PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, 2nd Sunday after Pentecost – June 14, 2020
Let us pray for the Church, the world, and for one another.
A brief silence is kept.
Heavenly Father, we are astonished by your kindness and grace. You call us your treasured people. You send your Son to forgive and redeem us, even while we are ungodly and estranged from you. Even more, Jesus calls us to share your gracious love with other ungodly sinners, whom you long to make beloved, treasured members of your family. Thank you. Help us to do, say, and be all you envision and will for us.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Your dear Son called and sent the Apostles to proclaim the Good News, forgive sins, and heal those sorely wounded by the powers of sin, evil and death. Strengthen and equip your Church to follow in their footsteps, and to lead the ungodly to the One who died that they might live.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
We plead on behalf of our persecuted sisters and brothers. Help us to speak in their defense; aid them by prayers and material support; and live lives worthy of our mutual calling in Christ.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Make this congregation lovely with holiness, faithfulness, generosity, and joy. Fill us with your Spirit, so that we serve you with gladness and thanksgiving. Let our lives show the love of Jesus to those who need him the most.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Churches everywhere are beginning to gather, worship, and serve in Jesus’ name once again. Help us to be prudent and diligent, but also bold and fearless. Make us so radiant with love for you and for your people, that our actions encourage, comfort, and strengthen people most afflicted by illness, stress, fear, and hardship.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
You are Lord and King over all nations. Cause our leaders to acknowledge your sovereignty and to do your will for the sake of the people entrusted to them. Grant that in this election year, candidates and voters desire and work for the good of all, not just the favored few.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
We pray for all who protect, serve, and care for others in difficult and dangerous situations. Make them competent, compassionate, brave, and wise. Bring healing and hope to them and to their loved ones when they need them most. Help us to honor their service; but speed the day when they may stand down from their duties and enjoy the blessings of health and peace.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Be gracious and merciful to all who are afflicted in body, mind, or spirit. We pray for families stressed to the breaking point; business owners facing foreclosure or bankruptcy; farmers, fishers, ranchers, and truckers; caregivers to special needs persons; and especially for those whom we name before you now, including: {List}. Bring to all the joy of your saving help.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Most holy Father, thank you for the lives of your faithful people who have gone before us, especially those dearest to us. Keep their memories bright. Keep us steadfast in the faith they passed on to us. Keep the Cross of Jesus ever before us; and keep us true to our calling as his disciples. By his merits, bring us into your blessed Kingdom, where with all whom you have redeemed, we will praise, adore, and glorify you in the power of the Holy Spirit forever.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
All this we ask, dear Father, in the power of your Spirit. Receive our prayers and grant all that is in accordance with your will, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
