Christmas 2 OR Circumcision and Name Day of Jesus, Transferred: January 2, 2022
Christmas 2
1 Kings 3:4-15: (God grants Solomon’s request for wisdom)
RCL/ELW: Jeremiah 31:7-14: (God will ransom his people, lead them like a shepherd)
Psalm 119:97-104: (You have made me wiser than my enemies because I meditate on your law)
RCL/ELW: Psalm 147: 12-20: Praise for God feeding, protecting, blessing his people)
Ephesians 1: 3-14: (God makes us holy, blameless in Christ, adopts us as children)
Luke 2:40-52: (the boy Jesus with the elders in the Temple)
RCL/ELW: John 1:1-18: In the beginning was the Word, full of grace and truth!
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With joy and gratitude for the gift of Jesus, let us draw near to our heavenly Father in prayer, asking his mercy for the Church, the world, and all who need his loving-kindness.
A brief silence
Holy God, thank you for Jesus. He shares our life, and shares your life with us. He grew in wisdom and understanding, and gives us the Holy Spirit so we can, too. He takes our sin, and gives us his pure holy grace and love. He is your unfailing Light in the darkest days and places we endure. Thank you.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Your Son adorned the earthly Temple with his presence as a child. He is your Holy of Holies in our midst. Make your Church a Temple fit for his habitation. Grant that it may adorn his dear presence with faithful words, heartfelt worship, and deeds of love and mercy. May it draw all people to Jesus’ feet, there to learn from him the Good News of our salvation.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Grant to your persecuted servants your imperishable inheritance of grace, faithfulness, and endurance. Make us generous in aiding, defending, and praying for them. Turn the hearts of their adversaries away from sin and hatred, and toward you in repentance and faith.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Bless this congregation, so that people gladly come here to encounter you in Word and Sacrament, in fellowship, learning, and service. Make us wise in the ways of charity and faithfulness, so that all may find your precepts to be sweeter than honey.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
We pray your favor upon this new year; upon our hopes for a better future; and upon all who find no release from the sorrows and cares of the previous years. Give us the wisdom and strength to seek your will for our common good. Draw us toward that eternal New Year that you alone shall bring.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Solomon prayed for wisdom to lead your people according to your precepts. Give that wisdom to all of our earthly rulers. Fill them with such love for justice, mercy, wisdom, and integrity, that all people may live free from the consequences of malice, stupidity, and calamity. Crown not just this new year, but all of our years, with the blessings of your peace.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
These are perilous times, dear Lord! Guide, strengthen and protect our military and first responders. May they accomplish all that is in accordance with your will. Return them swiftly to their loved ones. Bring them healing, hope, and renewed opportunities to serve you in the world.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Be the light and salvation of everyone who calls on you in times of trouble. We plead especially for: {List}. Grant them health, wholeness, and hope. Ease the burdens and bless the labors of all who care for them. Refresh their spirits, and bind us all together in cords of mutual care and compassion.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
The generations rise and fall and pass before you, O Lord. We entrust our beloved dead into your merciful care. Comfort those who grieve, and whose hope falters. Give us eyes to see the suffering around us; lips to pray and encourage; hands to extend in blessing; and hearts to beat with compassion and forgiveness. Grant to all whom you have redeemed through your dear Son, a portion in the imperishable inheritance you have prepared for them. Bring us into your Kingdom, where you reign in unity with your Son and the Holy Spirit, God forever.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Thank you for hearing our prayers, dear Lord. We entrust them, and our lives, into your merciful care. Amen.
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Circumcision and Name Day of Jesus, Transferred
Numbers 6:22-27: (Aaronic blessing: The Lord bless you and keep you…)
Psalm 8: (How glorious is your Name, O Lord! What is man that you are mindful of him?)
Romans 1:1-7: (Paul, an apostle of Jesus, the Son of God in human flesh)
Luke2:21: (Jesus is named and circumcised)
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With joy and gratitude for the gift of Jesus, let us draw near to our heavenly Father in prayer, asking his mercy for the Church, the world, and all who need his loving-kindness.
