The Prayers, Conversion of St. Paul (Transferred), Cycle A (January 26, 2020)

Let us pray that the light of Christ may shine
upon the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Lord, sometimes we think you see us only “From a distance.” Sometimes
that’s right where we want you! But in Christ, you have promised to be
God-with-Us, Emmanuel. Be gentle, Father, as you shed your holy light on our
sin-darkened world! And thank you for the grace and comfort of your Holy
Spirit, who helps us to repent and to delight in your “joyous light of glory.”

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Though the world scorns the Cross as folly and stumbling block, give
your Church faith, courage, and wit as it proclaims Christ crucified as the
only means of forgiveness, salvation, and life with you forever. Make it lovely
with the light of Jesus’ strong saving love for us sinners.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bring light and clarity to the people of this
congregation, so that every act of worship, fellowship, outreach, stewardship,
service, study, and support is centered in Christ alone.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for all who are persecuted on account of naming Christ as Lord.
Keep them steadfast in faith and gracious in witness. Soften the hearts of
their tormentors, as you changed the heart of St. Paul himself, and bring them
to repentant faith in Jesus.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray a hard prayer, merciful Father: we pray for
the evil and wicked; for abusers and killers, cheaters and deserters, and those
who commit every sort of despicable act. When their victims cannot forgive, help us to pray the prayer they cannot:
Forgive, dear Lord. Cause the wicked to repent of their evil ways and cling to
the Cross of Christ as their only hope.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Shine the light of reason, charity, justice, and mercy
upon the minds of our earthly rulers. Turn them from every agenda, plan, and
pronouncement that does not serve your will or benefit the people entrusted to
their care. Remind them that they, and all who have power and authority in
society, must give an account of their stewardship to you, the Lord and ruler
of all. And bestow upon us all a measure of your peace.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bring healing, hope, and the light of your dear presence
to everyone who sits in the darkness of suffering, shame, or sorrow. Especially
we plead on behalf of: {List}. Let them, and all who care for them, say with
confident joy: The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear?!

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord, you are the imperishable light, even in the
darkness of death, for all who cling to you. We entrust our beloved dead to
you, and we commend our lives to you as well. Be the lamp to our feet and light
to our path throughout our earthly pilgrimage. For the sake of your dear Son,
lead us, and all whom you are pleased to redeem, into your bright courts of
heaven, and into your endless day.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

All these things, and whatever else you see that
we need, grant to us, dear Father, for the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus
Christ. Amen.