with You now and forever. Keep me close to You that I may now and always abide in You to the Father’s glory. Amen.

“Nevertheless He looked upon their distress when He heard their cry; and He remembered His covenant for their sake, and relented according to the greatness of His lovingkindness. He also made them objects of compassion in the presence of all their captors.” (Psalm 106:44-46)

God made a promise to Abraham and his children. It was not for our sake, but for the sake of the promise that the Lord granted grace and mercy. Lest we think there is any of our merit, know that the way of the Lord is offered, but never earned. Come then in faith alone and fall before the Lord who offers salvation through His mercy. Know that it is He who has made the promises that will be fulfilled.

Lord, I live my life thinking it is somehow meritorious. Guide me. O Lord. in the way of truth that I would fall to my knees knowing that only by Your mercy am I able to approach You at all. Lead me away from the selfish thoughts of this world to see in You the only hope of eternity. Guide me according to Your goodness to walk humbly in the salvation You have prepared in the sight of all people.

Lord Jesus, You are the Way, Truth and Life and apart from You is certain condemnation. Guide me by the grace You give that I may now and always abide in You as You abide in me, living in the faith and hope of the salvation that comes through You alone. Keep me away from the temptations of this world that I may now and always walk in Your grace and live in the hope of the promises You give. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, Cycle C: Transfiguration of Our Lord, March 3,
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

Father, today we kneel in awe and adoration before the
divine majesty your Son revealed at his Transfiguration. But sometimes, our
devotion grows cold, our prayers and worship become perfunctory, or our
attitude toward Jesus becomes “he’s my best buddy, he’s there for me if I need him.” Enlighten our mind to
always catch a glimpse of his glorious presence. And kindle our hearts and
spirits to worship and obey him with holy fear, deep joy, and fervent love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O God beyond
all praising, we worship you and adore your glory, revealed in the
transfiguration of your beloved Son. Grant that your Church may obediently
listen to his word; hold fast to him in its heavenly calling; preach him alone
as the way of salvation; and thus proclaim to the whole world his blessings
without number and his mercy without end.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant to
your persecuted people a firm confidence in the hope that has been established
through the steadfast obedience of Christ their Lord. Give them grace to triumph
through their sufferings and rise to serve you even in the presence of those
who trouble them.  Bless, we beseech you,
all missionaries of the Gospel; our sister congregations and dioceses; and {our
larger church body}.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let the
radiance of our Beautiful Savior fill the hearts and sanctify the ministries of
this congregation. Make our worship into a joyful duty, and our service into a
sacrifice of praise. Use us to lead others to Jesus, that with us, they may worship,
honor, bless and adore him.

Lord, in
your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have appointed your Son as King of
creation and Lord of the nations. Teach our leaders to praise your name; to
love justice and righteousness; and to seek those things that make for peace.
Come to the help of those whose lives are troubled by sorrow and hardship; and
draw all people into the glorious and gentle rule of Christ their Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear
our prayer.

We lift our hearts to you on behalf of all
whose lives are clouded by any sort of affliction or sorrow, including: {List}.
Let the light of Jesus’ countenance heal and cheer them. Let all who care for
them do so with tenderness and compassion; and grant that together we may
praise you for your unending mercies.

Lord, in
your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Lord, our Beautiful Savior, those who
have died trusting in your promises now see you face to face. We thank you for
bestowing this blessing upon them, especially {List}. Continue, we pray, to
show to us your amazing love; and though we are your unworthy servants, bless
us with those good gifts that will sustain us and others in this life. Bring
us, in your good time, into that endless life and light you share with all whom
you have redeemed; and give us voices there to sing unceasingly, “Glory and
honor, praise, adoration, now and forevermore be thine!”

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.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, Cycle C: 7^th Sunday after Epiphany,
Proper 6, February 24, 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

Loving Father, forgiveness is the hardest thing we must ever
do – but refusing to forgive is ultimately worse. Thank you for that great,
hard gift of forgiveness that you have bestowed upon us in Jesus. Cause the
power of that gift to work deep within us. And though it be hard, teach us how
to forgive – and to ask another for it – so that we may be restored to you, and
to those who are separated from us by their sins or our own.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make your
Church unflinching in exposing sin, humble in confessing it, and unceasing in
forgiving all who repent of it. Let it never re-brand sin as virtue, but let it
never scorn or reject those who stumble. Make it wise and faithful in
instruction, exhortation, and counsel, and make it gracious and tender in restoring
and healing all who seek to turn from their sin and toward you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless all
counselors and pastors, and others who work to repair relationships and restore
community. Help them to listen deeply and speak wisely; to seek your will for
the people in their care; and to model your love in the way they serve others.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Embrace the
people of this congregation with your holy and forgiving love. Make us eager to
seek out those estranged from us, and patient in the work of reconciliation. Let
all we say and do shine with love for Jesus, and with Jesus’ love for everyone
we meet.

