THE PRAYERS,
Reformation Sunday (October 27, 2019)
Let us pray in the name of Jesus to our heavenly Father for the Church, the world, and one another.
A brief silence
Thank you, dear Father, for all who love your Church and who have faithfully sought to purify and reform it when it has lost its way. Thank you for constantly raising up prophets, apostles, martyrs, theologians, and ordinary saints who treasure your holy Word and love your Church, even when she stumbles and sins. Thank you for Jesus, who makes the Church his dear Bride, and who even now is making her lovely with holiness, charity, and righteousness.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Pour out your Holy Spirit upon your Church. Make it your holy habitation; keep it steadfast in your Word; strengthen it in the face of temptation; defend it from evil; reform and purify it from sin and error; and bestow on it your saving peace.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Graciously protect and guide the people of this congregation, O Lord, our Help and our Redeemer. Gladden our hearts with the joy of your saving love. Cause us to brim over with the gifts of your Holy Spirit, so that we may refresh, nourish, instruct and invite our neighbors into your presence.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Be the refuge and strength of Christians throughout the world when they are persecuted for confessing Jesus as Lord; and cause the enemies of the Gospel to repent of their sinfulness, that they may turn to you and live.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Exalt yourself among the nations, and speak your holy word to your world, especially to the leaders of our country. Give us a measure of your own wisdom and a portion of your own Spirit, so that we, and all in positions of authority and trust, desire to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly before you.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bless the work of faithful theologians and teachers who establish dialog, clarify doctrine, correct misunderstandings, and strive to heal the fractures within your Church. Direct their labors with your Spirit’s promptings. Give them charity in service of witnessing to the truth of your Word. Keep them grounded in the Gospel of your Son, Jesus Christ, crucified and resurrected to forgive sins and grant life and salvation to all who will receive him.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We lift before you the needs of all whose lives are shaken and troubled by suffering of mind, body or spirit. Especially we pray for: {List}. Be in their midst; let them not be overthrown; bring them your saving help; say to them, ‘be still, and know that I am God;’ and restore them all to health and hope, that they may proclaim the awesome things you have done.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Most holy Lord, we give you thanks for the lives of all whom you have claimed as your own and have redeemed through the precious blood of your dear Son. Grant that we may humbly follow in their footsteps; boldly trust in your promises; faithfully live in your Word; and cheerfully serve in your Name. And bring us, through the merits of our Savior, into your eternal home, where with all the redeemed, we shall glorify you in the power of your most holy Spirit forever and ever and unto the ages of ages.
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.
