The Prayers of the Church

The Resurrection of Our Lord, Easter Day, April 21, 2019

Let us pray to our risen Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

You have done gloriously, O Lord Jesus; you have risen victorious over our ancient foes – sin, death, and the devil. When this good news seems too good to be true, show us your wounded hands and side, and renew our faith. Fill us with the Holy Spirit, so we may firmly believe, rightly proclaim, generously share, and beautifully live this gigantic truth: that because death has no dominion over you, neither shall it have the last word over anyone whom you have redeemed.

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

This day, your Church is adorned with flowers and banners, music and light. Adorn it also, dear Lord, with the beauty of your holiness and the light of your love. Make it resplendent with faith, hope, and charity. Clothe it in festal robes of righteousness and truth. Betroth it as your Bride; and make its worship a foretaste of your eternal marriage feast, shared with everyone who comes in repentant faith.

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Impart your deathless love to Christians who suffer bitter persecution even on this holy day. Grant them the joy of your saving help; purge the leaven of hatred and evil from the hearts of their tormentors; and hasten the day when all may fall before your feet in repentance, faith and joy.

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Crown this congregation with unfading joy, unfailing kindness, and unceasing praise for your eternal and victorious love. Give us grace to share the hope that is within us with gentleness and respect, so that others may learn to love and trust you, their Savior and Lord.

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Graciously bless the guests and visitors among us this day. Kindle the hearts of those who do not yet believe that you have conquered sin and death in your own body. Grant them faith to know that you live to bestow faith, righteousness, and salvation upon them forever.

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Let peace and righteousness kiss; let mercy and healing overflow; and let wisdom and faith abound throughout the world. Bestow joy, comfort and wholeness upon all people, especially those afflicted by human malice or natural catastrophe; and bring us all into a right relationship with you forever.

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Keep safe those who risk their lives on behalf of others. Equip them with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the sandals of peace, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. Heal them when they fall; and fill their loved ones with unconquerable confidence in your triumph over every foe.

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Raise up all who sit in the shadows of pain, despair, grief, and death. Bring comfort and forgiveness to those who cry out for mercy, especially those we name before you now: {List}. Impart your life and love to them, so they may join us in the Psalmist’s words, “I shall not die but live, and declare the works of the Lord!”

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

O risen Lord Jesus, those who died trusting you already experience that Easter morning that knows no end. Wipe away our tears, banish our doubts, and fill us with courage and joy. “Lord Jesus, from all evil forever make us free – from sin and from the devil, and all adversity; from sickness, pain and sadness, from troubles, cares and fears; and grant us heavenly gladness, and wipe away our tears. O, let us see in glory, your blest, redeeming face; and sing the old, old story of your amazing grace. Join us, with angels’ voices, and saints, from great to least, ‘til all the world rejoices, and with you, keeps the feast!”

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Grant to us all that is in accordance with your will, dear Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Prayers of the Church

The Vigil of Easter, April 20, 2019

Let us, with joyful confidence, pray to our risen Savior for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, “thanks” is too small a word! We hear the long story of salvation, and are humbled by your forbearance toward your wayward people. We enter into the mystery of your death and resurrection in our Baptism. We feast on the sweetness of your victorious life at your Table. “Thanks” is too small a word, except that your Spirit searches our hearts and in that small word, utters what we cannot express for all you have done, and all that you are.

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Fill the Church with light of your crucified and risen life. Make it resplendent with holiness, charity, and truth. Cause it to shed the light of your love upon those who dwell in the shadows of sin and death, so with one voice we sing, “Christ is risen, Alleluia!”

