THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH,
Good Friday, Cycle B (April 2, 2021)
Let us pray for the Church, the world, and one another.
A brief silence
Father, forgive, heal, strengthen, and guide your Church. Grant that it preaches, always and only, Christ crucified and raised from the dead, for the forgiveness of sins unto everlasting life.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Forgive those who distort and dilute your holy Word of Law and Gospel. Fill them with a renewed love for you and for your Son who is the Way, Truth, and Life of the world.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Forgive those who deny the reality of sin, or who focus only on selected sins of others. Lift their eyes to the One who was bruised for their iniquities.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Forgive those who despise you and sneer at all who love you. Lead them to the foot of the Cross of Christ, that they may learn the joys of repentance and humble faith.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Forgive this congregation when we prefer anything whatsoever to your dear Son. Kindle our hearts with his holy love, so that when our neighbors see us, they more clearly see him.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Forgive our local, regional, and national church bodies when anything overshadows the proclamation of the Gospel. Keep their hearts firmly fixed on Jesus, their Master and their Lord.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Forgive our earthly leaders when they seek their own ends, not your will. Give them teachable spirits, humble hearts, wise minds, and just and merciful actions.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Forgive our military, police, and all others who risk their lives on our behalf, when they overstep the limits of justice. Guide them in right pathways, and bring clarity and integrity to all they do.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Forgive and heal those who are sick, injured, angry, defiant, despairing, frightened, or grieving. Give them faith to look upon the One who bore their sickness and grief, and who carried their wounds and their sorrow, and upon whom was the chastisement that makes them whole.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Forgive us when we grieve as those without hope; when we think without wisdom, speak without mercy, and act without charity. Set before us the Cross of Christ, and so lead us through the temptations and sorrows of this life. By the merits of your beloved Son, cleanse, heal, restore, and raise us from the realm of sin and death, into the glorious light and endless joy of the Kingdom he has won for all whom he is pleased to redeem.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Hear and graciously answer our prayers as you deem best for us, dear Father, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God forever. Amen.
