August 29: 14th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 17
August 29: 14th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 17
Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9 (Keep God’s command fully and diligently)
Psalm 119:129-136 (Your decrees are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them)
RCL/ELW: Psalm 15 (Those who keep commandments may live on his holy hill)
Ephesians 6:10-20 (Put on the whole armor of God)
RCL/ELW: James 1:17-27 (Be doers, not just hearers, of the Word)
Mark 7:14-23 (Defilement is from within, not without; evils arise in human heart)
RCL/ELW: Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 (Jesus rebukes Pharisee’s criticism; omits a repetition)
THE PRAYERS
Trusting, through the power of the Holy Spirit, in the goodness of our heavenly Father, let us pray in Jesus’ name for the Church, the world, and one another.
A brief silence
Father, thank you for your commandments and ordinances, given to protect us from sin and limit its evil effect. Thank you for their goodness and wisdom. Help us to keep them out of love for you and for our neighbor.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
In this broken and fallen world, you array your Church in the armor of light and call it to words and deeds of valor. Make it a faithful, true, and bold doer of your strong Word. Form it into your strong fortress and safe haven for all who cry to you for help.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Strengthen the Church when it is attacked by those who despise you. Make it wield the weapons of the Spirit not in hatred, but in humble witness to the Prince of Peace.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Prosper the words and work of this congregation. In our ministries, let many hear the Good News, turn to you, and live. Make your love shine through our words and deeds, and shed its healing radiance upon those around us.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
As many children head back to school, bless them with good teachers who instill the love of learning and respect for one another. Help us to be mentors, tutors, cheerleaders, and guides, especially for kids who struggle in school. Lead us all by the light of your wisdom and truth.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Shine the light of your countenance upon all who lead the nations. Give them wisdom, humility and integrity, so their people confidently turn to them for justice and may live in safety.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Clothe in the armor of light all who risk their lives for the sake of defending the innocent and restoring justice and freedom. Heal their hurts; support their loved ones; and help this nation to use their skills for peaceable purposes when their tour of duty is ended.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant healing, hope, and strength to all who are afflicted by sin and suffering. We lift before you the needs of: {List}. Surround them with your holy angels. Give refreshment, cheerfulness, and confidence to all who care for them. Restore them to the joy of fellowship with all of us.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Most gracious Father, thank you for the lives of all the faithful departed who were doers of your Word. Grant that we honorably wear the armor of light which you bestow upon us. Help us rightly wield the weapons of the Spirit, fight the good fight, and lay hold of the life, joy, and crown won for us by your Son, Jesus Christ, our Captain and our Lord.
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.