October 17: 21st Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 24
Ecclesiastes 5:10-20 (Pointlessness of amassing wealth)
RCL/ELW: Isaiah 53:4-12 (Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows)
Psalm 119:9-16 (How can young remain pure? Follow God’s commandments)
RCL/ELW: Psalm 91:9-16 (God promises deliverance to those whom he loves)
Hebrews 4:1-16 (Don’t harden your hearts against God. God’s word sharper than 2-edged sword; we confidently approach High Priest who was tempted but didn’t sin)
RCL/ELW: Hebrews 5:1-10 (Great high priest is gentle with us: he suffered too)
Mark 10:23-31 (Hard for rich to enter Kingdom; disciples promised much, with persecution)
RCL/ELW: Mark 10:35-45 (James and John want special honors; true greatness is in suffering and serving as Jesus does)
THE PRAYERS
Let us intercede before the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the sake of the Church, the world, and one another.
A brief silence
Father, thank you for the wealth and pleasures we have. Help us not get too attached to them. Thank you for Jesus’ hard words and loving example. Help us stay forever attached to him.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Make your Church rich in faith, generosity, humility, compassion, and witness. Impoverish it with regard to pride, heresy, ingratitude, and fearfulness. Fill it with your Spirit. Conform it always to Christ, your righteous Suffering Servant, and our great High Priest.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Increase the faith, hope, and joy of your persecuted Church. Let the radiance of its faithful witness illuminate the hearts of its foes with your divine mercy.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Protect our congregation from being tempted to cling to treasures instead of sharing them, to your glory and for the benefit of our neighbors. Help us to prefer nothing whatsoever to Christ.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for young adults in our congregation and community. Let them not be preoccupied with possessions or prestige, but seek to please you each day in self-forgetful service and love.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We remember before you the poor of the earth, that their suffering might be eased. We pray for the wealthy and powerful, that they may use their gifts wisely and generously. Lead the rulers of the nations in the pathway of your commandments. Teach everyone to find true contentment in seeking and doing your will.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Thank you for all who stand between us and the threatening dangers of this world. Keep them faithful, true, and bold. Help them to heal rifts caused by violence and suspicion. Use their gifts to protect justice and freedom. Strengthen them when they falter; support their loved ones; and bring them home safely and soon.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant that all who suffer find hope and refreshment in Jesus’ mercy. We pray this day for {List}. We also plead on behalf of the poor, homeless, and unemployed. Give them the resources and courage they need to succeed. Let us display caring hearts, sound judgment, and practical assistance. Together let us flourish, and serve and glorify you.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Thank you, dear Father, for receiving all who have died in the covenant of their Baptism. Keep us always in that covenant. Help us to encourage one another and bear each other’s burdens. Help us to guide our neighbor into Jesus’ presence. Together with all of your redeemed people of every time and place, let us forever rejoice in your goodness, and see you face to face.
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.
