Prayers of the Church, 3rd Sunday After Pentecost, Proper 6 (June 13, 2021)
Ezekiel 17:22-24 (God plants cedar sprig on mountain of Israel; all may find shelter)
Psalm 1 (Blessed is the man who meditates on God’s Law day and night)
RCL/ELW: Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15 (Praise God always; righteous flourish like palm trees)
2 Corinthians 5:1-11 (We will be further clothed, in eternal life)
RCL/ELW: 2 Corinthians 5:6-13 (Walk by faith, not sight; all must appear before judgment seat;
all done in Christ for others, not self)
Mark 4:26-34 (Parable of growing seed & mustard seed)
THE PRAYERS
Let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.
A brief silence
Thank you, dear Lord, for making your Kingdom begin so humbly in our midst! Thank you for making it a place of welcome and shelter for all, even for nesting birds. Thank you for not overwhelming us with your glory and power. Make our faith and love grow like cedar sprigs and mustard seeds, to your glory and for the good of our neighbor.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Clothe your Church with the beauty, holiness, and righteousness of Christ. Make it a lovely dwelling-place for all people. Grant that its words and deeds may bear the fruit which you desire, and which last unto eternity.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We lift before you the plight of Christians around the world who are persecuted for your Name’s sake. Let their suffering yield a rich harvest of faith, love, and forgiveness. Shield and defend your missionaries, especially when they are met with hostility and rejection.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Plant this congregation firmly in Christ, our living water. May we abide in his love, share his forgiveness, teach his commandments, and share in his righteousness.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bless our graduates with wisdom and uprightness of heart. Fulfil in them the Psalmist’s words, and make them like trees planted beside streams of living water.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Teach our earthly rulers to walk not in the counsel of the ungodly; nor stand in the way of sinners; nor sit in the seat of scoffers. Teach them to delight on your Law; to meditate on it day and night; and to establish it as the source of justice, truth, and well-being among all people.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Keep in your care all who defend life, liberty, and justice. Teach them your commandments. Fill their minds with wisdom, their hearts with integrity, and their arms with courage and strength.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Give to all who suffer the refreshing waters of your compassion and healing. Make them dwell in the safety of your care even in the midst of all that troubles them. Especially we remember before you: {List}. Help us to speak words of encouragement and offer deeds of kindness to them. Bring us, with them, into the unending joy of your Kingdom.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Thank you for gathering into the spacious branches of your heavenly Kingdom all the redeemed who have gone before us, especially those we love and miss the most. Grant that we may always find refreshment in your Word, blessing in your Sacraments, guidance in your Spirit, and forgiveness in your Son, so that, with all your people, we may be gathered into the welcoming shelter of your embrace and may abide there in joy forever.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Hear and graciously answer our prayers, dear Lord, as it is best for us and most glorifies your holy name. Amen.
