THE PRAYERS,
7th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 12, Cycle C (July 28, 2019)
By the power of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to God our Father in the name of Christ Jesus our Lord, making intercession for the Church, the world, and for all people according to their need.
A brief silence
Father, we have grown so used to praying to you that sometimes we forget what a privilege and grace it is! Forgive us when we become careless, forgetful, or presumptuous in our prayer life. By your Spirit’s leading, make us eager to stand with Jesus’ arm around our shoulders, confidently and lovingly calling you “Abba, Father,” and talking with you about everything.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Keep your Church firmly rooted and grounded in Christ, its Head. Make it dead to sin and alive to righteousness. Give it the faith and the words to pray continually for the needs of all people, and for their salvation. Give it the strength and will to act in accordance with your will.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Draw the people of this congregation into a life of conversation and prayer with you. Help us to boldly ask for your mercy; to constantly seek your guidance; and to persistently knock at the door of your heart. Give us the courage and love to invite family, friends and neighbors into a closer walk with you.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Deliver your persecuted servants from the evil that afflicts them. Help them to forgive and to pray for their enemies. Help us to pray for them and with them. And guide and strengthen all missionaries. Help them find and use every means possible for introducing unbelievers to your dear Son, until all hearts are tuned to your praise.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Keep this country in your care. Guide our leaders in pathways of righteousness, justice and wisdom. Help us to cherish, preserve, and extend the blessings of liberty and opportunity for all. Grant a measure of health, safety and peace to the people of every nation; and establish your Kingdom among us.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We plead on behalf of our enemies; for those who are estranged from us; for those who mock us and who would work to harm us; and for all whose hearts are full of bitterness, malice, perversion and every other evil impulse. Cleanse, heal, and transform them, until they are conformed to your will. Help us to forgive them as you have forgiven us. And heal the hearts of all who have been wounded by them, so that we may all reflect the holiness and mercy of your dear Son.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Hear the prayers of those who ask for healing; who seek for comfort; and who knock on doors that they fear are shut to them. We especially lift before you the needs of: {List}. Graciously hear their cries; and answer them from the abundant wellsprings of your mercy and steadfast love.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Father, keep in your care those who have died clinging to those promises which have their Yes in Christ. Be gracious to those who mourn. Give each of us the daily bread we need throughout our earthly pilgrimage. Help us to readily give and humbly ask for forgiveness. Strengthen us when we are tempted to turn aside from your good will; and deliver us from the snares of the Evil One. Bring us into the Kingdom that you have prepared for all whom you have redeemed through the merits of your dear Son, so that in the power of the Holy Spirit, we may praise, adore and bless you forever.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
In the power of the Holy Spirit, we entrust our prayers and petitions into your hands, gracious Father, for the sake of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