Lord, in
your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give rulers of nations, and all in
positions of authority, a love for justice tempered with mercy. Remind us all
that revenge may destroy both parties; that “strict justice” can divide rather
than build up communities, and that mercy and forgiveness, though difficult,
can bring healing and reconciliation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear
our prayer.

Restore the faith and the health of all
who are burdened by suffering of body, mind, or spirit – especially {List}. Give
them the joy of your saving help; and restore them to fellowship with all who
love them.

Lord, in
your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, we commend our beloved
dead into your care, trusting your promise of mercy. Keep us, we pray, in your
care as well! Help us to seek and to bring your mercy to the lost, the broken,
the estranged, and the despairing. Sustain us with your never-failing grace, so
won for us by the death and resurrection of your dear Son and lavished upon us
by the indwelling of your Holy Spirit. Reconcile us, through Christ, to you and
to each other, until we are welcomed into your eternal Kingdom and reunited
with all your people, there to praise your goodness forever and ever.

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.

“Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were subdued under their power. Many times He would deliver them; they, however, were rebellious in their counsel, and so sank down in their iniquity.” (Psalm 106:42-43)

Throughout history, there are those who will listen to the way of the world and so fall under its spell. The Lord allows us to each go the way we choose, not knowing whence we go. Do not be deceived, the way of the Lord is eternal and brings life. Every other way is the way of death and destruction. Choose by the grace He grants, not to go down to the pit, but up into the salvation of the Lord.

Lord, help me to see where the world is tugging at me and calling me down into itself. Guide me, O Lord, in the way of life which you have made sure by grace through faith. Help me to see clearly the paths that are before me that I may walk now and forever in Your way of truth. Lead me, O Lord, today and each day that I may not sink down into the pit of iniquity in which the world wallows.

Lord Jesus, You have come to save all those who believe. Guide me today, O Lord, in that way of salvation which You have prepared for all of those who believe in You. Help me by granting discernment that I may not go down into the pit, but be lifted up with You to be with You now and forever. May all that I do bring praise and glory to the Father by Your grace which sustains me in this age. Amen.

“Thus they became unclean in their practices, and played the harlot in their deeds. Therefore the anger of the Lord was kindled against His people and He abhorred His inheritance. Then He gave them into the hand of the nations,and those who hated them ruled over them.” (Psalm 106:39-41)

While we live in this world of sin and do not stand against what the world practices, its pollution becomes our pollution. It is not a matter of hiding, but of knowing that the way of the Lord is the way of life and that the way of the world is death. You are polluted, so do not defend yourself in terms of being good. None are good; so surrender to the One who has come to redeem you that you may have life.

Lord, I play the game of the world and think myself good when there is nothing I have to offer. Lead me, O Lord, into the true way of a life of confession and forgiveness that I may walk in the way of salvation knowing that, only by Your mercy can I not only see the state of this world, but see the grace You give. Let me not be caught up in the system of this world, but live according to Your truth which You have spoken from the beginning.

Come, Holy Spirit, convict my heart wherever I have been living a lie that I may confess to You and be absolved by the blood of the lamb. Let me not lean on my own understanding, but live wholly in the grace I need. You have come that I may have life and have it abundantly. Lead me now and always in this life to which You have called me,that I may grow in grace and wisdom. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, Cycle C: 6^th 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.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, Cycle C: 5^th Sunday after Epiphany,
Proper 4, February 10, 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

Thank you, dear Father, for seeking and sending us, even
though we, like Peter, are sinful mortals! Thank you for providing every
spiritual gift necessary, so we can faithfully follow Jesus and fearlessly
proclaim the Gospel of repentance and forgiveness he bestows.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Do not let
your dear Son depart from your Church, though it is sinful and broken. Bless,
purify, forgive and transform it, so that it may fish for all those who do not
know Jesus; draw them to his Cross; and teach them to love and serve you with
all their heart.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless every
missionary and evangelist who boldly speaks your Word to those who have never
heard or heeded it. Protect and strengthen them and let their words and deeds
show forth the strong saving love of Jesus to everyone to whom they minister.  

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Your Son called
Peter, James and John to follow him, and now calls the people of this
congregation to do likewise. Equip us with faithfulness, boldness, humility and
compassion; keep us focused on your Word; and use our words and our work to
bring many to faith in Christ their Savior.

