Prayers of the Church, 6th Sunday of Easter, Cycle A (May 17, 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 your faithful servants who have openly proclaimed what otherwise would have been hidden to us: that you are true God and true man, crucified and Raised from the dead for the forgiveness of sin unto eternal life. Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to teach, comfort and guide us in your Way forever.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Grant that your Church always worships and proclaims you as the Redeemer of the world. Fill it with your Spirit, so it is always ready to make a defense to anyone who questions the hope that is in it. Cause it to speak and act with gentleness and respect. Above all, kindle in the Church such love for you that it beautifully keeps your commandments and draws many to faith in you.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Come to the aid of your persecuted disciples throughout the world. Fill them with such faith, hope and charity, that, when they are slandered, those who revile their good behavior in you may be put to shame.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Give a double portion of your Spirit to missionaries of the Gospel. Use them to bring many to faith in you. Guide and direct discipleship coaches, spiritual directors, and all who teach the faith to the next generation of believers. Bless all they do that glorifies your name.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Give the members of this congregation the observant eye and quick wit of St. Paul, who proclaimed your Gospel to skeptical Greek philosophers. Though we may not speak with his eloquence, help us to relate to people around us with words and stories that resonate with them. Help us to share the hope that is in us, and the love you bear for them.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Graduation approaches for many of our young people – and for many who have returned to school later in life. Give them wisdom as well as knowledge; focus as well as confidence; and righteousness as well as competency in their chosen fields. Use their skills to better this world, and keep their eyes fixed on the world to come.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
The nations do not know you, dear Lord; and they suffer because they are starving for your Word of life, truth, forgiveness and salvation. Unleash your Holy Spirit throughout the world, so that our leaders seek to obey your Father’s will; and all those who blindly serve “an unknown god” may learn to love and serve you, their Redeemer and Lord. Teach all of us to seek peace, do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly in your sight.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Deal gently with all who are afflicted by pain, confusion, sorrow, remorse, or despair. Heal every hurt they have sustained. Especially we pray for: {List}. Attend to the voice of our prayer for them .Bring them into a place of refreshment, health and hope. Give compassion, wisdom and patience to everyone who cares for them; and sustain them with your gracious Spirit.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Most holy Savior, we bless and adore you. You have promised life and salvation to all who trust in you. We commend to your care our beloved dead. Do not leave us as orphans, grieving as those who have no hope. Draw close to us, and keep us in your care. Fill us with your Spirit forever. Make us abound in faith and good works, and help us to share these gifts with gentleness and respect. Gather us with all your saints into your mighty arms. And lead us into the life, light, and love you share with your Father and the Holy 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.
