Prayers of the Church, 2nd Sunday of Easter, Cycle A (April 19, 2020)
Let us pray to our risen Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.
A brief silence
Dear Lord Jesus, when news seems too good to be true, we hesitate to lose our hearts to it. We’re afraid we might be losing our minds, too! Like Thomas, we want proof before we commit. Forgive our fears, strengthen our faith, and remind us, again and again, that your Good News is too good not to be true.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Breathe your Holy Spirit upon the Church, and fill it with your peace. Test and purify the Church, so that you are constantly praised, honored and glorified in all it says and does. Use it to bring many to a sure and joyful faith in you, the Author of salvation.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Breathe your Holy Spirit upon Christians who are persecuted for naming you as Lord, so that they act and speak in ways that glorify you. Soften the hearts of their enemies. Give them the faith of the apostles, who rejoiced that they were considered worthy to suffer dishonor on account of your holy Name.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Bless this congregation with the imperishable inheritance that you have won for all who trust in you. Make our faith genuine and our worship joyful. Increase our love for you and for one another. Let our words be gracious and our deeds be generous. In all things, may our lives be filled with your holy love.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Show yourself in mercy, forgiveness, and power to those who doubt, disbelieve, or have become disillusioned about the Gospel of truth. Give to each of us a gentle and encouraging spirit, that we lead them closer to you. Give us simple, faithful words and loving, holy lives. Give us grace so that we do not become stumbling-blocks in their journey from disbelief to saving faith in you, their Lord and their God.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Your glory is proclaimed in the heavens and throughout the universe, Lord Jesus. Cause this world, so broken and wounded by sin, suffering and sorrow, to also praise you. Turn every heart, especially of the rulers of the nations, to seek your will. Bestow the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, so that we might accomplish it.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Give wings to the words of your missionaries, and bless and guide the teachings of all within our seminaries, colleges, and schools. Help them to speak and to live the Good News of Jesus’ resurrection with confidence and charity.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
We lift before you everyone who has been grieved by various trials to body, mind, heart or spirit, including: {List}. Lead them safely through their suffering and restore them to life, hope and love. And though they do not now see you, give them grace to rejoice in your saving love for them, with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
O risen Savior, we entrust into your care our beloved dead. Comfort all whose grief runs deep. Fill our hearts with hope, joy, and unshakable confidence in the precious inheritance you have stored up for all who trust in you. Breathe your Holy Spirit on us, so that we may forgive one another and live together in your peace. Bring us into your presence, where we may gaze upon your glory and goodness, and may forever adore you, our Lord and our God.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
We praise and magnify you, dear Jesus. Accept our prayers and lay them at the feet of your Father, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns gloriously as our Lord and our God, now and forever. Amen.
God bless you for providing these prayers. I have greatly appreciated them and shared them from time to time with our congregation. I pray that you and your loved ones are safe during this time of a Pandemic.