August 22: 13th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 16
Isaiah 29:11-19 (Wisdom of wise shall perish; poor shall obtain joy, exult in the Lord)
RCL/ELW: Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18 (Chose your god; “as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”)
Psalm 14 (Denunciation of fools who say, “There is no God”)
RCL/ELW: Psalm 34:15-22 (Vindication of righteous, punishment of evildoers)
Ephesians 5:22-33 (Exhorts wives, husbands; marriage is symbol of Christ and Church)
RCL/ELW: Ephesians 6:10-20 (Put on the whole armor of God)
Mark 7:1-13 (You abandon commandment of God, hold to human tradition!)
RCL/ELW: John 6:56-59 (The one who eats me, the living bread, will live forever)
THE PRAYERS
For the Church, the world, and needs of all people, let us pray to the Lord.
A brief silence
Father, thank you for making us the Bride of Christ – and his soldiers, faithful, true, and bold. Thank you for your living Word and for your Living Bread. Thank you for Jesus.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord God, clothe your Church in the spotless raiment and trusty armor of Jesus’ righteousness. Make it his radiant and faithful bride, adorned with beauty, holiness, and grace. Make it his valiant soldier, adorned with courage, integrity, and enduring faith. In all circumstances, use it to draw many afar off to saving faith in Jesus, their Savior, Captain, Bridegroom and Lord.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Defend and restore your Church when it suffers for the sake of Christ. Exchange its sackcloth of suffering for the festal robes of salvation. Remove from it all stain of sorrow or sin.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bless this congregation with your protection and favor. Remind us that as part of your Church on earth, we reflect Jesus’ name and character to the world. Keep us faithful, generous, and kind, sharing with others the gifts of the Spirit that you have given to us.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bless husbands and wives, parents and children, sisters and brothers, and all whom we cherish as family. Knit us together in enduring bonds of affection, respect, and fidelity. Bring healing and peace to all households fractured by sin, sorrow, and suffering.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Conform the minds of earthly leaders to your commandments. Grant them strength to accomplish their responsibilities in accordance with your will. Remove from all of us the allure of sin, the temptation of power, and the seduction of earthly gain. Teach us to live peaceably with one another, and to share the gifts of your creation.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Keep safe all who stand in harm’s way on behalf of others, especially those in our military and all first responders. Give them cool heads and steady hands as they accomplish their duties. Grant success to all they do that serves your will. Reunite them with their loved ones. And speed the day when the arts of war no longer must be learned.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Graciously hear and generously answer our prayers on behalf of all whose need is great, including: {List}. Fill their hearts with faith, hope, and peace. Let all who care for them act with gentleness, competence, and cheerful patience.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Father, we entrust our beloved dead into your care. Ease the pain of those who grieve. We still walk by faith and not by sight, so we ask you to sustain us with the Cross of your dear Son and the grace and comfort of your Holy Spirit. In your good time, lead us into the bright courts of heaven, where we and all whom you have redeemed shall forever feast on Christ.
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.
