The Prayers of the Church
May 29, 2022: 7th Sunday of Easter, or Ascension of Our Lord, Transferred
Lessons for the Ascension of Our Lord
Acts 1:1-11 (the Ascension story)
Psalm 47 (God has gone up with a shout!)
Ephesians 1:15-23 (God put all under Christ’s feet, made him head of body; glorious inheritance)
Luke 24:44-53 (You’re witnesses to Jesus’ death, resurrection. Proclaim repentance, forgiveness. The Ascension)
Lessons for 7th Sunday of Easter:
Acts 1:12-26 (Barnabas chosen to round out the Twelve)
RCL: Acts 16:16-34 (Paul and Silas exorcise demon from slave girl; are thrown in prison; chains
miraculously broken; jailers believe and are baptized)
Psalm 133 (Good and pleasant when brethren dwell together in unity)
RCL: Psalm 97 (The Lord is king; Zion rejoices; God loves and guards the faithful)
Revelation 22:1-20 (the river and Tree of Life; warnings; invitation to feast; Come, Lord Jesus!)
John 17:20-26 (Jesus prays for all believers, that they be one as he and the Father are one)
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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, Savior of the world! We worship and adore you. We kneel before your majesty. Yet you take us by the hand and invite us to your marriage supper. You make us your Bride and your Body. You pray for us, and promise us your own inheritance. You commission us to proclaim the Gospel to the world. You give us your own work of forgiving sins. All we can do is pray, Amen, come, Lord Jesus!
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Unite all who confess your Name into your Body, as your one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. Fill it with your Spirit. May it faithfully proclaim the gospel of repentance and forgiveness to the whole world.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bestow upon your persecuted Church the fullness of their glorious inheritance, won for them through your own suffering, death, and resurrection. Cause their tormentors to repent and to turn to you.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bless this congregation. Tune our hearts to sing your praise and to do your will. Use us to draw others into the blest communion and fellowship divine that you share with the Father and Holy Spirit.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We remember before you all who gave their lives for their country, in service of liberty and justice for all. Thank you for their great sacrifice. May it not be in vain. Thank you for everyone who risks life and health in defense of others. Heal those who are wounded in body, mind, or spirit. Help us to honor and assist them. And we urgently pray: bring the whole world to that glorious day when war will be no more.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
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As you prayed for your followers, so we pray for the world, its rulers, and its people, especially in this land. Bestow peace and unity in places of injustice and violence. Turn the hearts of many to seek and work for those things that please your heavenly Father. Equip them to bring a measure of health, hope and justice to all.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We plead for all who endure the evils that afflict bodies, minds, and hearts. Especially pray for: {List}. Assure them of your presence, so that they believe and know that they dwell in you, and you in them.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, you have ascended to the right hand of your Father. You promise your life to all whom you have saved. Therefore we confidently entrust into your care our beloved dead. Wipe away the tears of all who grieve. Dwell with us and in us. Draw us closer to each other as you lead us to your Father’s embrace. Give us your Spirit, to prepare us for your wedding-supper. Hasten the day when we celebrate that eternal feast with all the people whom you have redeemed.
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.
