Prayers, August 7: 9th Sunday after Pentecost, C (Proper 14)
Genesis 15:1-6 (Abram’s faith is reckoned to him as righteousness)
Psalm 33:12-22 (Happy is nation whose God is the Lord; he is our strength and shield; he delivers soul from death; trust in him!)
Hebrews 11:1-16 (Faith is conviction of things not seen; patriarchs, especially Abraham, saw God’s promises afar off and welcomed them; God not ashamed to be their God.)
ELW/RCL: Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 (Eliminates roll call of pre-Abraham faithful)
Luke 12:22-34 (35-40) (Part of Sermon on the Plain: consider lilies of the field; do not worry; where your treasure is, there is your heart also; be watchful for Son of Man’s coming)
ELW/RCL: Luke 12:32-40 (Eliminates lilies, seek first the kingdom)
Let us pray for the Church, the world, and for one another.
A brief silence
Thank you, dear Father, for the beauty of earth, sea, and sky. Thank you for blessings without number, and for your great faithfulness. Increase our faith and gratitude, and give us joy amidst suffering and comfort in sadness.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Adorn your Church with faith as steadfast as Abraham’s, and as lovely as the lilies of the field. Make it a storehouse for the treasures of heaven. Let it graciously and generously share those treasures with all.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bless this congregation with deep faith, untroubled hearts, kindly spirits, and loving deeds. Remind us that our treasures are not found in buildings, bank accounts, programs, or progress. Give us eyes to see our treasure in the souls of those whom you have loved, forgiven, and redeemed.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bless and guide all who are discipleship guides, spiritual directors, and pastoral mentors. Give them grace to lead others along the path of obedience, love, and faithfulness to you.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Send your Spirit abroad in the world, so that people in every land may say, “Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord; he is our strength and shield.” Help us to find our treasure not in possessions and power, but in faith toward you and in fervent love toward one another.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Be the strength and shield of all who risk their life in defense of others. Help them act with wisdom, integrity, and competence. When their work is done, let their homecomings be joyful, their bodies and minds be healed and refreshed, their service be honored, and their skills be used in new ways.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant healing, hope, and faith to all who are afflicted pain or sorrow. Especially we lift before you the needs of: {List}. Let the love, mercy and goodness of bless all who suffer. Give gentle hands and patient hearts to those who care for them; and restore them to fellowship with all who love them.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Gracious Father, we thank you for receiving, as treasures and as your dear children, all who have died trusting in you. Keep our hearts firmly fixed on your mercy and loving-kindness toward us. Help us to encourage and help one another. Remind us of the treasures of eternal life and salvation that you have stored up for us through the merits of your dear Son. Bring us into your Kingdom, where, with all of your treasured people, we may enjoy those treasures and delight in your goodness 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.
