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
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, we adore you! Blessed Father, Glorious Son, most Holy Spirit, you reveal your heart to us in the Baptism of Jesus. By the Spirit’s power, unite us to Christ so completely that we may hear the Father say to each of us, “You are my beloved son, my beloved daughter; in you I am well pleased.”
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Fill the Church throughout the world with your Spirit; bind it to your Son; and give it your Word of truth. Make it lovely with your goodness, radiant with your truth, and fruitful in its humble discipleship to your Son. Use it to lead many people to the waters of Baptism, there to be transformed into your beloved children.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Be enthroned, O Lord, not only high in your heaven but also in the midst of this congregation. Overwhelm us with your majesty and mercy. Fill our worship with the beauty of holiness. Strengthen us to do your will. Conform us to the heart and mind of Jesus. Bestow on us the blessing of peace.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Do not quench the spirit or break the hearts of your persecuted servants, O Lord; nor let them grow discouraged or faint when they suffer on account Christ. Give them such patience and gentleness that their tormentors turn to you and repent. For missionaries throughout the world; for all who wonder if they are called to be pastors; for all our seminarians, professors, pastors, bishops, and other ministers, we also lift our hearts and voices in fervent supplication.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Bless everyone who is baptized this day; and everyone remembering and giving thanks for their Baptism. Thank you for adopting us as your children – brothers and sisters of your dear Son! – and for filling us with the same Spirit that descended upon him. Make us radiant with his holiness and lovely with his compassion; and grant that we may glorify you in all we say and do.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Put your Spirit upon the leaders of this and every nation, that they may faithfully bring forth and establish justice throughout the world. Give them the wisdom and the will to rightly protect and provide for their people, especially those who are like “bruised reeds and faintly burning wicks.” Make them prefer mercy over might; righteousness over renown; and integrity over influence.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Take the hand and keep in your care all who take up arms in defense of liberty and justice for all. Give them a spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, so that all they do is in accordance with your will. Bring them safely home, and speed the day when your presence and your peace makes deeds of war unnecessary.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
We beseech you on behalf of everyone afflicted by pain, sorrow, loneliness, or despair, and especially on behalf of those who have asked for our prayers, including: {List}. Bring them out of the dungeon of suffering and the prison of darkness, and lead them into the brightness of your presence and the company of all who love them.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal: we praise and adore you for the powerful mercy you have shown to your servants who have died to us but are alive eternally to you. Grant that we, who have passed through the waters of Baptism, may walk the bent and broken pathways of this mortal life, refreshed by your Spirit, and conformed to your Son. And, by that same powerful mercy, bring us through the floodwaters of death into your presence, where with all your redeemed children we may worship and adore you in the beauty of your holiness forever.
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.
Thank you