A brief silence
Jesus, name above all names, you humbly submitted to the Law, and yet your name is pure Gospel – “God Saves.” Let us speak your name to the whole world, in love, gratitude, and faith. Let us bear your Name to those who most need your strong saving love.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Equip your Church to faithfully proclaim and teach the meaning of your Name, your life, and your work among us. Let the Church’s every word and deed conform to you alone. Through its witness, lead many hearts to adore your precious Name and bear it faithfully in this world and the next.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Bestow the beauty of your Name upon all who suffer on your behalf. By their steadfast faith, endurance, and gentleness, let your Name be glorified before their enemies. Let the wicked turn from their evil ways and turn to you, their only hope and life.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
As this New Year begins, we ask your blessing and guidance for our lives and our world. Grant peace, health, and joy, especially to those whose lives have been shadowed by tragedy. Lead many people to trust in your saving love for them.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Keep this nation under your care, and rule as Savior and Lord over all the peoples of this troubled earth. Grant us your peace, and fill us with goodwill. Help us to treat even our most annoying neighbors with the kindness we desire for ourselves.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Guide, shield, and strengthen all who risk their lives in service of justice, freedom, and peace, here and abroad. Give them cool heads, wise souls, righteous hearts, and courageous bodies as they deal with violence, suspicion, and evil deeds.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Save and heal your people from every evil thing that darkens their lives and troubles their hearts. We particularly lift up the needs of: {List}. Give them the joy of your saving help; restore them to communion with all who love them; and grant them your peace.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
O Jesus, we love to sing and say and shout and pray your Name! Let your blessed Name be glorified by all who have fallen asleep in your arms. Give us your Holy Spirit, so that in this life, we may learn to see you more clearly, follow you more nearly, and love you more dearly. According to the promise of your precious Name, bring us, with all whom you have redeemed, into the life of love you share eternally with your Father and the Holy Spirit.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Thank you for hearing our prayers, dear Lord. We entrust them, and our lives, into your merciful care. Amen
THE PRAYERS, St. Stephen, Deacon and Martyr (Dec. 26, 2010)
2 Chronicles 24:17-22: (Prophet Zechariah stoned, prays that God will avenge)
Psalm 17:1-9, 15: (Cry of innocent man; hide me in the shadow of your wings. I will be vindicated, see your face.)
Acts 6:8-7:2a, 51-60: (Stephen arrested – and stoned after he testifies)
Matthew 23:34-39: (God sent prophets from A to Z, whom you killed. Jesus weeps over Jerusalem, foretells its fall)
With joy and gratitude for the gift of Jesus, let us draw near to our heavenly Father in prayer, asking his mercy for the Church, the world, and all who need his loving-kindness.
A brief silence
Lord Jesus, your servant Stephen was faithful unto death, and you crowned him with the unfading garland of eternal life. Fill your holy Church with steadfast faith, holy love, and dauntless courage. Let it always bear faithful witness to you. Through that witness, lead many to Jesus and be saved.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You were born in a world where kings and princes ruled the nations. Grant to all rulers of today’s world the wisdom and integrity to rightly care for the people you have entrusted to them. Give to all people a measure of your peace, which the world cannot give.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
St. Stephen preached with boldness and served with diligence. Give to the people of this congregation that same boldness and diligence. Fill us with compassion, joy, and faith as we strive to do your will. Use us to bless those around us.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Though you came as Prince of Peace, this world is still filled with hatred, danger, and violence. Guard and strengthen all who stand in harm’s way in our defense. By their labors, establish peace and order throughout the world. Bring them home safely and soon to their loved ones. Bless those who are wounded with healing and strength. Comfort the families of those who have died in the line of duty.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bring the joy of your saving help to all whose lives are shadowed by suffering, sorrow, or loneliness, especially {LIST}. Bless all who care for them. Restore them to full fellowship with those who love them.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, you were born that we no more may die. Grant the fullness of your eternal life to all whose earthly life has ended. Grant that we, who still serve you here below, may be led into the bright courts of heaven and to your endless day; and with St. Stephen and all the redeemed, may see you face to face, and worship you in the glory, joy, and majesty you share with your Father and the Holy Spirit.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Thank you for hearing our prayers, dear Lord. We entrust them, and our lives, into your merciful care. Amen.
