“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.  Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:31).

Lord, this is a strong list.  It is also a good list, but You know there are many places where, although I agree, I also fall short.  Help me amidst what I know to be right, to do what is right.  Continue to strengthen in me a willing heart that puts away those things which I ought not do so that I can continue along that path of becoming like Christ.  In You alone, Lord, is all hope.  Only in You can I do these things.

Lord, You know where I fall short.  You know where I need to grow and learn.  Continue to grow in me a heart that is like Yours.  Continue to teach me how to forgive as I have been forgiven.  In all things, lead me along the narrow path so that I would humbly follow where You lead.  Reshape who I am in order that I might become whom You are making me to be.  Lead me, O Lord, and give me the willingness to follow You alone.

Lord Jesus, You are the example of the godly life.  Guide me, O Lord, in the way I should go and help me go that way.  Through all that comes my way this day, help me see that in You alone is the ability to do good which You give me through grace.  Guide me, that in Your Holy Spirit, I would humbly walk with You this day and be shaped to be a little more in Your likeness.  Guide me, Lord, according to the Father’s will.  Amen.

“Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30).

You have been given the Spirit of God who is in you and leading you.  Do not grieve the One who is in you, for He is there to guide you in all holiness.  Do not again join your members with what is unholy but live into the truth of eternity.  Listen to the Holy Spirit and be guided in all of Your ways.  The One who has redeemed you has not left you as an orphan, but He has given you the ability to do all such good works as He has prepared for you to walk in.

Lord, help me to see clearly in order to do what is right.  You are always with me and you even know what I am thinking.  Guide me, Lord, in the right way that I would hold fast to the truth and not grieve You by behaving like the old Adam.  I know I need grace but let me not intentionally rely on grace by purposefully sinning.  Give me a heart that is sensitive and willing to always do what is right.

Lord Jesus, You have come into the world so that I may have the abundant life that only comes through You.  That means that the old Adam must go and there can be no room for the wickedness that is in this world, to dwell in me.  Slay the old Adam so that I would be a suitable dwelling place for Your Holy Spirit.  Keep me close to You Lord so that I would continue on the right path.  Amen.

“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29).

You are being heard in more places than you think.  What comes out of your mouth?  Do you speak the good word of the Lord, or the language of this age?  Be aware of what you say and do.  Do not do this thinking it is what is needed in order to be saved, but do so because you love the Lord and do not want to give a wrong message that might cause others to stumble.  What person, who loves their beloved, does not want to shine the best light on the one they love?  Will you not do the same with your Lord and Savior?  Learn to love Him as He loves you.

Lord, You know my thoughts and words.  You know where I am so worldly that one could never tell that You are in me.  Cleanse my heart, mind, and mouth Lord so that I would speak of You as One whom I love.  You know what is needed and You know where I fall short.  Lead me, O Lord, so that I may come to the place where I need to be.  In all things, let my eyes never be taken off  You.

Lord Jesus, You are the example of the godly life.  Guide me this day, O Lord, so that what comes across my lips in private as well as public is acceptable to You.  Let me bring You no shame, nor in any way defame You, but instead speak praises of You, my Savior.  Through all that comes to me this day, remind me of my need for You, Your grace, and the salvation You make possible by Your shed blood.  Amen.

“He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need” (Ephesians 4:28).

Old habits, born of the old Adam and encouraged by the ways of this world, are to be broken through the grace of  Christ.  Do not think that you do not have habits that are not pitted against the Lord’s commandments.  You do.  Ask the Lord to admonish you where you need to be admonished.  If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves.  Be freed from all that would bind you to this world and live in God’s grace.

Lord, create in me a clean heart.  Create in me a willingness to confess all that is in my heart.  Then give me the desire to always do what is right no matter the cost.  It is easier to justify sin than to confess, repent, and do things the way they need to be done.  It may be easier in this world, but ultimately, it is much easier to humbly come to You, ask forgiveness, and do things as You would have me do them.

Lord Jesus, You have come to set us free from sin, death, and the devil.  Guide me, O Lord, so that I may humbly walk in the way of truth.  Guide me to confess all that I need to confess.  Guide me to work hard and diligently in order that I may become like You.  In all things, lead me where I need to be led.  Help me to see through the storm clouds of this age to become what You are making of me for eternity.  Amen.

“Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity” (Ephesians 4:26-27).

The Lord has given us the gift of emotions.  You feel what you feel.  Feel what you are feeling, only do not use this as an opportunity for sin.  Give the devil no excuse to tempt and do not give into the temptations of those who have no hope.  You have been redeemed and the price paid was the life of Christ.  Do not treat this with anything other than respect for the Lord and disdain for the devil.

Lord, guide me in how to go about feeling without sinning.  Lead me in the way of life so that I would humbly come into Your presence and feel the full range of my emotions and yet, not sin.  I need You to teach me how to do this.  You are the author and finisher of my faith.  Lead me in this way so that I would now and always be guided by You, my Savior, in how best to live this life which You have given me.

Lord Jesus, You displayed emotion and lived life in this age without sinning.  By Your example and in the grace You give, teach me how to live into a life that feels all the emotions You have created without giving into the tricks of the devil.  Lead me, O Lord, so that I may follow You.  Teach me so that I may learn.  Guide me this day in the way You know I need to go.  Amen.

“Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another” (Ephesians 4:25).

Be honest.  How difficult it is in all things to simply be truthful.  We each have shadows of things we hide, deflect, or keep from coming into the light.  How freeing it is when one simply tells the truth.  Be one of those and learn to be discreet, yet honest.  We each are connected, one to the other, so do no harm through what is false.  Instead, build up and be forthright in all things.

Lord, You are teaching each one of us the ways of heaven.  Help me live into the life for which I am being called.  There is a time and place for all things, but what is false and wrong must be replaced with what is true and right.  Guard my lips, mind, and thoughts so that I would learn how to speak and think what is right and true.  Lead me Lord in the way I need to go now and forever.

Lord Jesus, You are truth and You have spoken truth.  You have told us all things we need to know so that we might follow You in the way of true life.  Lead me this day, O Lord, that I would walk humbly with You, my Lord and Savior.  Guide me along the right path I need to walk and teach me what it means to be honest in all things.  In You, Lord, is the only hope any of us have.  Help me always live in You.  Amen.

THE PRAYERS, 

Easter Day, The Resurrection of Our Lord, Cycle B (April 4, 2021)

Let us pray to our victorious Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people.

A brief silence

O Lord Jesus, risen gloriously from the dead, you have snatched us from the snares of the evil one: alleluia! In you, righteousness and peace kiss one another: alleluia! In you, all God’s promises have their “yes”: alleluia! In you, we shall not die but live, and declare the glory of the Lord: alleluia!

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fill your Church with the splendor of your life, light, and love. May its words and deeds proclaim: “Alleluia, Christ is Risen, He is Risen Indeed!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Impart your deathless love to Christians who suffer persecution even on this holy day. Grant them the joy of your saving help. Purge the leaven of evil from the hearts of their tormentors. Hasten the day when together they kneel before you in adoration.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Crown this congregation with unfading joy, unfailing kindness, undaunted hope, and unceasing praise. Let everyone we meet see your goodness revealed in our words and deeds.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Graciously bless the guests and visitors among us this day. Kindle the hearts of those who do not yet believe that you have conquered sin and death. Grant them faith to know that you live to bestow health and salvation upon them forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant peace among all nations. Impart wisdom, integrity, and holy fear to our leaders. Bestow joy, hope, and healing upon all people, especially those afflicted by human malice or natural catastrophe.  Bring us into right relationship with you and each other forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be the strong and righteous arm of all who stand in harm’s way on behalf of others. Make them brave, wise and good. Shield them from the forces of evil. Heal them when they fall. Fill their loved ones with confidence in your triumph over every foe.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We plead on behalf of all who are sick, wounded, abused, imprisoned, despairing, grieving or dying, and for all who crave your mercy, including: {List}. Impart your life and love to them, so they may sing the Psalmist’s words, “I shall not die but live, and declare the works of the Lord!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy and gracious Savior, thank you for redeeming all who have fallen asleep in your arms. In your mercy, wipe away the tears of all whose grief runs deep. Feed us all with a foretaste of your Kingdom feast. Take away the shroud of sin, suffering and sorrow that troubles this broken world. Give us faith to serve one another in humble gratitude for your goodness. Bring us to stand with all the redeemed and sing, “Blessing, honor, glory and might be to God and the Lamb forever! Amen! This is the feast of victory for our God! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant to us all that is in accordance with your will, dear Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

THE PRAYERS

Easter Vigil, Cycle B (April 3, 2021)

Let us pray to our victorious Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people.

