Prayers of the Church, St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist, Transferred – September 20, 2020
Let us approach the throne of grace on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.
A brief silence is kept.
Heavenly Father, thank you for calling us, though like Matthew we are numbered among the tax collectors and sinners. Thank you for lifting us up when we fall away from your commands, and for restoring us to positions of trust and the task of proclaiming the Gospel when we have repented.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Fill your Church with faithful teachers and preachers of your Word. Kindle its worship to be a living flame of praise to you. Make it wise as serpents and innocent as doves as it bears witness to Jesus. Grant it grace to lavish the treasures of your Kingdom upon all who need them.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Grant such lovingkindness and faith to missionaries that, through their labors, many gladly receive your forgiveness and life. Help us pray for, defend, and assist your persecuted servants however we can. Give them grace to speak truth in love to their enemies, so that they repent and believe in you.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Give the people of this congregation ears to hear Jesus’ gracious call to discipleship. Help us to invite fellow sinners to feast on Jesus in Word and Sacrament. Make us wise and winsome, so that like Matthew, we share the Gospel in ways that lead others to faith in Jesus.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
We pray for our young people, especially those considering a vocation to ministry and service in your Church. Give them delight in learning, and love for your people. Preserve them from the consequences of folly or malice. Use their energy to please you and to serve their neighbor.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Give wisdom and humility to our earthly leaders. Make them good stewards of power and authority. Remind them that they must give an account of their stewardship to you, their Master and King. Be the shield and defender all who risk their lives on behalf of others. Fill them with courage, integrity, and competence. Use their labors to accomplish your will in places of chaos and violence. Help us all to have a heart for the poor, and the will to assist them effectively and graciously.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Bless volunteers and workers, not only in the church, but throughout the world, who seek to serve you and neighbor. Multiply their gifts and talents, so that through their labors, many people receive mercy, comfort, and a clear sign of your providential care.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
You raise the poor from the dust and care for all who cry out to you. Therefore with confidence and hope, we remember before you all who are afflicted in body, mind, or spirit, including: {List}. Bring them out of darkness into your glorious light; and restore them to fellowship with all who love them.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Gracious Father, receive into your Kingdom all the faithful departed, especially those dearest to us. Keep us steadfast in faith; diligent in service; truthful in word and honest in deed. Bind us together in cords of compassion for one another. Bring us, with all whom you have redeemed, into the fullness of your presence. Give us hearts, minds, and voices, forever to adore and glorify you, in the blessed communion you share with your Son and the Holy Spirit.
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.