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Shatter the hateful words and malicious acts of all who persecute your followers for naming you as Savior. Raise up your suffering servants, and grant them courage and joy. By their faithful witness, bring their tormentors to repentance, so together they sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Feed the people of this congregation with the milk and honey of sincerity and truth. Make us lovely with your mercy, forgiveness, and goodness. Use us to draw many who are afar off into your welcoming embrace, so together we sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Clothe the newly baptized in the festal robes of faith and innocence. Lead them in the pathways of faith toward you and fervent love toward others. And teach them to constantly sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Let peace and righteousness kiss; let mercy and healing overflow; and let wisdom and faith abound throughout the world. Grant that all people, in every nation, might come to saving knowledge of you, their Shepherd, Healer, and Lord, so that with one voice they sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Keep safe those who risk their lives on behalf of others. Equip them with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the sandals of peace, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, so that they accomplish your will in places of danger and injustice, and may rightly sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Raise up all who sit in the shadows of pain, despair, grief, and death. Bring comfort and forgiveness to those who cry out for mercy. Bestow your reconciling grace upon all who are estranged from you and from their loved ones. Grant them and all who love them, your perfect peace, so together all may sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

O risen Lord Jesus, those who died trusting you already experience that Easter morning that knows no end. Wipe away our tears, banish our doubts, and fill us with dauntless courage and joy. Give us loving hearts, gracious words, and tireless hands to help one another along the way. Lead us through the waters of death, as if on dry ground. By your grace and favor, let us stand with you and with all whom you have redeemed, in your promised Kingdom that has no end, there to sing for all eternity: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Grant to us all that is in accordance with your will, dear Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Prayers of the Church, 

Good Friday, Cycle C (April 19, 2019)

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

A brief silence

Forgive and save your Church, O God, for heeding anything that distracts it from knowing, proclaiming, and sharing the love of Jesus, its crucified and risen Redeemer.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and renew pastors, bishops, theologians, and other church leaders when by treacherous words and shameful deeds they crucify Christ anew, and turn people from his salvation.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and guide each of us in this congregation, for the small and great ways in which we fail to love you with our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength, and do not love one another as Jesus has loved each of us.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and challenge everyone who says they believe in you, but have more pressing obligations than worship, prayer, forgiveness, or service in your name.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and enlighten all who believe in other gods, or who have limited and distorted notions of who you are.   

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and rescue all who say they are “spiritual but not religious,” or who are fascinated by the occult or dark spiritual arts.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and teach those who do not believe in you at all, especially those who persecute believers.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and bring to repentance our enemies, personal and communal. Forgive all who slander, lie, and spew hate, as did their spiritual ancestors toward your beloved Son.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and transform all who break promises, break laws, and break hearts, especially when we still struggle to forgive.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and energize all who whine, complain, make excuses, and shift blame to others.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and reform everyone who seeks to divide, not build up; to sow suspicion, not trust; and who insists on their own way at any cost.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and liberate those who are enslaved by their desires, passions, fears, addictions, or by their attraction to evil for its own sake.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and heal all who are caught in snares of illness and pain, depression and anxiety, regret and shame.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive, save, transform, and redeem all of us – for if we are honest, we know we must number ourselves in the great and miserable fellowship of sinners. Forgive, dear Lord, forgive us who despair; who seek revenge; who are cruel and selfish; who are bored and apathetic; who are thoughtless, clueless, heedless, merciless, and faithless.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

By the suffering and passion, of your holy and beloved Son; by his prayers from the Cross for our sake; by his sinless death and his descent into the depths of hell for the sake of sinners; by his glorious resurrection and ascension, and by his promise to come again as victorious Lord of all, forgive us our sins, heavenly Father. Crucify our sins and burn them in hell; but hide us, your poor sinful creatures, in the life-giving wounds of Jesus, and shelter us in his outstretched arms. Anoint us with the same Spirit he committed to you with his dying breath. Raise us, in the power of that Spirit, to share in the glorious resurrection life of Christ. And speed the coming of that great eternal day when everyone whom you have forgiven and healed, transformed and redeemed, is made fit to stand together before your throne, there to praise and adore you in the unity you share with your Son, our Savior and Lord, and with the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Prayers of the Church

Maundy Thursday, Cycle C (April 18, 2019)

