THE PRAYERS,
23rd Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 28, Cycle C (November 17, 2019)
In the power of the Spirit, let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.
A brief silence
Most holy God, your promise to come with power and great glory, with judgment and healing, sometimes overwhelms and disturbs us. We pray for you to make all things right and new – but we know that you will judge each of us and we will see our sins laid out in all their ghastly glory. Cover us then, dear Lord, with your healing wings. Clothe us in the righteousness of Christ alone. Shield us with your Holy Spirit. And make us holy and whole, right and new, radiant with your light and life forever.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Cleanse and heal your Church throughout the world. Make it watchful and faithful in all things. Let it never grow weary in preaching the Gospel and serving the world for Jesus’ sake. Make it a shelter and place of healing for all who are wounded by the powers of sin, death, and the devil.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Sometimes it is hard for our congregation to “keep on keeping on” in worship, service, testimony, generosity, and holiness. Keep our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus and our ears alert to his Word. Amid the distractions and temptations we experience, grant that we may prefer nothing whatsoever to Christ
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Strengthen and shield everyone persecuted on account of Jesus. By their faithful endurance, turn the hearts of their tormentors to Christ in repentance, contrition, and faith.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for seminarians, and for everyone who senses that you are calling them to serve you and your Church as a pastor, chaplain, deacon, or other church worker. Fill them with your Spirit. Kindle faith, hope, and love in their hearts. Surround them by a cloud of faithful witnesses, mentors, teachers, and prayer warriors. And bless them, to be a blessing to others.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Although the form of this world is passing away, still it is our home. Bestow wisdom, prudence, integrity, and mercy upon our leaders in government, education, industry, the military, our courts of justice, and every occupation and venue in which people hold positions of influence, responsibility, and power. And grant to everyone the blessing of peace and a measure of prosperity.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Keep all who suffer in your special care – especially: {List}. Grant healing to body, soul, heart, and mind. Strengthen everyone who cares for them. And surround them with the protection of your holy wings.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Most holy God, we thank you for the lives of your faithful people, especially those dearest to us, who now rest from their labors. Wipe away the tears of all who mourn their loss. Support us throughout our earthly pilgrimage with your Word and holy Sacraments. Give us strength and charity, so that we encourage and assist one another even as we follow Jesus through the darkest valleys of death’s shadow. And bring us, by his merits, into the light, life, and love of your Kingdom, where with all the redeemed, we worship and adore you in the unity you share eternally 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.
