Prayers of the Church, 1st Sunday in Lent (March 1, 2020)

Prayers of the Church, 1^st Sunday in Lent (March 1, 2020)

Let us lift our hearts and voices to the Lord in prayer, that he would be merciful to his people.

A brief silence

Father, thank you for Jesus. He didn’t rely on more-than-human powers as he fasted in the wilderness. He didn’t face Satan clothed only in the power of divinity. He was tempted just as we are when we’re at our weakest! Thank you that he stands with us, and for us, and dwells in us, through the worst temptations and struggles we face.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord, forgive your Church when it falls into lukewarm worship, wayward teaching, fractured fellowship, stingy charity, and halfhearted witness. Forgive it when it condemns certain sinners, but re-brands its favorite sins as virtue. Help it to stand firm in your Holy Word when it is tempted by these sins of faithlessness.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Forgive our persecuted brethren throughout the world when their anguish curdles into bitterness, retribution, or loss of faith. Strengthen and heal them, so by their witness, you lead their tormentors to repentance and true faith.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Forgive missionaries and all who seek to be your disciples when their passion for the Gospel cools, or when they become impatient or distracted. Kindle the fire of your most Holy Spirit within them, so that they glorify you in all they say and do.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Forgive this congregation when we focus on the speck in another’s eye, ignoring the log in our own. Forgive us when we seek our own will, not yours. Forgive us when we boast of ourselves, not the Cross of Christ. Fashion us into the image of Jesus, so others, seeing our good works, glorify you alone.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord, have mercy on us when we are tempted to sin. Warn and rebuke us, so we resist and repent. Guide us, so we feed on your Word and commit ourselves into your care. Humble us, so we rely only our Savior, who was in all things tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Forgive the nations and leaders of the world, especially our own. Forgive the arrogance and ambition that drive decisions. Forgive the cruelty, suspicion and hatred that fuel wars. Forgive the apathy and prejudice that fuel neglect and injustice. Create new hearts within us; and grant us that peace which only you can give.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Forgive those in our military, and all first responders when their hearts become hardened by vengeance or hatred. Heal, guide and strengthen them to act in accordance with your will.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord, have mercy on all who are sick, injured, or handicapped; addicted, abused, or abandoned; despairing, frightened, or ashamed; frightened, grieving or dying. Especially we pray for: {List}. Deliver them from the powers of sin, death and the devil. Restore them to health, hope, and fellowship with all who love them. Renew their faith in you, their Savior and Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Father, thank you for showing mercy to all who have died trusting in your promises. Keep us steadfast in faith. Forgive us when we succumb to temptations. When the long Lent of this life is complete and the hour of death draws near, let the Cross of Christ sustain us in faith and hope. By his glorious Resurrection, raises us from our tombs. Through the Holy Spirit, breathe your life and love into us forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Into your hands, gracious Father, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.