The Prayers of the Church
April 24, 2022: 2nd Sunday of Easter
Acts 5:12-32 (Imprisoned disciples are freed by an angel. They proclaim Gospel, obey God not man)
RCL: Acts 5:27-32 (We must obey God, not man; we are witnesses to these things)
Psalm 148 (all creation praises God)
RCL: Psalm 150 (Let all creation praise God!)
Revelation 1:4-18 (John writes to his churches, sees glorified Jesus amidst their lampstands)
John 20:19-31 (Jesus appears, gives Spirit, commission to forgive/retain sins; Thomas confesses faith)
Let us pray to our risen Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.
A brief silence
Lord Jesus, you stand in the midst of the lampstands, your churches, filling them with imperishable light. Thank you for rescuing us from the darkness of sin. Thank you for dispelling clouds of grief and despair. Thank you for leading us into your everlasting life. Grant us grace to lead all people to you.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Breathe your Holy Spirit upon your Church, and fill it with your peace. Teach it to proclaim the Gospel graciously and boldly, so that all people may adore you as their Lord and their God.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Dwell in the midst of those are persecuted for your sake. Make them lampstands that shine with the radiance of your glory and grace. Fill them with the oil of faithful witness and steadfast endurance.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Pour your Holy Spirit upon this congregation. Give us a hunger for your Word; a thirst for your mercy; a vision of your love for all people; and a desire to serve you by serving others in your name.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Give us the persistence and kindness of the disciples who sought out Thomas and drew him back into your dear presence. Help us to share, with those who have lost hope, the hope that is in us.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We beseech you to give to the leaders and peoples of every nation, that peace which the world cannot give. Teach us repentance and humility. School us in generosity, gentleness, and justice. We need all these things to flourish – but mostly, we need your Spirit working your will in our hearts.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Give wisdom, courage, and integrity to our military and first responders – and to all who serve the causes of liberty and justice throughout the world. Fill them with a love for your good and gracious will. Use them to establish justice, safety, and hope in places sorely lacking in those good things.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Heal the bodies, cheer the spirits, and illumine the hearts of all whose lives are shadowed by sorrow and pain. Especially we remember before you the needs of: {List}. Renew in them the gifts of faith and hope; raise them to fullness of life; and restore them to joyful fellowship with all who love them.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, you promise your resurrection life to all whom you have redeemed. We entrust into your care our beloved dead. Wipe away the tears of all who grieve. Fill us with the faith to follow you fearlessly, and to encourage one another cheerfully. Lead us to your Father’s house, where with all whom you love, we shall with endless joy acclaim you as our Lord and our God.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant to us all that is in accordance with your will, dear Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
