Prayers of the Church, 3rd Sunday after Epiphany, Proper 2, Cycle B (January 24, 2021)
3rd Sunday after Epiphany, Proper 2, Cycle B (January 24, 2021)
Jonah 3:1-5, 10 (Jonah preaches, Nineveh repents, God has mercy)
Psalm 62:5-12 (God judges all justly; trust in him)
1 Corinthians 7:29-31 (the time as short; live accordingly)
Mark 1:14-20 (time fulfilled, Kingdom near, repent; I will make you fishers of men)
THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
With gratitude for the gift of Christ, let us draw near to our heavenly Father in prayer, asking his mercy for the Church, the world, and all who need his loving-kindness.
A brief silence
Heavenly Father, yet again you show your patience, even when we are slow to understand, obey, and proclaim your Word. We are often so much like Jonah! Forgive us when we are half-hearted, or worse, grumpy when someone we dislike actually repents.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
You called Jonah to preach repentance to Nineveh; and your Son called his disciples to proclaim repentance and the coming of your Kingdom. Give your Church boldness to preach of judgment, repentance, and forgiveness. And give it graciousness, so that many should gladly turn to Christ Jesus and be saved.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Many don’t want to hear your call to repent and believe the Good News. Some don’t tolerate those who do believe. Because of that, Christians suffer throughout the world. Have mercy on your servants; and do not let their witness falter.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Have mercy when, like Jonah, we want to run from the tasks you have called us to do! Renew our faith. Give us words that lovingly call others to repentance and trust in you. Shape our actions to model Jesus’ compassion. Help us to rejoice when someone surprises us with repentance or new-found faith.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
We pray this day for our members in their middle years. Grant them the fire and enthusiasm of youth, and the wisdom and humility that comes with years. Form them into fishers of men and women, eager to make disciples for your Kingdom
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Bless the leaders of all nations, especially our own. Give them integrity, wisdom, humility, and sound judgment. {We pray for our President and vice-president, and for all who have taken an oath of office to serve the people of this nation in accordance with the Constitution.} Give us grace to live in concord and unity with one another. And give us peace.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
We lift before you the needs of the lonely and bereaved; the forgotten and abandoned; the abused—and their abusers. Whatsoever they need, grant in double measure. Especially we plead on behalf of loved ones who seek our prayers, including: {List}. Grant them faith to firmly cling to your promise of health and salvation.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Holy Lord, we remember with reverence and affection our departed loved ones. Keep us united with them in bonds of faith and love. Turn our hearts in repentance and trust toward you. In your good time, deliver us into the fullness of that blessed Kingdom announced and promised to us by your beloved Son. With all the redeemed, let us praise and adore you forever.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Graciously hear, and generously answer our prayers and petitions, dear Father, as may be best for us and to your greater glory, thorough your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.