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.
