THE PRAYERS,
15th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 20, Cycle C (September 22, 2019)
Let us pray in the name of Jesus to our heavenly Father for the Church, the world, and one another.
A brief silence
Heavenly Father, thank you for your holy Word, even when it convicts us or makes us squirm. Thank you for being patient with us. Thank you for lifting us up when we fall away from your commands, and for restoring us to positions of trust and the task of proclaiming the Gospel when we have repented.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bless your holy Church throughout the world. Fill it with faithful teachers and preachers of your Word; kindle its worship to be a living flame of praise to you; make it wise as serpents and innocent as doves as it bears witness to Jesus in this broken and fallen world; and grant it grace to lavish the treasures of your Kingdom upon all who are in need of them.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord, it may make us smile or shudder to hear the parable of the dishonest servant at a time of year when stewardship is often lifted up. Bless this congregation in its stewardship of time, talents, treasures, and testimony. Help us to be honest, eager, and ingenious as we use whatever has been entrusted to us, for the sake of your Kingdom, and for the benefit of our neighbor.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Give such lovingkindness and generosity to missionaries throughout the world, that in them, the poor of body, mind, or spirit may see and gladly receive your love and forgiveness. And help us to remember, pray for, defend, and assist your persecuted servants however we can. Give them grace to speak truth in love before their enemies, so that you may be glorified, and many may repent and turn to you.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Give wisdom, integrity, and common sense to our earthly leaders. Make them honest stewards of the power and authority granted to them; and remind them that they must give an account of their stewardship to you, their Master and King. Be the shield and defender of first responders and those in the military. Fill them with courage, integrity, and competence; and use their labors to accomplish your will in places of chaos and violence. Help us all to have a heart for the poor, and the will to assist them effectively and graciously.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bless volunteers and workers, not only in this church, but throughout the world, who seek to serve you and neighbor. Multiply their gifts and talents, so that through their labors, many people receive mercy, comfort, and a clear sign of your providential care.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You raise the poor from the dust and care for all who cry out to you. Therefore with confidence and hope, we remember before you all who are afflicted in body, mind, or spirit, including: {List}. Bring them out of darkness into your glorious light; and restore them to fellowship with all who love them.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Gracious and holy Father, receive into your Kingdom all the faithful departed, especially those dearest to us, including: {List}. Keep us steadfast in faith; diligent in service; truthful in word and honest in deed; and bind us together in cords of love and compassion for one another. Bring us, with all whom you have redeemed, into the fullness of your presence; and give us hearts, minds, and voices, forever to adore and glorify you, in the blessed communion you share with your Son and the Holy Spirit.
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.
