PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, Cycle C: 7^th Sunday after Epiphany, Proper 6, February 20,2022

 

Genesis 45:3-15: (Joseph reveals himself to his brothers and forgives them)

 

Psalm 103:1-13: (Bless the Lord, O my soul! As far as the east is from the west, so far does God remove our sins from us)

 

1 Corinthians 15:21-26, 30-42: (The consequences of the Resurrection; more than hoping in human power; the resurrection of the faithful, and glorified bodies)

           RCL/ELW: 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50: (The resurrection body)

 

Luke 6:27-38: (Love enemies; be merciful, as Father is. Forgive and give, and you will be forgiven and will be given much!)

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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

Loving Father, forgiveness is the hardest thing we ever do – but refusing to forgive is worse. Thank you for the forgiveness that you have given us in Jesus. Let it sink in and work deep within us. Although it is so hard, teach us how to forgive, and to ask for forgiveness. Restore us to yourself, and to those who are separated from us, by their sins or by our own.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make your Church unflinching in exposing sin, humble in confessing it, and generous in forgiving all who repent of it. Do not let it re-brand sin as virtue, nor reject those who stumble. Make it wise in exhortation and counsel. Make it gracious in restoring and healing all who repent and turn to you.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Bless counselors, pastors, and others who help repair relationships and restore community. Equip them to listen deeply and speak wisely. Let them seek your will and model your love as they serve others.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Embrace the people of this congregation with your holy and forgiving love. Make us eager to seek out those estranged from us, and patient in the work of reconciliation. Let all we say and do shine with love for Jesus, and with Jesus’ love for everyone we meet.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give rulers of nations, and all in positions of authority, a love for justice tempered with mercy. Remind us all that revenge may destroy both parties, and “strict justice” may divide, not build up communities. Teach us that mercy and forgiveness, though difficult, can bring healing and reconciliation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Restore the faith and the health of all who are burdened by suffering of body, mind, or spirit – especially {List}. Give them the joy of your saving help; and restore them to fellowship with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Heavenly Father, we commend our beloved dead into your care, trusting your promise of mercy. Keep us, we pray, in your care as well! Help us bring your mercy to those who are lost, broken, estranged, or despairing. Sustain us with your grace, won for us in death and resurrection of your Son and given to us by your Holy Spirit. Reconcile us to yourself and to each other. And welcome us into your kingdom and reunite us with all your people. There let us praise your goodness forever and ever.

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.

“I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality” (1 Timothy 5:21).

Without bias is the instruction.  That is a hard thing to do which is why an elder needs to be all of the things we have heard in this Epistle.  All for the sake of the church and the one with whom these things are true.  Temperance is needed and an eye for what is right and true.  These are not trivial or even temporal matters, but are a matter of eternal life for the ones for whom these things apply.

Sometimes Lord I trivialize what is important and make important what is trivial.  Help me understand that You are dealing with forever.  I cannot even understand this fully, but help me prioritize these matters such that I do not let the trivial things have more weight than the matters that impact Your bride, the church, and the sheep that are influenced by all that I say or do.

Lord Jesus, You have come to guide me into all righteousness.  Lead me this day in the way of truth so that I would do what is right and apply the principles You have been teaching me.  Let me do these things without partiality or bias.  Help me look to You in all circumstances so that I would do what is right according to You and the Word that You have given.  Lead me day by day to become more like You.  Amen.