The Prayers of the Church May 15, 2022: 5th Sunday of Easter
The Prayers of the Church
May 15, 2022: 5th Sunday of Easter
Acts 11:1-18 (Peter defends baptism of Cornelius’ household by recounting his vision)
Psalm 148 (all creation praises the Lord)
Revelation 21:1-7 (new heaven and earth; no pain, crying or death; He is Alpha and Omega)
John 16:12-22 (Jesus promises the Spirit, who will declare his words to the disciples; they should rejoice that Jesus is going away, for he will return, and no one will take away their joy)
RCL: John 13:31-35 (I give you a new command: love each other as I have loved you)
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Let us pray to our risen Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.
A brief silence
Lord Jesus, you are the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the Resurrection and the Life! You bestow, here and now, a vision of that new creation, in which sin and death are no more. Our words falter. We truly are “lost in wonder, love, and praise.” To you alone, blessed Jesus, be the glory!
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Fill your whole Church with the Holy Spirit. Make it constant in faith, bold in witness, joyful in worship, patient in adversity, cheerful in service, rich in compassion, and radiant with holiness. Through it, lead many, as you led Cornelius and his household, to life, salvation, and fellowship with all who love you.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Embrace, equip, and encourage those who are persecuted on account of you – in Nigeria, Afghanistan, and elsewhere. Do not let us ignore their suffering, but rather find ways to assist and defend them.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Stir up the Spirit’s power in this congregation. Make us burn with love for you and for our neighbors. Give us that joy which the world cannot give. Help us share that joy with all who need it most.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bless all elementary and middle school children with joy, love of learning, and kindly hearts. Protect them from bullies and abusers, from the world’s alluring dangers and hidden threats; and from everything that would darken their hearts or hide your face.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for all who stand in harm’s way on behalf of others. Help them to do their jobs faithfully, bravely and well. Bring them home in safety when their service is completed. Speed the day when there is no more warfare, pain, or death, and all your people may live at peace with you and with each other.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Fill this world with your goodness and righteousness, until every creature, person, nation, and tribe shouts praises to your name for the abundant life that only you can give. Teach the rulers of the nations – and the leaders of commerce, technology, education, medicine, and law – to seek truth; to delight in wisdom; to deliberate and decide with justice; and to act with generosity and humility. And teach everyone to live in peace and fellowship with one another.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Wipe away the tears, and take away the suffering, of all whose need is great. Especially we plead on behalf of: {List}. Give them, and all who love them, a measure of your Kingdom’s joy and peace.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, you are the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end of all things. You are the light and life of all who died trusting in you. Keep us in fellowship with them, through the bond of your Spirit. By the same Spirit, raise up all whom you have redeemed. Lead us into your Father’s presence as a holy community: your family, joy, and treasure forever.
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.