Prayers of the Church, Feast of the Holy Cross (Transferred) – September 13, 2020
Let us approach the throne of grace on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.
A brief silence is kept.
When we survey the wondrous Cross on which the Prince of Glory died, our richest gains we count as loss, and pour contempt on all our pride. Forbid it, Lord, that we should boast, save in the death of Christ our God. All the vain things that charm us most, we sacrifice them to his blood.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Father, conform your Church to the Cross of your Son, lifted up for the sake of the world. Through its preaching, teaching, and acts of charity, draw all people to him.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Conform your persecuted people into the Cross of your Son, a stumbling block to your enemies, but healing and comfort to all who repent of their evil ways.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Conform the people of this congregation into the Cross of your Son, so that all we do and say leads people to him.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Conform all seminarians, theologians, missionaries and ministers to the Cross of your Son. Grant that they preach Christ alone, and him crucified and risen, for the forgiveness of sin unto life everlasting.
Conform all Christian hospitals and hospices, social and relief agencies, chaplaincies, and other ministries of charity and healing, to the Cross of your Son. May all whom they serve look to him for the fulness of healing and abundance of life.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Conform our earthly leaders – in government, industry, research, education, public health and safety, and the military – to the Cross of your Son. Teach them to prefer nothing above accomplishing your will for the good of the people entrusted to their care.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Conform everyone seeking to be Jesus’ disciples to the Cross of your Son. Help them to rightly and wisely share your Son’s costly grace, even with people who are obnoxious, obstinate, or oblivious.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Conform all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit to the Cross of your Son. Especially we plead on behalf of: {List}. Heal all their infirmities; and crown them with your mercy and loving-kindness.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Most holy Father, you show goodness and mercy toward those who die trusting in you. Thank you for redeeming their lives by the Holy Cross of Jesus. Lead us with his life-giving Cross; take away our sin; and teach us to forgive one another. Grant that whether we live or die, we know that we are yours. Raise us to that perfect and glorious life which you bestow upon all whom you have redeemed.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Conform our prayers to the heart of Jesus, hear them through the interceding of your Holy Spirit, and grant them in accordance with your gracious will. Amen.
