August 8: 11th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 14
1 Kings 19:1-8 (Elijah flees from Jezebel, is fed by angel, to go where God leads him)
RCL/ELW: 1 Kings 19:4-8 (No Jezebel!)
Psalm 34:1-8 (Look to the Lord, be radiant; taste and see how gracious the Lord is)
Ephesians 4:17-5:2 (Old vs. new life; rules of that new life)
RCL/ELW: Ephesians 4:25-5:2 (No mention of lusts, licentiousness)
John 6:35-51 (I am the bread of life; I will raise you up at the last day)
RCL/ELW: John 6:35, 41-51 (Omits Jesus’s words about doing Father’s will)
THE PRAYERS
For the Church, the world, and needs of all people, let us pray to the Lord.
A brief silence
O Heavenly Father, let us taste and see how gracious you are! O Jesus, feed us with yourself, now and always! O Holy Spirit, give us eyes of faith to look upon our Savior and be radiant!
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Father, feed your Church with the life of Christ. By the power of your Spirit, raise it up on the last day as the Bride of Christ. Raise up pastors, priests, bishops, and theologians to feed your people with your living Word. Let many taste and see your graciousness, and be forever blessed for trusting in you.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant strength, encouragement, and refreshment to your persecuted Church. Make their witness shine the light of your judgment and your forgiveness in the hearts of their persecutors.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You are the life and salvation, the living bread and eternal hope of this congregation. Bless our words and deeds, our worship and fellowship. Use us to glorify your name and to feed our neighbors with food that satisfies hearts, minds, souls, and bodies.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bless everyone learning to be true disciples of Jesus, especially as they encourage others to walk with Him. Give them the bread of faith, hope, and love to strengthen them along the way.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Raise up among us rulers who are guided by your Word. Incline their ears to the cries of the needy, and to the instruction of your prophets. Teach us all that true justice and lasting peace are founded upon your commandments. Give us grace and strength to live by them.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You fed Elijah in the wilderness, and he journeyed forty days in the strength of that food. Grant the bread of health and salvation to all who dwell in the wilderness of suffering. Strengthen them in their pilgrimage. Surround them with compassion and encouragement. Keep them steadfast in faith and strong in hope. Today we especially plead on behalf of: {List}.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We bless you for our beloved dead who now taste and see the full measure of your gracious care. Give us joy in our sorrows and hope in our struggles. Keep us close to Jesus. Raise us up at the last day, and make us radiant as we look upon our beautiful Savior – our life, our joy, and our crown, now and forever.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Incline your ear to our prayers, dear Lord; and answer them according to your most gracious and holy will, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
