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.
