Prayers, July 31: 8th Sunday after Pentecost, C (Proper 13)
Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14; 2:18-26 (Vanity of vanities, all is vanity…)
RCL/ELW: Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14; 2:18-23 (Eliminates what God gives to righteous, sinners; all is still vanity!)
Psalm 100 (Praise the Lord, enter his courts with thanksgiving. He is good; his mercy endures forever.)
ELW/RCL: Psalm 49:1-12 (I shall speak wisdom; none can ransom their life. Wealthy, poor, wise, fool all die)
Colossians 3:1-11(You have died; your life is hidden in Christ and will be revealed in his glory. Therefore put away all evil deeds; be clothed in Christ; all will be like him!)
Luke 12:13-21 (Parable of the rich fool)
Let us pray for the Church, the world, and for one another.
A brief silence
Heavenly Father, you bless greatly, us even when we think we have very little! You give us life and breath. Each new day gives us a chance to repent, forgive, and share Jesus’ love with another person. Help us to thank you for these things, to enjoy them rightly; and to share them generously.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Clothe your Church with Christ. Put away from it all evil desires, words, and deeds. Fill it with your Spirit, so it abounds in every good gift, overflows with Jesus’ life, and leads many to faith in him.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Fill the people of this congregation with wisdom and humility. Remind us that everything is done for you, not for ourselves, and that we must one day render an accounting of our stewardship of your blessings. Make us faithful, generous, and holy. Use us to draw many people into your fatherly embrace.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Keep your persecuted Church in your care, and bless their faithful witness. Help us to provide for our suffering sisters and brothers from the storehouses of our spiritual and material abundance.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for your blessing upon our nation – and for all nations. Guide our leaders with your Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might. Remind them that they must give to you an account of how they have used the power and authority entrusted to them.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord, lead us on the hard path of discipleship. Teach us virtues that are often unpopular: responsibility, accountability, and self-sacrifice, grounded in faith toward you and fervent love for one another.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We lift before you the suffering and sorrow of your people, especially: {List}. Anoint them with the oil of gladness. Heal wounds to body, mind, and soul. Grant that, with those who love them, they may enter your gates with thanksgiving, and go into your courts with praise.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father, keep our beloved dead close to your heart. Comfort all whose grief runs deep. By the power of your Spirit, turn our hearts from the folly of sin. Keep us focused on Jesus and his love for us. Make us channels of his forgiveness and grace, because so many people need them. By your mercy, bring us into your Kingdom, where with all the redeemed, we shall praise and adore you forever.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Hear our prayers, gracious Father, offered through the power of the Spirit; and for the sake of your dear Son, grant us all that is in accordance with your merciful will, to your glory and for the good of your people. AMEN.
