THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, 

2^nd Sunday in Lent, Cycle B (February 28, 2021)

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

Let us humbly beseech God for his mercy upon the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Holy Father, thank you for Peter and all the apostles, saints, and martyrs who boldly confessed Jesus as Lord and God. Thank you for pastors and seminary professors, mentors and spiritual guides, who help us do the same.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Inspire your Church to boldly and faithfully acclaim Jesus to the world as your only Son, and as its only Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Your Son did not shrink from suffering and death. Grant grace to all who are persecuted for Jesus’ sake, so that they glory in his Cross, and rejoice in his resurrection.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Teach the people of this congregation to follow Jesus in humble service and cross-bearing. Let our worship, words and lives, glorify you and build up the Body of Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give courage and joy to our college students and to all seminarians. Keep their faith strong and true. Help them dedicate their energy, creativity and talents to caring for other people and glorifying your holy Name.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Through your covenant with Abraham and Sarah, you blessed all nations. Grant to all people the blessings of peace, freedom, and righteousness, which apart from you cannot flourish. Direct and guide our nation, that our words and deeds may please and glorify you, the Lord of the whole earth.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Look with favor on all who stand in harm’s way on behalf of others. Give them wisdom, courage, and competence; protect them in times of danger; strengthen their loved ones; and when their task is done, bring them home swiftly and safely.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We lift before you the needs and prayers of all who cry out to you for help, especially: {List}. Grant to them the joy of your saving help; bless all who care for them; and restore them to health and hope.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy Father, we thank you for fulfilling your promises to those who have died and are at rest in you. Wipe away the tears of those whose grief runs deep. Keep us calm and fearless, ever trusting your love which shines from Jesus’ Cross and lights our path throughout our earthly pilgrimage. Bring us, and those of every nation whom you have redeemed, to the final fulfillment of your blessing, won for us by Abraham’s glorious offspring, your Son, Christ Jesus our Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For these things, and for whatever else is needful, dear Father, we pray in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

1^st Sunday in Lent, Cycle B (February 21, 2021)

Let us humbly beseech God for his mercy upon the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Thank you, dear Father, for the examples of Abraham and of your dear Son. Thank you for their steadfast faith. Thank you for the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit, who kindles our faith and strengthens us in whatever trials and temptations we endure.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Purify your holy Church. When it is tempted by power, success, or convenience, turn its eyes to the Cross of your dear Son.  By the power of your Spirit, keep it faithful in its proclamation of repentance, forgiveness, and the close approach of your Kingdom.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Purify and strengthen your persecuted people. Shield them from the temptation to forsake your Word. Keep them steadfast in faith and gentle in spirit. Help us, in our far smaller times of trial, to go and do likewise.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Purify and guide the people of this congregation. When we focus on peripheral matters, turn our eyes to Christ. Give us grace to prefer nothing whatsoever to him.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Purify and defend our youth. Strengthen them to resist the allure of popularity, dangerous pleasures, and anything that draws them away from loving and trusting you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Purify and heal our sin-shadowed world. Let us not be seduced by promises or agendas that do not proceed from your holy will. Teach our earthly rulers that neither they nor their people can live on the bread of this world alone; they need the living Word that proceeds from you, the Lord of all nations.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Purify all first responders, and all medical and military personnel. Turn their eyes to you, their strength and their redeemer. Keep them faithful and honorable in all they do.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Purify and heal all who suffer and cry to you for help —especially: {List}. When they are tempted to despair, turn their eyes to the Cross, on which was hung the life and salvation of the whole world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy Father, we commend into your keeping the lives of all who died trusting in your mercy. When we are tempted by doubt, confusion, fear, or pleasure, fix our eyes on Jesus, our hope and heart’s desire. Fill us with your Spirit, and keep us safely on the path that leads to your eternal home and welcoming embrace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For these things, and for whatever else is needful, dear Father, we pray in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

Ash Wednesday, Cycle B (February 17, 2021)

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

Let us humbly beseech God for his mercy upon the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Father, thank you for being full of mercy, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Thank you for Jesus, the remedy for our sin and brokenness. Thank you for the Holy Spirit, who stirs up faith, hope, and love in our hearts.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy on your Church. Cleanse it from false teaching, feigned holiness, and fake discipleship. Form it in the likeness of your dear Son, fill it with your Holy Spirit, and use it to draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy on your persecuted servants. Cleanse them from bitterness or thirst for revenge. Form them into the likeness of your dear Son, fill them with your Holy Spirit, and use them to lead the enemies of Christ to repentance and salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Have mercy on this congregation. Cleanse us from apathy, inattention, and contention. Form us into the likeness of your dear Son, fill us with your Holy Spirit, and use us to draw our families, friends, and communities to the foot of Jesus’ Cross.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy on all who doubt your existence or your goodness. Cleanse them from spiritual darkness, intellectual pride, or emotional despair. Form them into the likeness of your dear Son, fill them with your Holy Spirit, and bless them with faith in you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy upon all who are entrusted with power and authority in this sin-shadowed world. Cleanse them from cruelty, lust for power, and deceit. Form them into the likeness of your dear Son, fill them with your Holy Spirit, and use them to bring your blessings of peace, prosperity, and concord to all people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy upon all who protect our health, safety, and freedom. Cleanse them from wrong judgment or base motives. Form them into the likeness of your dear Son, fill them with your Holy Spirit, and use them to do your will in this broken world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy on all whose lives are shadowed by any kind of evil. Cleanse them from all that troubles them and prevents them from turning to you, their Strength and their Redeemer. Form them into the likeness of your dear Son, fill them with your Holy Spirit, and restore them to wholeness and hope, in the company of all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy and gracious Father, we commend into your mercy our beloved dead. We who are ashes and dust beseech you to be merciful to us as well. Cleanse us from every sin which separates us from you and from one another. Form us into the likeness of your dear Son, fill us with your Holy Spirit, and use us to help lighten our neighbor’s burdens throughout our earthly pilgrimage. Lead us, with all whom you have redeemed by the Cross and Resurrection of Jesus, into your Kingdom, where, untroubled by sin, evil, or death, we may rejoice in your goodness and gaze upon your glory forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For these things, and for whatever else is needful, dear Father, we pray in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen.

“And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near; for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father” (Ephesians 2:17-18).

There is only One who is the Mediator and that is Christ.  He has come so that all who believe would come through Him and be reconciled to the Father.  In Him is the way, truth, and life.  Whether we are far or near, the Lord has come for as many as will follow Him.  The question for each of us to wrestle with is whether or not we are among the ones who will follow Him.  Will you?  Will you not be far off, but near, and be reconciled with the Lord in His salvation?

It is so simple to say this, but the reality of living this is the struggle of faith.  I want it to be true, but like Thomas, I have my moments of doubt.  I want to follow, but like Peter, I want to be in charge.  I have seen many things, but like Phillip, I want to see one more thing before I give up and follow.  Lord, help my unbelief so that I would no longer linger, but come to You and walk humbly with You always.

Lord Jesus, all that You have done would take many books to speak about, as John said.  Help me live the life You are giving me now by grace, through faith.  Guide me according to Your goodness to see that in You there is true hope.  You know me, Lord, and You know what I need.  Grant that I would submit to You as my Lord and Savior and live in the access You have given me by grace through faith to this new life.  Amen.