Prayers, August 21, 2013: 11th Sunday after Pentecost, C (Proper 16)
Isaiah 66:18-23 (All nations shall worship the Lord and be his priests)
ELW/RCL: Isaiah 58:9-14 (Do justice, and God will bless you)
Psalm 50:1-15 (Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, the Lord shines forth; he desires the sacrifice of thanksgiving, not of beasts)
ELW/RCL: Psalm 103:1-8 (Bless the Lord, O my soul, for God’s mercy and justice)
Hebrews 12: 4-29 (Your suffering is how God disciplines beloved children. Pursue peace and holiness. You’ve come to Christ, whose blood speaks better word than Abel; don’t refuse him!)
ELW/RCL: Hebrews 12:18-29 (Eliminates exhortation to faithfulness, holy living, God’s discipline of those he loves)
Luke 13:22-30 (Jesus says: strive to enter by the narrow gate, or you will see Abraham and the prophets enter the Kingdom, but you will be locked outside)
ELW/RCL: Luke 13:10-17 (Jesus heals the woman bent over)
Let us pray for the Church, the world, and for one another.
A brief silence
Heavenly Father, thank you for showing us what you would have us do, even when it is hard. Give us strength and grace to worship you in the beauty of holiness, and to share your love, justice, and mercy with others. Thank you for establishing for us a kingdom that can never be shaken.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lead the Church you love in the narrow way of peace, holiness, and truth. Make it a trustworthy, open gate to Christ. Lead all who are wounded in soul and body to the salvation he offers them.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Touch the hearts of the people gathered here with your beauty and goodness. Make our words gracious and our deeds lovely. Make of us a kingdom of priests, holy in your sight; and a family of servants, faithfully doing your will.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Join the sufferings of your persecuted Church to those of Christ. Give it a gracious word of testimony, truth, and forgiveness, so that its tormentors may repent and be saved.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bring to fruition Isaiah’s vision that all nations shall serve and worship you. Give leaders the strength and desire to work for for peace, righteousness, and justice for all people – especially the poor and those devastated by human malice or natural disaster. Help all of us to be true neighbors to one another.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
The school year fast approaches, to mingled dread and anticipation. Give students joy in learning and diligence in study. Help their teachers and aides to convey true love of their subject matter. Make them gentle disciplinarians, inspiring mentors, and worthy examples to their students.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant healing, hope and strength to everyone who suffers, especially: {List}. Assure them of your loving presence, and let them enter into your gates with thanksgiving and into your courts with praise.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Most holy Father, receive into your Kingdom our beloved dead. Keep us faithful and true, holy and steadfast, as we walk the narrow Way established by Jesus. Give us hope and joy along that way. Help us encourage one another. Bring us into that Kingdom which you have promised to all whom you redeem by the sufferings of Christ. There let us know the unspeakable joy of abiding in your love 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.
