THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
March 6, 2022: 1st Sunday in Lent
Deuteronomy 26:1-11 (creedal confession when giving first fruit)
Psalm 91:1-13(God will shield his Righteous One; angels will bear him up)
Romans 10:8b-13 (all who believe and confess that Jesus is Lord shall be saved)
Luke 4:1-13 (Jesus tempted by Satan)
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For the Church, the world, and our poor sinful selves, let us pray to our Lord, who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
A brief silence
Lord, we sometimes forget that when Jesus was tempted by Satan, it was a real battle. We forget that he didn’t “cash in” on his divinity. We think it was easy for him, as if that excuses us when we give in to temptation. Have mercy on us. Give us faith, courage, and endurance. Set your word in our hearts and on our lips, so even in times of trial, we confess and bless our Savior.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for the Church throughout the world. Lord, purify, heal, unite, and guide it. Through it, lead many to the foot of Jesus’ life-giving Cross.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for all who are persecuted on account of Jesus. Lord, strengthen them in their trials by your strong Word. We also pray for seminarians and pastors, evangelists and missionaries, discipleship partners and spiritual guides. Let that same Word dwell in their hearts and be confessed by their lips.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for this congregation. Lord, keep us steadfast in faith, humble in service, diligent in worship, persistent in prayer, and loving in fellowship.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for our children. Lord, set your angels around them. Shield them from evil, deliver them from danger, and guide them in the way of eternal life.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for our broken world. Lord, heal and transform it. We pray for our leaders. Lord, grant them wisdom, justice, and compassion. We pray for all people. Lord, deliver us from evil, strengthen us in every good gift, and bestow your peace among us all.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for all whose work is difficult and dangerous. Lord, give them cool heads, wise words, and right actions. Shield, support and strengthen those who fall, and those who await their loved one’s return.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for the sick and injured; the abused and their abusers; the despairing and the confused; the homeless, imprisoned, abandoned, and oppressed; the dying and the bereaved, and for all who cry out for mercy, including: {List}. Lord, save them from their time of trial, deliver them from evil, and bestow upon them the riches of your Kingdom.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
With grateful hearts, we entrust our beloved dead into your keeping, dear Lord. Hear us now as we pray for ourselves: Throughout the Lenten pilgrimage of our lives, be the bread for our journey. Forgive us, and make us eager to forgive each other. Strengthen us in times of trial. Deliver us from the power of the Evil One. Bring us safely into your house, prepared for all who love you.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Hear us, gracious Father, for the sake of your well-beloved Son, who intercedes for us before your throne of mercy.
Amen.
