October 31: Reformation Sunday
Jeremiah 31:31-34 (God’s new covenant will be written on the heart)
Psalm 46 (The God of Jacob is our stronghold!)
Romans 3:19-28 (We are justified by faith, apart from works of the law)
John 8:31-36 (If the Son makes you free, you are free indeed)
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
Thank you, heavenly Father, for your Holy Spirit. Thank you for his life-giving and purifying fire. Thank you for his gifts of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear of the Lord, and joy in your presence. Thank you for reforming, renewing, and sustaining your one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church on earth.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Pour out that Spirit upon your Church. Make it your holy habitation. Keep it steadfast in your Word. Strengthen it in the face of temptation and defend it from evil. Reform and purify it from sin and error, and bestow on it your saving peace.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Be the refuge and strength of Christians when they are persecuted for confessing Jesus as Lord. Grant them the strength to endure, even to giving their life, in faithful witness to him. Give us the courage and will to defend their witness, provide for their needs, and boldly confess the faith and the hope we share in Christ.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Be to this congregation our help and our redeemer. Gladden our hearts with the joy of your saving love. Empower us to share our joy, and your love, with those who do not know either.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Pour out your Spirit upon the teachers and theologians of the Church. Cause them to hand on, as of first importance, the Gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ. Bless church schools, colleges, and seminaries, that they should write your words upon the hearts of many.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Exalt yourself among the nations, and speak your holy word to the leaders of the world. Establish among all peoples that peace which the world cannot give; and teach us to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly before you.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We long for you to break the bow, shatter the spear, and make war to cease throughout the world. Until that day, direct and strengthen all who take up arms in defense of life and liberty. Be their very present help in times of trouble and places of danger. Prosper all they do that accomplishes your will. Bring them home safely and soon.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We lift before you the needs of all whose lives are shaken by suffering. Especially we pray for: {List}. Be in their midst, and let them not be overthrown. Give them your saving help, and say to them, ‘be still, and know that I am God.’ Restore them to health and hope, that they may proclaim the awesome things you have done.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Most holy Lord, we give you thanks for the lives of all your faithful people whom you have claimed and redeemed through the precious blood of Jesus. Grant that we may humbly follow in their footsteps; boldly trust in your promises; faithfully proclaim your Word; and cheerfully serve in your Name. Bring us, through the merits of our Savior, into your Kingdom. There, with all the redeemed, we shall glorify you in the power of your Spirit forever.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Hear our prayers, gracious Father; and answer them in accordance with your will, for the sake of your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