Let us pray to our merciful God on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Holy God, purify your Church. Fill it with your Spirit, so it more perfectly loves you and the people your Son came to redeem.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Strengthen our persecuted sisters and brothers in the faith. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly bear witness to the holiness and love of Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Guide our sister congregations, companion dioceses, and all missionaries of the Gospel. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly proclaim Christ, and him crucified.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless this congregation. Fill us with your Spirit, so we more perfectly reflect the servant-love of Jesus to one another, and to our neighbors.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Kindle the faith of all who will be baptized into the death and resurrection of Christ at Easter. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly follow in his footsteps.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bestow wisdom upon all who have authority and power in our world. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly accomplish your will for the well-being of the people entrusted to their care.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant courage and integrity to our military, to all first responders, and to all who risk their lives for the sake of others. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly establish safety and peace in this troubled world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We plead on behalf of for everyone who is sick, grieving, estranged, ashamed, addicted, abused, confused, or despairing, especially those who crave our prayers, including: {List}. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly cling to Christ, their life, their health, and their salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, this day we share a foretaste of your heavenly feast, prepared for all whom you have redeemed by the passion, death, and resurrection of your well-beloved Son. Fill us with your Spirit, so that we might more perfectly take up our Cross, follow Jesus wherever he leads, and encourage one another along life’s way. Bring us, through the merits of Christ, into your heavenly Kingdom, where with him and the Holy Spirit, you reign in the joyous glory of heaven’s endless day.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 For these things, and for whatever else is needful, dear Father, we pray in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Prayers of the Church, 

Palm/Passion Sunday, Cycle C (April 14, 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, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem your Church. Through its ministry of Word, Sacrament, fellowship and service, draw all people to yourself.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

 Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem those who suffer for the sake of your name, and those who risk danger to proclaim the Gospel to those who do not know you. By their faithful witness, draw all people to yourself.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

 Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem this congregation. Through our faith toward you, and fervent love for one another, draw all people to yourself.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem our children, especially those who are most vulnerable because of illness, poverty, abuse or violence. Through their innocent praise of your goodness, draw all people to yourself.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem the people in every land and nation. By the guidance of the Holy Spirit, establish your peace in every place; and draw all people to yourself.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

 Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem all whose work is difficult and dangerous, including those in the military and all first responders. By their labors, establish places of safety and calm; and there draw all people to yourself.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

  Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem all who are afflicted by sin, suffering, and sorrow, especially: {List}. Use the witness of their faithful waiting, and their blessed healing, to draw all people to yourself.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, you have saved and redeemed all who have died trusting your promises. Now keep us steadfast in faith, patient in suffering, generous in service, and loving in fellowship. Through your Cross and innocent suffering for the sake of the world, draw all people to yourself, and bestow upon all the redeemed the fullness of your forgiveness, blessing, and eternal life.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

 Hear us, gracious Father, for the sake of your well-beloved Son, who intercedes for us before your throne of mercy.

Amen.

Editor’s Note: this article first appeared in the March 2019 edition of CORE Voice.

Click here to read the article.

Editor’s Note: this article first appeared in the March 2019 edition of CORE Voice.

Click here to read the article.

“All nations surrounded me; in the name of the Lord I will surely cut
them off. They surrounded me, yes, they surrounded me; in the name of the Lord
I will surely cut them off. They surrounded me like bees; they were
extinguished as a fire of thorns; in the name of the Lord I will surely cut
them off.” (Psalm 118:10-12)

Wickedness surrounds us. In
every direction there are those who come against you with their ideas, plots
and plans. Do you fight back with the sword of the Spirit? Turn to the Lord and
know that He who knows all things knows the schemes of the wicked. He has
promised to put His shield of protection upon Your life that you would remain
with Him forever. Trust in the Lord above all circumstances.

Lord, You are good and worthy of all praise. This world is filled with
the wicked and deceitful. Guide me, O Lord, in the way of truth which You have
established. Help me now and always to see that only in You is there hope and a
future. Keep me from falling into the hands of the wicked. You alone have the
words of eternal life. May I be found in You, O Lord, always.

Holy Spirit, minister to me that
I would see through the wickedness that is upon this age. Help me now and
always to see the truth when wickedness presents itself. Keep me on the narrow
path that I would hold fast to the truth that You are God and all goodness
resides in You. May I be found this day doing what is right in Your sight,
loving my neighbor and loving You. Amen.