THE PRAYERS, 23rd Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 28, Cycle C (November 13, 2022)
Exodus 3:1-15 (Moses at burning bush; God reveals his name; ‘Let My people go!’)
ELW/RCL: Malachi 4:1-2 (Day of Lord burns wicked like stubble; Sun of Righteousness dawns for those who fear Name of Lord)
Psalm 148 (All creation enjoined to praise God)
ELW/RCL: Psalm 98 (Sing a new song to God for his love, faithfulness!)
2 Thessalonians 2:1-8, 13-17 (As to the coming of Christ again, do not be deceived or dismayed; many tribulations must first come)
ELW/RCL: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 (Don’t be idle as we await Christ’s return)
Luke 20:27-40 (Jesus corrects Sadducees concerning marriage AND resurrection, using story of Moses at the burning bush)
ELW/RCL: Luke 21:5-19 (Jesus warns: persecution, destruction before his return)
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In the power of the Spirit, let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.
A brief silence
Most holy God, you promise to come with power, glory, judgment, and healing. Sometimes that disturbs us! We want you to make all things right and new – but before that can happen, you will show us our sins in all their ghastly glory. Cover us then, Lord, with your healing wings. Clothe us in the righteousness of Christ. Shield us with your Holy Spirit. Make us holy, whole, and filled with your eternal life.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Cleanse and strengthen your Church throughout the world. Make it watchful and faithful. Let it tirelessly preach the Gospel and serve the world for Jesus’ sake. Make it a place of healing for people who are wounded by the powers of sin, death, and the devil.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Sometimes it is hard for our congregation to “keep on keeping on” in worship, witness, and welcome. Keep our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus and our ears alert to his Word. Amid the distractions and temptations we experience, grant that we may prefer nothing whatsoever to Christ.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Strengthen and shield everyone persecuted on account of Jesus. By their faithful endurance, turn the hearts of their tormentors to Christ in repentance and faith.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for seminarians, and for all whom you call to be a pastor, chaplain, deacon, or other church worker. Fill them with your Spirit. Kindle faith, hope, and love in their hearts. Surround them by a cloud of faithful witnesses, mentors, teachers, and prayer warriors. Bless them to be a blessing to others.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Although the form of this world is passing away, still it is our home. Bestow wisdom, integrity, and mercy upon our leaders in government, education, industry, the military, our courts of justice, and every occupation in which people hold positions of responsibility and power. And grant to everyone the blessing of peace and a measure of prosperity.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Keep all who suffer in your special care – especially: {List}. Grant healing to body, soul, heart, and mind. Strengthen everyone who cares for them. And surround them with the protection of your holy wings.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Most holy God, we thank you for the lives of your faithful people, especially those dearest to us, who now rest from their labors. Wipe away the tears of all who mourn their loss. Support us throughout our earthly pilgrimage with your Word and holy Sacraments. Give us strength and charity, so that we encourage one another as we follow Jesus even through the valley of death’s shadow. Bring us, by his merits, into your Kingdom, where with all the redeemed, we shall adore you in the unity you share eternally with your Son and the Holy Spirit.
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.