Lord, in
your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give right judgment to the leaders of
nations and captains of industry, to educators and scientists, military and
emergency personnel, to medical and social workers, and to all who exercise
authority and responsibility for their communities. Use them to keep those in
their care righteous, healthy, and safe. Strengthen the hearts of every person,
so that we give generously of time and treasures when our neighbor’s need is
great.

Lord, in your mercy, hear
our prayer.

We ask your dearest blessing upon those
who suffer in body, mind, or spirit, especially: {LIST}. Free them from bondage
to sorrow, sin, and suffering; and raise them to health and wholeness.

Lord, in
your mercy, hear our prayer.

We commend into your care our loved ones
who have died and are at rest in you. Comfort those whose grief runs deep. Help
us to be so gentle, patient, and kind to one another that we may indeed endure
all things that afflict us in this mortal life. Lead us at last, with all whom
you have redeemed by the love revealed in your Son, into your Kingdom, where faith
becomes sight, hope becomes joy, and your love is our all in all.

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.

“They even sacrificed their sons and their daughters to the demons, and shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and their daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan; and the land was polluted with the blood.” (Psalm 106:37-38)

This world has often forgotten the simple admonitions of the Lord. So deep is sin that we do not even love our families as we should. In these days, we see the same things, where parents are willing to sacrifice their children to the gods of this age. Our land too is polluted with the blood of the sacrifices. Yes, we also live in a time where this happens. Fall on your face before the Lord and pray to Him for faithfulness.

Lord God, you alone are able to rescue us from the sin of this and every age. Strip away the pretense and the false attitude that causes me to think that I do not have my part. Do not strip away my life, but bring me into Your salvation that I may discover the freedom that is found in You alone. Help me now and always to see in You the hope You have given and to walk humbly in all of Your ways.

Lord Jesus, You know our sins and the fullness of their impact in our lives. Lead me in humility that I may now and always walk according to Your Word of truth. Teach me today the way I should go that I may now and always abide in You and You in me. Lead me by the Spirit to walk through the valley of this age’s shadow of death to live into the life to which You are calling me be grace. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, Cycle C: 4^th Sunday after Epiphany,
Proper 3, February 3, 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, even as we thank you for your Word, we
confess that it can sometimes seem stern and even offensive to us. And yet, in
Jesus we have your full assurance that every Word which proceeds from your
mouth is good. In him, your never-failing love is fleshed out for us. Fill us
with your Holy Spirit, so that we can thank you for every Word you speak to us,
and can model, however imperfectly, your perfect and eternal love for your
people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have
appointed prophets and martyrs, pastors and bishops, teachers and ordinary
saints to speak your word and to lead all people to new life in Christ. Grant
that the Church may speak your word boldly, act fearlessly, and in all things
mirror your love, revealed to the world in your beloved Son.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear the
prayers of your suffering Church; rescue your servants from the hand of the
wicked and the grasp of the unjust and the cruel. Be their rock and their
refuge; fill their mouth with your praise; and drive out the demons of hatred
and unbelief from their persecutors.  

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let this
congregation overflow with words of praise to you, and deeds of love toward
others. Help us to be rich in patience and kindness; and to be lacking only in
resentment, irritability, and self-promotion. Let our families, friends,
neighbors and communities truly know we are Christians by his love, which
touches them through us.

Lord, in
your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant that the leaders of the nations,
most especially our own, may heed your words and seek to do your will. Teach
them to love justice, and hate cruelty; to rejoice in truth and reject
wrongdoing; and to wield authority in the knowledge that they must give an
account of their deeds to you, the Lord of all nations. Give us ears to hear
the cries of all who are victims of poverty, injustice or violence; and give us
the heart and the strength to answer them well.

Lord, in your mercy, hear
our prayer.

With authority and power, Jesus drove out
demons, healed the sick, and forgave and raised up people tormented by the
power of sin and death.  We pray in his
name for all who are afflicted in body, mind, or spirit, and especially for: {List}.
Be their rock, their strong deliverer, and their hope. Strengthen all who care
for them; and grant them the joy of your salvation.

Lord, in
your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We commend into your care our loved ones
who have died and are at rest in you. Comfort those whose grief runs deep. Help
us to be so gentle, patient, and kind to one another that we may indeed endure
all things that afflict us in this mortal life. Lead us at last, with all whom
you have redeemed by the love revealed in your Son, into your Kingdom, where
faith becomes sight, hope becomes joy, and your love is our all in all.

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.