PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, Cycle C: 4th Sunday after Epiphany, Proper 3, January 30, 2022
Jeremiah 1:4-10, 17-19: (God calls Jeremiah to speak his Word)
RCL/ELW: Jeremiah 1:4-10: (Omits “Gird up your loins, tell them everything I speak against them; I make you like a fortified city”)
Psalm 71:1-11: (O God, be my rock of refuge; deliver me from my enemies; rescue me from the cruel and wicked)
RCL/ELW: Psalm 71:1-6: (Eliminates obeisance of the King’s enemies)
1 Corinthians 12:31b-13:13: (In praise of charity; faith, hope and love abide, the greatest is love)
Luke 4:31-44: (Jesus casts out demon in temple; heals Peter’s mother-in-law; tells assorted demons to take a hike and shut up about him)
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Let us draw near to the Light of Christ, offering prayer and supplication on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.
A brief silence
Heavenly Father, sometimes your holy Word seem stern and offensive. But in Jesus, you assure us that every Word which proceeds from your mouth is good. In him, your never-failing love is fleshed out for us. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, so that we can thank you for every Word you speak to us. Help us to model, however imperfectly, your perfect love for your people.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
In your Church, you have appointed prophets, martyrs, pastors, bishops, teachers, and ordinary saints to speak your word and to lead all people to new life in Christ. We pray that your Church speaks your word boldly, acts fearlessly, and mirrors your love, revealed to the world in your beloved Son.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Hear the prayers of your suffering Church. Rescue your servants from the hand of the wicked and the grasp of the unjust and the cruel. Be their rock and their refuge. Fill their mouth with your praise, and drive out the demons of hatred and unbelief from their persecutors.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Let this congregation overflow with words of praise to you, and deeds of love toward others. Help us to be rich in patience and kindness; and to be lacking only in resentment, irritability, and self-promotion. Let everyone know we are Christians by Jesus’ love, which touches them through us.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for the leaders of the nations, especially our own. Let them heed your words and seek to do your will. Teach them to love justice and hate cruelty. Make them rejoice in truth and reject wrong. Help them wield authority, knowing that they are accountable to you, the Lord of all nations. Give us ears to hear the cries of those afflicted by poverty, injustice, or violence. Give us strength to help them.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
With authority and power, Jesus drove out demons, healed the sick, and forgave and raised up people held in bondage to sin, evil, and death. In his name, we pray for all who suffer from any kind of affliction, including: {List}. Be their rock, their strong deliverer, and their hope. Strengthen all who care for them; and grant them the joy of your salvation.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
We commend into your care our loved ones who have died and are at rest in you. Comfort those whose grief runs deep. Help us to be gentle, patient, and kind to one another, so we can endure whatever afflicts us in this mortal life. Lead us, with all whom you have redeemed by your dear Son, into your Kingdom. There let our faith become sight, our hope become joy, and your love become our all in all.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For all these things, dear Father, and for whatever else you desire for us in your wisdom and compassion, we pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior, Lord, and King. Amen.
