THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

2^nd Sunday in Lent, Cycle C (March 17, 2019)

 

 For the Church, the world, and our poor sinful selves, let us pray to our Lord, who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

A brief silence

 

Lord Jesus, we bless and adore you for your loving desire to gather your people beneath your wings. Your mercy covers our sins – and gives us the courage to repent of them. Grant that we may always remember your tremendous sacrifice; walk in the pathway you have set before us; and stand firm in you, our Savior, Redeemer, and God.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Purify and transform your Church into a lamp shining with the light of your love in this sin-darkened world. Draw it close to you, so that through its words and deeds, many who are afar off may also be drawn close to you, their light and their life.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

There are many who suffer greatly because they name you as Lord. Hide them in the shadow of your wings. Transform their humiliation into your glory; and by their patience in suffering, cause their tormentors to repent of their evil deeds.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Bless this congregation with your dear presence; and make us mirror your humble, self-giving love to everyone we encounter.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Lord Jesus, we pray for our enemies and for all who hate you. We pray for the wicked, the spiteful, the violent, the remorseless, and the cruel. Deliver them from their bondage to the Evil One. Forgive their sins. Grant them your Holy Spirit, that they might truly repent. Heal their spirits, clear their minds, and transform their hearts into thrones worthy of your presence.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Through our Baptism, we have been made citizens of your heavenly Kingdom, but we still live in this world. Therefore, we pray for our earthly leaders; for all who wield power and authority; and for all who stand in harm’s way in defense of life and liberty. Give them wisdom, integrity, humility, a hunger for justice and a thirst for mercy. And bestow your heavenly peace upon us all.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

 

Loving Savior, gather the sick, sorrowing, suffering, and dying beneath your holy wings. Grant them shelter, comfort, healing, and hope. Especially we pray for: {List}. Bless, strengthen, and encourage everyone who cares for them, and grant to them all, the fullness of your strong saving love.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Most holy Jesus, we entrust into your embrace our faithful departed, and all the innocent victims of crime, violence, and injustice – especially your precious little ones whose lives were snuffed out before birth. Shelter them all with your never-failing love. Comfort all who mourn with your never-failing compassion. Guild all who still walk through the valley of the shadow of death with your never-failing Light. And bring all whom you have redeemed through your passion, death, and resurrection, into your Kingdom, where with your Father and the Holy Spirit, you reign in never-failing joy, peace and love.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Hear us, dear Lord; and answer our prayers according to your will, to your glory and for the benefit of the people you came to save.

 

Amen.

 

“Splendid and majestic is His work, and His righteousness endures
forever. He has made His wonders to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and
compassionate.” (Psalm 111:3-4)

Marvel at the mountains. See the
beauty of an insect flying through the air. Watch as critters scamper around. All
creatures are provided for. How wonderful that God gives to all that have need.
See this and not the destruction that is evident in our age. The Lord looked at
all that He made and said, “It is good.” Be guided by this goodness and live
into the hope He gives.

Lord, I need this new heart that You promise. I am often negative in focusing upon the death and destruction of this age. Help me live into the hope and promise You give that I may be free to enjoy all Your promises. May I be guided in You to live into the truth of Your revelation, knowing that all things now, then and forever are,have been and will be in Your hands. Your goodness is evident in Your creation.

Holy Spirit, as I live through this day, help me to see the good things that are around me. Lead my heart, mind and soul to focus upon what is right and good. Lead my footsteps to do right things, living into the image of Christ. May I be found today to have been truthful, thankful and praising You for all that You give. Lead me into the goodness of spirit that You have promised through my salvation. Amen.