Prayers of the Church, 3rd Sunday of Easter, Cycle A (April 26, 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
Thank you, Jesus, for walking with us on our Emmaus roads. Thank you for speaking, not over our heads or with overwhelming displays of majesty, but with clear words that bring Holy Scripture to fruitful life in our hearts. Thank you for making yourself known to us in the breaking of the bread. Thank you for your patient kindness when we are sad and bewildered.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
You ransom and purify your Church with your own precious blood. Grant that the Church should constantly glorify you, live in glad obedience to you, and preach your Gospel to all.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Hear the cries of those who are persecuted on account of you, and rescue them from suffering and sorrow. By their humble trust in you, cause the hearts of their tormentors to be cut to the quick, that they may turn to you and be saved.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Grant that the teachings and testimony of missionaries, seminary professors and students, and theologians of the Church, cause many hearts to burn with repentance, faith, and joy. Prosper the words and works all who walk in paths of discipleship, to your glory and for the building up of your people.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Bless this congregation with your dear presence. Cause our hearts to burn within us as we hear your Word. Come to us in the breaking of the bread at your holy Table. Kindle sincere affection and love between us all. And make us eager and tireless in telling our family, friends and neighbors about your love for them, which has triumphed over sin and death.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Be the companion, comfort, and sure defense of everyone who is far from home and family. Some are working. Give them satisfaction and fair wages for their labor. Some serve in the military, or stand in harm’s way in times of danger and disaster. Fix their hearts firmly upon doing your Father’s will. Some are exiled, or flee abuse or terror. Grant them mercy, safety, and hope. Some are imprisoned. Give them repentant hearts and transformed characters. Some are in hospitals, nursing homes, hospices, or rehab. Bless them with healing according to your merciful will. By your grace, grant that they all may find a true and eternal home with you.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Heal the suspicions, cruelty, and self-centeredness which afflict this “crooked generation” – the people and leaders of every nation. Teach us reverent obedience to your Father, who judges impartially according to our deeds. Cut our hearts to the quick when we see hurts and injustices visited upon our neighbors. Give us strength to help however we can; and make all of us slow to condemn and swift to show mercy.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
We plead on behalf of all who suffer in body, mind, heart or spirit – especially: {List}. Rescue their lives from death, their eyes from tears, and their feet from stumbling. Be gracious and compassionate to them, so that they may walk again in the land of the living, and praise your steadfast love towards them.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
With gratitude and affection, we remember your servants whose death is precious in your sight. Stay with us who still walk the long Emmaus roads of this earthly life, for we, too, are your servants, whom you have redeemed. Bestow the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit upon us. Deliver us from the bonds of sin and sorrow; and teach us to love each other. Lead us, dear Jesus, into your Father’s house. There, with everyone whom you have delivered from death, we will lift your Cup of salvation; eat your Bread of Life; behold you face to face; and adore you in the power of the Spirit forever.
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.
