November 14: 25^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 28

 

Daniel 12:1-3 (Some will be raised to everlasting life, others to shame)

Psalm 16 (You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy)

Hebrews 10:11-25 (We have confidence to approach God, having been made clean. Let us persevere in faith)

Mark 13:1-13 (Jesus foretells destruction of Temple, persecution of his followers)

             RCL/ELW: Mark 13:1-8 (Omits persecution and testimony)

  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, we don’t want to hear about persecution, judgment, and destruction! Kindle our hearts, fortify our minds, strengthen our spirits, steel our sinews. Unite us to Jesus, so that we stand strong even in the most difficult trials. For in even those worst times, we’re called to love you – with all our heart, mind, spirit, and strength. And we’re commanded to love our neighbors as ourselves. Give us your Spirit, so we desire and can do your holy will.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless your Church. You have promised that, though temples made by human hands may be destroyed, your Temple of living stones shall abide forever. Purify, preserve, and provide for it through your Holy Spirit. Unite it always to your Son, its Cornerstone and Head; and make it a house of prayer for all nations.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

You foretold times of persecution for those who proclaim you as Lord and follow you as Savior. Shield, strengthen and bless all who endure such fiery trials. Help us to remember them in prayer, to stand with them in witness, and to provide tangible help for their physical needs.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Perfect the faith of this congregation, so that we are bold to approach the throne of grace with our prayers and supplications. Conform us to your mind and your likeness. Use us to bring your forgiveness, life, and salvation to those who are estranged from you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Give us the wisdom to identify, encourage, and mentor future pastors and theologians. The world is dying for lack of the knowledge of your Lordship. You know the hearts of your people. Touch and kindle them with a passion to proclaim your Son, crucified and risen from the dead to bestow forgiveness unto eternal life, to the people who need your strong Word the most.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Bless and guide all the peoples of this world. Let them put their trust not in any earthly ruler but in your wise governance and gracious commands. Teach us how to live at peace with one another; to care for the poor and vulnerable in our midst; and to work for the common good, in accordance with your will.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

You are King of the nations and the Prince of Peace; and yet in these troubled times, good men and women must stand in harm’s way to defend life and liberty. Guide and strengthen them. Let their labors be a blessing to many. Help us to honor all who have served, especially those who have sacrificed the most on our behalf.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Your dear Son is the Resurrection and the Life. Grant healing to all who suffer, and give them a foretaste of his victory over death.  Especially we pray for: {List}. Bless all caretakers with skill, patience, and compassion. Re-establish bonds of affection and fellowship that have been unraveled by sickness or sorrow.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Holy God, we acclaim you as Lord of Life. Thank you for bestowing your eternal life upon all who died trusting in you. We ask you to guard and guide us safely through this earthly life, with all its troubles, trials, and temptations. Fill us with confidence that we can always turn to you with all our needs and cares. Raise us up on the last day, with all whom you have redeemed. Let us join the chorus of adoration and praise to you: for with your Son and the Holy Spirit, you are our joy, our delight, and our eternal inheritance.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

For Jesus’ sake, dear Father, graciously hear and generously answer our fervent petitions, to your glory and for the benefit off for whom we pray. Amen.

“We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone” (1 Thessalonians 5:14).

An interesting thing about our current culture is if we call anyone any of these things, it might as well be considered hate speech.  It is not hateful to tell the truth.  People are in different places of maturity.  Yes, there are the unruly in the church.  What are we to do with the different types of people?  Here is the list and we are told what to do.  As with all of Scripture, we do well to do what it says.

Lord, I look at these things and then often go on as if I have never seen them.  Guide me, Lord, so that I may walk humbly in Your sight, yet firmly in the doing of what is right.  Grant that I would be bold and stand up to those who are unruly, yet also gentle to be an encouragement to the fainthearted.  In all things, grant me the patience to help the weak and the heart of one who gives grace to others.

Lord Jesus, You have come so that we may take on and live in Your image.  This is said easily, but doing it is another matter.  Lead me, O Lord, in the way of truth in order that I may do all  these things and more.  Where I err, correct me.  Where I am unruly, admonish me.  Where I am fainthearted, encourage me.  Help me in and through all things to fulfill the Father’s will in my life.  Amen.