Prayers of the Church, 4th Sunday After Pentecost, Proper 7, Father’s Day (June 20, 2021)
Prayers of the Church, 4th Sunday After Pentecost, Proper 7, Father’s Day (June 20, 2021)
Job 38:1-11 (God answers Job from whirlwind)
Psalm 124 (If the Lord had not been our own side, the flood would have taken us)
RCL/ELW: Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32 (God delivered those in peril on sea; praise him!)
2 Corinthians 6:1-13 (Now is the acceptable time: accept God’s grace! Paul’s suffering)
Mark 4:35-41 (Jesus stills the storm)
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
O Eternal Father, you are indeed strong to save! Give us faith to cling to your dear Son in every danger that threatens to undo us. We bless and adore you for your strong, saving love!
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Still the storms of division, heresy, and ambition among your people. Make your Church an ark of safety against floodwaters of sin and suffering. Make it a rock against which faithless words and evil deeds are dashed. Let many find a refuge there, and turn to you, and be saved.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Like Job, your persecuted servants long to know their suffering has meaning, their faithfulness is precious, and their Redeemer lives. Deliver them from evil. Reveal your mighty arm and never-failing love. And cause their tormentors to repent and believe in you.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Speak your word of peace among the people of this congregation. Keep us steadfast in faith, fervent in worship, and persistent in prayer. Make us tireless in loving service to all are overwhelmed by waves of suffering, sorrow, or shame.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
In you, all good and faithful fatherhood finds its source, guide, and fulfillment. Bless all fathers, and all who act with a father’s love. Fill them with your Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear of the Lord, and joy in your presence. Grant that in their care, all children find protection, guidance, and love.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bestow wisdom and righteousness to our earthly rulers, especially those elected or appointed to guide this country, state, and community. Teach them to prize integrity over re-election; justice for all, over special interests; and attentiveness to your will over expediency.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Your Son chided his disciples for their little faith, yet he saved them from the storm. He sent them into a storm-tossed world, to share the Gospel of salvation and life in him. Bless everyone, even those of little faith, who strive to share the Lord Jesus with another shipwrecked soul! Lead them to safe harbor in your embrace.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for all who are overwhelmed by waves of suffering and sorrow; who have been shipwrecked by abuse, abandonment, or injustice; who have been cast adrift in pathless seas of confusion, delusion, or doubt; and who cry out, fearing that you neither hear or care that they are perishing. Extend your mighty hand and outstretched arm and deliver them. This day we name: {List}.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Thank you for delivering all who died trusting in you. Give us ears to hear Jesus’ words, “Peace; be still” when all we hear are the wind and waves of turmoil and fear. By his merits, bring us into your Kingdom, where with you and with all whom you have redeemed, we may dwell in joyful and blessed peace 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.