Prayers, July 17: 6th Sunday after Pentecost, C (Proper 11)
Genesis 18:1-14 (Abraham and Sarah entertain 3 divine visitors; they’re promised a son)
ELW/RCL: Genesis 18:1-10 (Eliminates Sarah laughing)
Psalm 27: (1-6), 7-14 (The Lord is my light and salvation; whom shall I fear? I’ll seek his face.)
ELW/RCL: Psalm 15 (Those who are blameless dwell with God)
Colossians 1:21-29 (The mysteries of God now revealed, including to the Gentiles; for His sake, Paul suffers, teaches, prays, warns, works to present Colossians as mature believers)
ELW/RCL: Colossians 1:15-28 (Adds description of Christ, “firstborn of creation”)
Luke 10:38-42 (Mary and Martha entertain 1 divine visitor!)
By the power of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to God our Father in the name of Christ Jesus our Lord, making intercession for the Church, the world, and for all people according to their need.
A brief silence
Lord, thank you for the gift of hospitality. You let us entertain angels unaware! Give us generous hearts, so we may refresh and gladden the hearts of others. Fill us with your Spirit, so that by faith, we may gratefully receive the hospitality of heaven, given to us in your well-beloved Son.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Build up your Church in mature faith, patient suffering, generous service, and gracious hospitality. Use it to reveal the mysteries of your love, so that many people seek your face, and live.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Help the people of this congregation to rightly balance the loving hospitality of Martha with the loving listening of Mary. Let all we say and do to lead our neighbors to “the one thing needful” – the strong saving love of Jesus.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Your servant Paul suffered for the sake of the Gospel, as do many Christians in this day. Make them desire to glorify you. Help them encourage one another to be witnesses to their Savior, who prayed even on behalf of his persecutors.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for our nation, for our leaders, and for all the people and nations on earth. Let your holy presence dwell with us. Grant that we may know your will, and seek your peace. Teach us to sit at your feet; to love your Law; to display your mercy; and to share your blessings with one another.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Be the strength and shield of all who stand in harm’s way to protect life and liberty. Give them courage and competence. Heal wounds of body, soul, and mind. Restore them to their loved ones. And help them find new ways to serve you, their communities, and their nation, when their duties have ended.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Be the light and salvation of all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit, especially: {List}. Strengthen their bodies, refresh their hearts, take away their fears, and give them your peace. Bless all who care for them with kindness and competence.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father, we thank you for our departed loved ones who now receive that good portion that shall never be taken from them. Help us to comfort those who mourn. Help us to nourish all who hunger for food, fellowship, or forgiveness. Help us to grow in faith, hope, and love. Welcome us, and all whom you have redeemed, into your spacious House. There, let us no more be strangers, servants, or guests, but your dear children, who see you face to face forever.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
In the power of the Holy Spirit, we entrust our prayers and petitions into your hands, gracious Father, for the sake of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
