THE PRAYERS,
11th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 16, Cycle C (August 25, 2019)
Let us pray for the Church, the world, and for one another.
A brief silence
Heavenly Father, thank you for showing us what you would have us do, even when it is hard. Give us strength and grace to worship you in the beauty of holiness, and to share your love, justice, and mercy to those who need it most. Thank you for establishing for us a kingdom that can never be shaken.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We humbly pray that you would discipline the Church you love. Set it in the narrow way of peace, holiness, and truth. Make it a trustworthy, open gate to your healing and purifying love, so that many may enter to offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving for the salvation you have granted in Christ.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Touch the hearts of the people gathered here with your beauty and goodness. Make our words gracious and our deeds lovely. Make of us a kingdom of priests, holy in your sight; and a family of servants, faithfully doing your will.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Join the sufferings of your persecuted Church to those of Christ. Give it a gracious word of testimony, truth, and forgiveness, so that its tormentors may repent and be saved.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bring to fruition Isaiah’s vision that all nations shall serve and worship you. Give leaders the desire and the means to accomplish your will for peace, righteousness, and justice for all people – especially the poor and those devastated by human malice or natural disaster. Help all of us to be true friends and good neighbors to one another.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
The school year fast approaches, to the dread of students and delight of parents. Give them joy in learning and diligence in study. Help their teachers and aides to convey true love of their subject matter. Make them gentle disciplinarians, inspiring mentors, and worthy examples to their students.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant healing, hope and strength to everyone who is wounded in body, soul or mind. Especially we remember before you the needs of: {List}. In their suffering, assure them of your loving presence; and give them all they need to enter into your gates with thanksgiving and into your courts with praise.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Most holy and gracious Father, receive into your Kingdom our beloved dead. Keep us faithful and true, holy and steadfast, as we walk the narrow Way established by your dear Son. Give us healing, hope, and joy along that way; and help us to encourage and help one another. Bring us safely into that Kingdom which you have promised to all whom you redeem by the sufferings of Christ. And there let us see you face to face, and experience the unspeakable joy of abiding in your love forever.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Hear our prayers, gracious Father, offered through the power of the Spirit; and for the sake of your dear Son, grant us all that is in accordance with your merciful will, to your glory and for the good of your people. AMEN.
