THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH,
4th Sunday in Lent, Cycle B (March 14, 2021)
Numbers 21:4-9 (The bronze serpent; look upon it and live)
Psalm 107:1-9 (Wanderers in desert wastes cry to the Lord; he delivers them
from their trouble)
Ephesians 2:1-10 (Dead in sin, now made alive in Christ by the grace of God)
John 3:14-21 (As Moses lifted up the serpent, so Son of Man is lifted up)
THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
Let us humbly beseech God for his mercy upon the Church, the world, and one another.
A brief silence
Dear Father, we know the words by heart: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son.” Kindle your Holy Spirit in us, so these words burn bright and pure therein. Let them shine through all our thoughts, words, and deeds.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant that through the Church’s faithful witness to your beloved Son, many people may know of your great love for them; believe in you; and receive everlasting life.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Give hope and healing when your Church experiences persecution. Lift it up as a sign of your saving love in a sin-darkened world.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
We ask for your blessing upon the people of this congregation. Center our hearts in your love, shown for us in Christ Jesus, and help us to share that love with others.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We fervently pray that you will raise up pastors, teachers, missionaries, and evangelists whose hearts burn with the desire to share the Gospel of your strong saving love with those who do not know you.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Teach the leaders of the nations the ways of wisdom, integrity, and humility. Keep them from being seduced by power and praise. Fill them with a hunger for justice; a love of mercy; and a desire to work for peace among all people.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Ease the burden of those who toil to keep your people healthy, safe, and free. Make them wise and brave, honest and good. We also pray that you would give prudence, common sense, and a dash of humility to each of us, to make their jobs a little easier.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
As the Israelites looked upon the bronze serpent and were healed, grant that all who suffer may look upon the Cross of Christ and find healing, comfort, forgiveness, hope and life. Especially we pray for {List}. Restore them to our fellowship; and bestow upon us all the joy of your salvation.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We praise you, heavenly Father, for receiving into eternal life those who believed on Jesus Christ in their mortal life. Keep also our minds and hearts firmly fixed on Jesus, so that we may journey safely through the wilderness of this world into the blessedness and joy of your Promised Land.
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.
