The Prayers of the Church

The Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 26, 2019 (Memorial Day Weekend)

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

A brief silence

O Lord Jesus, blessed Bridegroom, thank you for making us your beloved Bride, even to giving your life for us! Thank you for making your Church, now troubled by evils within and without, the glorious New Jerusalem! Thank you for promising us joy in our fellowship with you and one another!

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Lord Jesus, grant to your Church the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit. Grant that, in a world shadowed by suffering, sorrow and sin, it always bears witness to your promise of joy, and shares the blessings of your love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

There are fellow Christians who know that in this world, confessing your name may bring trouble. Make them confident that you have overcome the world.  Grant them such unshakeable joy that their enemies are astonished and confounded, and repent.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let the Spirit fill every heart in this congregation with joy. Make that joy blossom into heartfelt worship, loving service, truthful witness, deep prayer, and loving fellowship. Use us to draw our friends and neighbors closer to you. May we shed the light of your love and joy in the darkest corners of their lives.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give your joyous presence to our teenagers. It is easy for them to be preoccupied with school, sports, jobs, and friends. It can be hard for them to endure teasing or scorn because they believe in you. Fill them with the light of your love, so their lives radiate it and become a blessing to those around them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

This weekend, we remember with reverence and gratitude our blessed dead, especially those who gave their lives in the service of our country. Grant that we order our common life in a way that is worthy of their sacrifice. Guide and strengthen all who currently serve. Heal them when they fall; shield and comfort their loved ones; and bring them home safely and soon.  And we beseech you to bring such peace to your world that the arts of war need no longer be known among us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

This world is filled with trouble of every kind; yet you have overcome the world and defeated the powers of sin and evil and death. We pray for our world; for its leaders; for all people, especially those who are most burdened by the sorrows and horrors of war, poverty, hatred, abuse, disease and despair. Bestow your Holy Spirit upon us all, especially those who make decisions that affect many lives: the Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord; and most of all, the Spirit of joy in your presence.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant healing and hope to all who suffer in body, mind or spirit, especially: {List}. Be gracious and merciful to them, and to all who care for them. Restore the bonds of fellowship and affection that have been strained or sundered by suffering and adversity; and give to us all the joy of your saving help.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus Christ, you have overcome the world, the devil, and our sins. Thank you for delivering from those powers all who died trusting in you. Thank you for giving them eternal life. Let the fullness of your joy touch and heal hearts still shadowed by grief. Help us all to live in faith and hope, love and kindness, gentleness and peace, self-control and patience. Let us enjoy a foretaste of that deep and abiding joy that you promise forever to all whom you love.

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 Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 19, 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 are the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the Resurrection and the Life! You bestow, even in the midst of sorrow, sin, and suffering, a vision of that new creation, in which those dreadful things are no more. Our words falter. We long for them to go far beyond mere thanks! We truly are “lost in wonder, love, and praise.” To you alone, blessed Jesus, be the glory!

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy Savior, fill your whole Church with your Holy Spirit. Make it constant in faith, bold in witness, ardent in worship, joyful in adversity, generous in service, rich in compassion, and radiant with holiness. Through its words and deeds, lead many, as you led Cornelius and his household, to life, salvation, and fellowship with all who name you as Lord and God.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Set before those who are persecuted on account of you – in Nigeria, North Korea, and countless other places – the sure hope of your love’s final and eternal triumph.  Keep us ever mindful of their suffering, and help us find ways to give them assistance and encouragement.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Kindle the fire of the Spirit’s power in this congregation. Make our hearts glow with love for you and for our neighbors, within and beyond these walls. Give us that joy which the world cannot give – and can never take away. Use us to carry the light of that joy to those who do not know it.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless all elementary and middle school children with joy, love of learning, and kindly hearts. Protect them from bullies and abusers, from the world’s alluring dangers and hidden threats; and from everything that would darken their hearts or hide your face.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for those in the military, and for all who stand in harm’s way on behalf of others. Help them to do their jobs faithfully, bravely and well. Bring them home in safety when their service is completed. Speed the day when there is no more warfare, pain, crying or death, and all your people may live at peace with you and with one another.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless this world with your goodness and righteousness, until every creature, every person, every nation, kindred and tribe shouts praises to your name and delights in the abundant life that only you can give. Teach the rulers and magistrates of the nations – and the leaders of commerce, technology, education, medicine and law – to seek truth; to delight in wisdom; to deliberate and decide with justice; and to act with generosity and humility. And teach everyone to live in peace and fellowship with one another.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Wipe away the tears, and take away the suffering, of all whose need is great. Especially we plead on behalf of: {List}. Even in this broken and fallen world, bring to them, and to all who love them, a measure of your Kingdom’s endless joy and peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy and loving Savior, you are indeed the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end of all things. You are the light and life of all who have died trusting in you. Keep us in fellowship with them through the bond of your Holy Spirit. By that same Spirit, raise up and gather in your arms all whom you have redeemed. Lead us into your Father’s presence as a pure and whole and holy community – your family, your joy, and your treasure forever.

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.

“It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I may learn Your
statutes. The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and
silver pieces.” (Psalm 119:71-72)

None of us is where we need to
be. We need the salvation of the Lord. More than just an overlay, it must be
deep-rooted in removing all that stands in the way of our walking in the
righteousness of the Lord. The Lord will stop at nothing to bring you fully
into the way of everlasting life. Rejoice in the love of the Lord and His
willingness to lead you always.

Lord, there are troubles and turmoil in this age. You have promised that
will all be worked for good for those who love You. Help me to see through to
the many times where You have done this. Let me rejoice that even in adversity,
You are growing in me the likeness of Christ. Lead me, O Lord, in all of Your
ways and help me to see Your hand in everything knowing that it is You who
leads.

Holy Spirit, reveal in my heart
the many ways in which I am daily learning lessons. Help me to persevere that I
may grow in obedience. Let me not be hindered by the ways of this world which
plague me, but instead see that through Your guidance, I can and will learn and
grow in faith. May I ever rejoice that You have given me the true treasure of
eternity in being forever with You. Amen.