The Prayers, October 2: 17th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 22)
Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 (Prophet mourns that he can only see evil and violence; but he will stand at his watch post; he must write God’s words large and bold)
Psalm 62 (For God my soul in stillness waits; he alone is my rock, strength, and salvation)
ELW/RCL: Psalm 37:1-9 (Commit your way to God; don’t fret over evildoers)
2 Timothy 1:1-14 (Rekindle gift given at ordination; never be ashamed of Christ)
Luke 17:1-10 (Again, don’t cause another to stumble! Forgive willingly; have mustard seed faith; do your work faithfully whether the Master is away or is present)
ELW/RCL: Luke 17:5-10 (Eliminates warning to not mislead little ones, rebuking brother, forgiving repeatedly if he repents)
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For the Church, the world, and all people, let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
A brief silence
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for planting the mustard-seed of faith in us! Please water it with your Holy Spirit. Make its roots delve deep into your holy Word and Sacraments. Cause that seed to blossom and come to fruition, nourishing a hungry world with your son’s forgiveness and love.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We ask your protection, guidance and blessing upon your Church. Make it steadfast in faith; courageous in witness; truthful in teaching and preaching; and gracious in service. Use it to lead many souls to Jesus.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Fill this congregation with your Holy Spirit. Let us never seem ashamed of Christ, but instead share his holy and forgiving love with everyone we encounter.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bestow upon all missionaries strength to do their Master’s work faithfully and well until he comes in glory. Shield and strengthen our sisters and brothers who are persecuted on account of Jesus. Give them grace and courage to stand at their watch-post and to speak and live your Word boldly and truly. Let their tormentors repent of their evil ways and turn to you, the Lord of all.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant that the leaders of all nations, especially our own, acknowledge you as their Lord and Master. Let them faithfully and diligently do the work entrusted to them, knowing they must give to you an account of their actions. Help them to strive for justice tempered with mercy, and for peace wedded to righteousness.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant the watchman’s courage and faithfulness to all who protect and defend life from evil and violence. Especially we pray for our military, and all first responders. Prosper all they do that accomplishes your purposes. Be their mighty fortress when they are in peril. Reunite them safely with their loved ones. May we honor their service and benefit from their skills.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Be the rock and salvation, the hope and eternal possession of all who cry out to you in time of trouble. Especially we remember before you: {List}. Still their troubled souls, and heal them of wounds to body, mind, and spirit. Give to all who care for them tender hearts, gentle hands, compassionate service, and loving encouragement.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for fulfilling all your promises to those who have died trusting in you. Be the rock and salvation of all whose grief runs deep. Give them courage and hope. Make us gentle and tender-hearted with one another. Help us to forgive when the other sins, and to repent when we are wrong. When one stumbles, help the rest of us to support, guide, and encourage. Lead us safely through the evils and sorrows of this earthly life. Bring us into your Kingdom and into eternal fellowship with you and those whom you have redeemed through the merits of your beloved Son.
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.
