Prayers, July 24, 2022: 7th Sunday after Pentecost, C (Proper 12)
Genesis 18:17-33 (Abraham pleads with God: don’t destroy Sodom and Gomorrah if ten righteous people are found)
ELW/RCL: Genesis 18:20-32 (Eliminates God debating whether to tell Abraham what he is about to do, and a concluding verse)
Psalm 138 (God is holy; his love endures; he regards the lowly, sends the haughty far away)
Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19) (Live rooted in Christ; in Baptism, you are dead to trespasses, alive to Him. Don’t get fussed about non-essentials; cling to Christ, the Head!)
Luke 11:1-13 (Lord, teach us to pray; Lord’s Prayer; ask-seek-knock)
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
Father, we have grown so used to praying to you that sometimes we forget what a privilege it is! Forgive us when we become careless, forgetful, or presumptuous. By your Spirit’s leading, make us eager to stand with Jesus’ arm around our shoulders, confidently and lovingly calling you “Abba, Father,” and talking with you about everything.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Keep your Church firmly rooted and grounded in Christ, its Head. Make it dead to sin and alive to righteousness. Give it the faith and the words to pray continually for the needs of all people, and for their salvation. Give it the strength and will to act in accordance with your will.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Draw the people of this congregation into a life of prayer with you. Help us to ask for your mercy; to seek your guidance; and to knock at the door of your heart. Give us the courage and love to invite family, friends, and neighbors into a closer walk with you.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Deliver your persecuted servants from evil. Help them to pray for their enemies. Help us to pray for them and with them. And guide and strengthen all missionaries. Help them find and use ways to introduce unbelievers to your dear Son, until all hearts are tuned to your praise.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Keep this country in your care. Guide our leaders in paths of righteousness. Help us to preserve and extend the blessings of liberty and justice for all. Give health and safety to all people; and establish your Kingdom among us.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for our enemies; for those who are estranged from us; for those who work to harm us; and for all whose hearts are full of bitterness, malice, perversion, and other evils. Transform them, and conform them to your will. Help us to forgive them as you have forgiven us. And heal all our hearts, so that we reflect the holiness and mercy of your dear Son.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Hear the prayers of those who ask for healing; who seek for comfort; and who knock on doors that they fear are shut. We especially remember before you: {List}. Graciously answer them from the wellsprings of your mercy and steadfast love.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Father, keep in your care all who died clinging to the promises which have their Yes in Christ. Comfort those who mourn. Give each of us the daily bread we need throughout our earthly pilgrimage. Help us to readily give and humbly ask for forgiveness. Strengthen us when we are tempted to turn aside from your good will; and deliver us from the snares of the Evil One. Bring us into the Kingdom that you have prepared for all whom you have redeemed through the merits of your dear Son, so that in the power of the Holy Spirit, we may praise, adore and bless you 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. Amen.
