Prayers, August 28: 12th Sunday after Pentecost, C (Proper 17)
Proverbs 25:2-10 (Words about kings; behaving in the King’s presence; keeping confidences)
ELW/RCL: Proverbs 25:6-7 (Only about comporting self in king’s presence)
Psalm 131 (I do not occupy myself with things too great and marvelous)
ELW/RCL: Psalm 112 (The righteous and just are blessed by God)
Hebrews 13:1-17 (Words of advice about many things)
ELW/RCL: Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 (Eliminates “Don’t be led away by strange teachings,” Jesus’ death “outside the camp”)
Luke 14:1-14 (Healing on Sabbath; taking the lowest seat at the banquet table)
ELW/RCL: Luke 14: 1, 7-14 (Eliminates healing on Sabbath)
Let us pray in the name of Jesus to our heavenly Father for the Church, the world, and one another.
A brief silence
Gracious Father, thank you for making us like Jesus! Joined to him, who humbled himself for our sake, we too can be humble, without being doormats. Transformed by his Spirit, we can live in faith toward you and in fervent love for others. Thank you! Make us more and more the living image of your Son.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Fill your Church with obedient, humble faith in Christ alone. Give it pastors, bishops, theologians and lay leaders who speak your truth in love. By your Holy Spirit, inspire compassionate deeds and holy lives among all who name Jesus Christ as Lord.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bless the people of this congregation. Help us to remember that we always speak, act, and live in the presence of Christ our King. Let the way we treat everyone reflect his strong saving love.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Calm the fears and give comfort and strength to your persecuted servants throughout the world. By their humble witness, cause their enemies to repent and to turn to you, their only King, Lord and God.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bless this land with peace, justice, prosperity, concord, and integrity. Guide our leaders, and all who take counsel for the nations, so that they may always remember that they must give an account of their deliberations and deeds to you, the King of the Nations.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We are too fascinated by power, prestige, and popularity. Give us the grace to notice, and cherish, the humble and lowly who do your will. More than that, make us like Jesus, who is gentle and lowly of heart.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Those burdened with pain, sorrow, and adversity need the strength and healing that only you can give. We pray on their behalf, especially for: {List}. Quiet their fears, heal their bodies, minds, and hearts, and renew their hope. Bless all who care for them. Give them refreshment and resources to continue their ministry of loving service.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father, thank you for receiving all who have died trusting in you. Quiet the souls of all who mourn. Teach us to live trustfully as your dear children. Lead us into your house, where with all whom you have redeemed, we will rest in your arms, delight in your goodness, and adore 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.