A brief silence

We adore you, O Christ, and praise you for your victory over sin, death, and the devil. Cleanse our hearts and lips to acclaim you as our glorious Savior, Redeemer, and Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fill the Church with your light. Make it resplendent with holiness and charity. Let it shed the light of your love upon all who dwell in the shadows of sin and death, so with one voice we sing, “Christ is risen, Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Shatter the hateful words and evil acts of those who persecute your people. Raise up your suffering servants. Grant them courage and joy. By their faithful witness, bring their tormentors to repentance, so together they sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Feed the people of this congregation with the milk and honey of sincerity and truth. Make us lovely with your mercy and goodness. Use us to draw many into your embrace, so together we sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Clothe the newly baptized in the robes of faith and innocence. Lead them in pathways of faith toward you and fervent love toward others. Teach them always to sing: Christ is risen! Alleluia!

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let peace and righteousness kiss; let mercy and healing overflow; and let wisdom and faith abound throughout the world. Grant that all people, in every nation, come to saving knowledge of you, their Shepherd, Savior, and Lord, so with one voice they sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep safe those who risk their lives on behalf of others. Equip them with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the sandals of peace, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. Let them accomplish your will in places of danger and injustice, and sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Raise up all who sit in the shadows of pain, despair, grief, and death. Bring comfort and forgiveness to those who cry out for mercy. Bestow your reconciling grace upon all who are estranged from you and from their loved ones. Grant them and all who love them, your perfect peace, that together we may sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Lord Jesus, those who died trusting you already experience the Easter morning that knows no end. Wipe away our tears, banish our doubts, and fill us with courage and joy. Give us loving hearts, gracious words, and tireless hands to help one another along the way. Lead us through the waters of death, as if on dry ground. By your grace, let us stand with you and with all whom you have redeemed, in your Kingdom that has no end, there to sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant all that is in accordance with your will, Lord Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

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.

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, 

Maundy Thursday, Cycle B (April 1, 2021)

Let us pray for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

On this holy night, dear Father, grant us faith to cling to the forgiveness won for us by your dear Spon. Grant us hope, to cling to him in temptation, turmoil, and darkness. Give us love, to cling to him forever, adoring him as our Savior and Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the Church. Fill it with your Spirit, so that it might more perfectly love you and the people your Son came to redeem.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our persecuted sisters and brothers throughout the world. Fill them with your Spirit, so that they more perfectly bear witness to the holiness and love of Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We pray for our seminarians, theologians, pastors, and all missionaries of the Gospel. Fill them with your Spirit, so that they more perfectly proclaim Christ, and him crucified.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our congregation, its people, and its ministries. Fill us with your Spirit, so that we might more perfectly reflect the servant-love of Jesus to one another, and to our neighbors.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all who will be baptized into the death and resurrection of Christ during these holy days. Fill them with your Spirit, so that they may more perfectly follow in his footsteps.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our elected and appointed leaders, here and in all nations. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly accomplish your will for the people entrusted to their care.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all who risk their lives for the sake of others. Fill them with your Spirit, so that in places of danger, distrust, and disease, they more perfectly accomplish your will.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for everyone suffers in body, heart, or mind, especially: {List}. Fill them with your Spirit, so that they might more perfectly cling to Christ: their life and their salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, we share a foretaste of the feast you have set before all whom you have redeemed by the passion, death, and resurrection of your beloved Son. Fill us with your Spirit, so that we might more perfectly take up our Cross, follow Jesus wherever he leads, and encourage one another along life’s way. Bring us, through the merits of Christ, into your Kingdom, where with him and the Holy Spirit, you reign in the glory of heaven’s endless day.

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.