THE PRAYERS, 12th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 17, Cycle C (September 1, 2019)
THE PRAYERS,
12th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 17, Cycle C (September 1, 2019)
Let us pray in the name of Jesus to our heavenly Father for the Church, the world, and one another.
A brief silence
Gracious Father, you actually believe that, through repentant faith in Jesus, who humbled himself for our sake, we too can be humble without being doormat martyrs. You actually believe that, through the transforming power of your Holy Spirit, we can repent and joyfully show our gratitude to you by lives of gentleness and mercy toward one another. We’re not sure we can believe it! Grant us, dear Lord, your own confidence, and accomplish in us your vision of what we should be.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Fill your Church with humble trust and steadfast faith. Give it pastors, bishops, theologians and lay leaders who speak your truth in love. By your Holy Spirit, inspire compassionate deeds and holy lives among all who name Jesus Christ as Lord.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bless the people of this congregation. Help us to remember that at all times, we speak, act and live in the presence of your Son, our King as well as our friend. Let the way we treat one another, and all to whom we minister, reflect his strong saving love.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Calm the fears and give comfort and strength to your persecuted servants throughout the world. By their humble witness, cause their enemies to repent and to turn to you, their only King, Lord and God.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bless this land with peace, justice, prosperity, concord, and integrity. Guide our leaders, and all who take counsel for the nations, so that they may always remember that they must give an account of their deliberations and deeds to you, the King of the Nations.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Your Son dignified our labor by sharing our toil. Be with your people wherever they work; make those who carry on the industries and commerce of this land responsive to your will; and give us pride in what we do. Be the strong refuge of those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of work. Help us to use our wealth and resources, so that all who are able to work may find suitable and fulfilling employment, and receive just payment for their labor.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Those who struggle with pain, sorrow, and adversity need the strength and healing that only you can give. We pray on their behalf, especially for: {List}. Quiet their fears; heal their bodies, minds and hearts; and renew their hope. Bless all who care for them, especially those who need refreshment, respite, and resources to continue their ministry of loving service.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Dear heavenly Father, we thank you for receiving as your dear children all who have died trusting in you. Quiet the souls of all who mourn. Teach us to live simply and trustfully as your dear children also; and in your good time, lead us into your presence, where with all whom you have redeemed by the merits of your beloved Son,, we will rest in your arms, delight in your goodness, and adore 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. AMEN.