The Prayers of the Church
The Second Sunday of Easter, April 28, 2019
Let us pray to our risen Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.
A brief silence
O Lord Jesus, you stand in the midst of the lampstands which are your churches; and you fill them with imperishable light. Thank you for not deserting us to the darkness of sin, evil, and death. Thank you for dispelling the gloomy clouds of doubt, grief, and despair. Thank you for leading us into the everlasting day of your resurrection life. Grant us grace to lead all people and all creation in praising your Name.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, bestow the light of your Resurrection upon your Church. Breathe your Holy Spirit upon it, and fill it with your peace. Give it grace and boldness to proclaim you as the crucified and risen Savior of the world, so that all people may adore you as their Lord and their God.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Dwell in the midst of those who suffer persecution on account of you. Make them into golden lampstands, shining with the radiance of your glory and grace, and filled with the oil of faithful witness and steadfast endurance.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Pour your Holy Spirit into the hearts of everyone in this congregation. Give us a hunger for your Word; a thirst for receiving and for sharing your forgiveness; a vision of your love for all people; and a desire to serve you by serving others in your name.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Give us the persistence and kindness of the disciples who sought out Thomas and drew him back into your dear presence. Help us to share, with those who have lost hope, the hope that is in us.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We earnestly beseech you to give to the leaders of the nations, and to all people entrusted to their care, that peace which the world cannot give. Send your Holy Spirit into the world, so that repentant faith and deeds of mercy may bring the light of your saving love to hearts darkened by the powers of sin, evil and death.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Direct the deliberations and deeds of all who risk their lives on behalf of others. Give them wisdom and courage, integrity and patience, and fill them with a love for your good and gracious will. Use them to establish justice, safety, and hope in places sorely lacking in those good things.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Heal the bodies, cheer the spirits, and illumine the hearts of all whose lives are shadowed by sorrow, suffering, doubt or despair. Especially we remember before you the needs of: {List}. Renew in them the gifts of faith and hope; raise them to fullness of life; and restore them to joyful fellowship with all who love them.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, you have been raised from death to die no more; and you promise your resurrection life to all whom you have redeemed. We therefore entrust into your strong arms the lives of all who have fallen asleep in you, especially our beloved dead. Wipe away the tears of all who grieve; turn our doubt into unshakeable confidence; and grant that all of us may at last see you face to face and cry out in adoration and joy, “My Lord and my God!”
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.
