THE PRAYERS, 

14^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 19, Cycle C (September 11, 2022)

 

Ezekiel 34:11-24 (God will be the Good Shepherd, will judge between strong and weak sheep)

 

                ELW/RCL: Exodus 32:7-14 (Moses pleads for Israel after they make gold calf)

 

Psalm 119:169-176 (Teach me your statutes; I will sing your praises!)

 

                ELW/RCL: Psalm 51:1010 (Have mercy on me for my wickedness and sin!)

 

1 Timothy 1:(5-11), 12-17 (The Law is good; meant to convict evildoers of their sin; yet Christ came to save sinners)

 

                ELW/RCL: 1 Timothy 1:12-17 (Eliminates warning against bad teachers, and discussion of why the law exists to convict the wicked)

 

Luke 15:1-10 (Jesus eats with sinners, parables of lost sheep, lost coin)

 

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Let us pray in the name of Jesus to our heavenly Father for the Church, the world, and one another.

 

A brief silence

 

Holy God, thank you for Jesus! Thank you for making him our good Shepherd. Thank you for loving us so much that we are granted forgiveness, life, fellowship with you – and love beyond all telling – in your Son, crucified, raised, and ascended to your right hand for our salvation.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Heavenly Father, give your Church the grace and desire to faithfully follow Jesus. Give it leaders who rightly proclaim your Word. Give it your Holy Spirit, so it is a place of welcome, forgiveness, and transformation for every sinner who enters it.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Give your grace to this congregation. Forgive us when, like unruly sheep, we head-butt and distress your flock. Help us to repent of thoughtless words, self-centered actions, and anything else that hinders one of your dear children from loving and trusting you.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

On this day, we remember and grieve those who lost their lives in terrorist attacks. We thank you for those who risked, and often gave, their lives trying to bring safety and life out of chaos and death. We pray that hatred, violence, fanaticism, and injustice may cease throughout the world, and that your gracious and holy will should hold sway in every heart and every land.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Our nation continues to struggle with enemies within and beyond its borders; with discord, suspicion, and violence; and with a raucous political campaign that sometimes threatens to bring out the worst rather than the best in us. Shepherd us through these troubled times. Bring healing to our hearts, homes, and communities. Anoint our eyes to see one another as fellow citizens and as beloved children of the same heavenly Father. And bring a measure of your peace to this weary world.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Be merciful to all who are hurting, weak, abused, hungry, or grieving; or who in any way need the abundance of your grace. Especially we lift before you: {List}. Be their Good Shepherd, and bring them healing and hope. Help us all to be gentle, gracious, compassionate and kind to them, so that together, we may praise your goodness.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Dear heavenly Father, we entrust into the care of Jesus our Good Shepherd, all our beloved dead. Comfort all who mourn; and fill us with your Holy Spirit’s wisdom and grace. Teach us to love each other tenderly and care for one another diligently; and keep us ever in Christ’s care. Of your goodness, grant that he should heal us from every sin and infirmity, and lead us into your Kingdom; so that as one flock we may praise, adore, and glorify our Good Shepherd 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.

 

“It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven – things into which angels long to look” (1 Peter 1:12).

We are not to serve just ourselves, but we are to serve our neighbors.  So many think selfishly only in terms of the self.  Do not be led astray by sinful desires but be led by the One who has redeemed you.  Come into His presence and live according to the goodness of His mercy.  He  will lead you in all things, including what the Father desires for you to do each day.  Look to the One who saves as He guides you each day.

Lord, You know where I wander and wonder.  You have given hope upon hope and yet the smallest distraction in this world leads me astray.  Guide me, dear Lord, to know that in You alone is all hope and a future worth living for.  In Your goodness and by your Holy Spirit, guide me now and forever that through all You would have me do, others will be served according to Your eternal purpose.

Dear Lord Jesus, with great intentionality You marched to the cross.  Through Your death and resurrection, You have led the way so that all who follow You may come out of death and into light and life.  Guide my words and deeds this day so that in all that is said and done, I may see the Father’s will being done through me.  Abide richly in me this day in order that I may live according to Your purpose.  Amen.