4th Sunday after Epiphany, Proper 3, Cycle B (February 7, 2021)
Isaiah 40:21-31 (Those who trust the Lord will renew strength, rise like eagles)
Psalm 147:1-11,20c (The Lord cares for creation, lifts up downtrodden)
1 Corinthians 9:16-23 (Paul became all things to all people so some may be saved)
Mark 1:29-39 (Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law, then many people))
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
Father, we know that “Becoming all things to all people” doesn’t mean selling out, being hypocrites, or lying. It means understanding other people so well that we know the best word or action that might lead them one step closer to trusting and loving Jesus. Give us that kind of sympathy and wisdom, so that by all means, some may come to faith in him!
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Renew and strengthen your Church. Grant wings to its words, so that hearts are touched by the Gospel of salvation. Make it swift speak and enact forgiveness and mercy in your name. Make it tireless in bearing witness to you. Conform it to your will. Use it to draw all people to yourself.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Renew and strengthen all who suffer for the sake of Jesus. Help them to constantly trust in his love. Help us, who do not experience such suffering, to pray for them; defend them; provide for them as we are able; and to live in a way that glorifies you and honors their witness.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Renew and strengthen this congregation. Give us confidence to willingly wait upon you for guidance, and to gladly obey what you command. Use us to encourage our families, friends and neighbors, especially those who most need to know your love.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Renew and strengthen your servants who are nearing or are in retirement. Fill them with your Spirit, so that they may continue to walk tirelessly in the way of faithfulness and service which you set before them.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Renew and strengthen the leaders of the nations. Grant them wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear of the Lord. Guide them to care for their people, especially the poor and all who suffer from natural disaster or manmade calamities. Make all of us eager to learn what makes for righteousness and peace in our communities and world.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Renew and strengthen all who work to bring us justice, safety, and healing in these troubled times. Grant them courage and integrity, and use their labors to accomplish your will. Shield them and their loved ones from harm.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Renew and strengthen all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit—especially {List}. Give them hope: to wait upon your gifts of health and wholeness. Give them faith: to rise above doubt, despair and sorrow. Give them your love, shared through each of us: to strengthen, shield, and surround them always.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Most blessed and glorious Lord, thank you for the great and final healing you bestow upon all who died clinging to your promises. Grant us joy in sorrow; patience in suffering; courage in danger; wisdom in choosing; compassion and mercy in service. Vouchsafe to us the joy of being welcomed, with all whom you have healed from sin and death, into your eternal kingdom.
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.
