THE PRAYERS,
Christ the King Sunday, Cycle C (November 24, 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
Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus to be our King who rules with justice and mercy, sacrificial death and resurrection life. Thank you for his glorious and gentle rule. Thank you for filling us with your Holy Spirit, so we have the faith to acclaim him as King and love him as Savior and Brother.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You are pleased to make the Church into the Body of which Christ Jesus is the head. Give to the Church your Spirit, so through its words and deeds, many may be delivered from the domain of darkness; receive forgiveness and redemption; and be transferred into the Kingdom of your beloved Son.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Make this congregation your treasured possession; and form us in the image of Jesus. Use us to draw others to his Cross; to proclaim his love; and to help them adore him as King, Savior, and God.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Unite the suffering of your persecuted people to the Passion of Christ. Let their tormentors see his love in their actions, hear his words of forgiveness on their lips; and turn to him in repentance and faith.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for our enemies; for criminals; evildoers and hatemongers; and for those we find it hardest to forgive. Let the words of Jesus – “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” – be on our lips, even that is hard. Let him subdue every sinful heart to his will, so that he might truly be all in all.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Say to our rulers: “Be still; and know that I alone am God.” School their unruly and disobedient wills to your commands. Be the strong bulwark and mighty fortress to the poor and weak; the innocent and righteous. Cause peace, justice, health and mercy to be established in every land. Teach every heart to acclaim Jesus as King of kings and Lord of all nations; that his peace may rule undisturbed in every heart.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Make war to cease in all the world; break the bow, shatter the spear, and burn the shields with fire. Hasten that day when we need not lift up prayers for those in the military, or for first responders. Until then, equip them with integrity, competence, and courage. Preserve them in safety and heal them when they falter. When they return, use them in new ways to benefit our communities and nation.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Exalt yourself, O Lord; be the refuge and strength of all who are afflicted by danger, disease, disaster or despair. This day, we remember before you: {List}. Be their very present help in time of trouble; and make their hearts glad.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Dear Father, your Son promises Paradise to any who, like the repentant thief, turns in faith to him. We entrust to you our beloved dead. Help us to comfort and encourage each other to trust and follow Jesus. Teach us to pray, “Jesus, remember me, when you come into your Kingdom.” And in your mercy, fulfill his words! Grant that we shall be with him in Paradise! Let us, with all the redeemed, adore and bless him forever, who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, as Savior, Lord, King, and God.
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.
