THE PRAYERS, All Saints’ Sunday, Cycle C (November 6, 2022)
Revelation 7:(2-8) 9-17 (The tribes of Israel are numbered; behold a host arrayed in white, praising the God who has delivered them)
ELW/RCL: Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 (Vision of 4 beasts; saints shall receive God’s kingdom forever)
Psalm 149 (Praise God for his deliverance – and his vengeance!)
1 John 3:1-3 (We are God’s children; when Jesus appears, we shall be like him.)
ELW/RCL: Ephesians 1:11-23 (Inheritance of saints in Christ; prayer for Spirit to enlighten, reveal Jesus’ greatness and gifts)
Matthew 5:1-12 (The beatitudes)
ELW/RCL: Luke 6:20-31 (Beatitudes, woes; Golden Rule)
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
Thank you, dear Father, for all the sinners whom you have redeemed and are pleased to call your saints! Thank you for their example of repentance, trust, and obedience, even when that was hard. Help us remember them with gratitude, and give us grace to follow in their footsteps.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Preserve and guide your one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. Array it in the garments of salvation, and conform it to the likeness of your Son. Adorn it with the gifts and frits of the Holy Spirit. Make it a blessing to many, and a sign of your Kingdom’s close approach.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Make this congregation lovely with holiness. Let the light of Jesus shine through us, so other people glimpse his great love for them.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for seminarians and those whom we sense are being called into the holy ministry. Make them pure of heart, filled with peace, and poor in spirit. We plead on behalf of missionaries. Help them to feed all who hunger and thirst with your bread of righteousness – and with earthly bread. And we ask your blessing upon all who are persecuted for Jesus’ sake. Fill them with joy, peace, and gentleness. Give them a gracious word truth and forgiveness, so that their tormentors may repent and be saved.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for those in positions of authority {- especially those recently elected in our community, state, and nation}. Give them a double portion of your Spirit, so they may act in accordance with your will and to the benefit of everyone entrusted to their care. Help all of us to set aside bitterness and hatred, and give us forbearance, graciousness, and the willingness to work for the common good.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Until your peace is established in this world, good men and women must risk their lives defending life, liberty, and justice. Bless and protect them. Shelter their families from fear. Bring them safely. Heal their wounds to body and spirit; and use their service as building blocks for a happier and safer world.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Deliver from suffering all those whose need is great, especially: {List}. Give them the hope, comfort, and faith they need to weather their trials. Restore them to health and fellowship with all who love them.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Most gracious Father, receive into your Kingdom our beloved dead, especially {List}. Keep us faithful, holy, and steadfast as we walk Jesus’ narrow Way. Give us joy along that way, and help us to encourage one another along it. Bring us safely into your Kingdom, promised to all whom you redeem through your dear Son. There let us see you face to face, and rejoice in your love 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.
