Prayers of the Church July 24, 2022
St. James the Elder (Transferred)
1 Kings 19:9-18: (Elijah meets God at Horeb)
Psalm 7:1-11: David’s prayer against his persecutors)
Acts 11:27-12:3a: (Severe famine in Judea; James’ death at hand of Herod)
Mark 10:35-45: (James and John want special favors; are they able to drink Jesus’ cup, be baptized with his baptism?)
***************
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, your servants Elijah and James knew the cost of obedience to your will. Thank you for their witness. Thank you for their steadfast faith. Like them, keep us faithful, true, and bold, always glorifying your holy Name and building up the Body of Christ.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Purify the testimony of your Church, so that it never wavers in the face of persecution. Keep it persistent in prayer and gracious in service. Let it never depart from the faith once delivered to the saints. Make it beautiful with holiness.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for the persecuted Church; for all who face martyrdom at the hands of those who despise the Name of Jesus; and for missionaries who bravely preach the Gospel to an unheeding world. Keep them steadfast in faith, fervent in hope, and constant in love for you and for all whom you long to save.
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.
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.
Grant strength, comfort, and hope to everyone who needs your healing and loving presence, especially: {List}. Thank you for all who care for them in their time of need. Bless them with patience and kindness.
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.
