THE PRAYERS, Reformation Sunday (October 30, 2022)
Revelation 14:6-7 (Eternal Gospel announced to every person)
Psalm 46 (A mighty fortress!)
Romans 3:19-28 (We’re justified by faith apart from works of the Law)
John 8:31-36 (If the Son makes you free, you are free indeed)
*******
Let us pray in the name of Jesus to our heavenly Father for the Church, the world, and one another.
A brief silence
Thank you, dear Father, for all who love your Church. Thank you for raising up prophets, apostles, martyrs, theologians, and ordinary saints who treasure your holy Word and love your Church, even when she stumbles and sins. Thank you for Jesus, who makes the Church his Bride, and who even now makes her lovely with holiness, charity, and righteousness.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Pour out your Holy Spirit upon your Church. Make it your holy habitation. Keep it steadfast in your Word. Strengthen it in the face of temptation and defend it from evil. Purify it from sin and error, and bestow on it your saving peace.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Graciously protect and guide the people of this congregation, O Lord, our Help and our Redeemer. Gladden our hearts by filling them with the gifts of your Holy Spirit. Use us to nourish, instruct, and invite our neighbors into your presence.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Be the refuge and strength of Christians when they are persecuted for confessing Jesus as Lord. Cause the enemies of the Gospel to repent of their sinfulness, turn to you, and live.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Exalt yourself among the nations, and speak your holy word to your world, especially to the leaders of our country. Give them wisdom and a teachable spirit. Grant them the desire to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly before you.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bless the work of faithful theologians who clarify doctrine, correct misunderstandings, and teach the faithful. Use them to educate seminarians and missionaries who will eagerly proclaim the Gospel: your Son, Jesus Christ, crucified and risen to forgive sins and open your Kingdom to all who will receive him.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We lift before you the needs of all whose lives are shaken and troubled by suffering, especially: {List}. Be in their midst and let them not be overthrown. Say to them, ‘be still, and know that I am God.’ Restore them to health and hope, that they may proclaim the awesome things you have done.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Most holy Lord, we give you thanks for the lives of our beloved dead whom you have redeemed through the precious blood of your dear Son. Grant that we may humbly follow in their footsteps, boldly trust in your promises, faithfully proclaim your Word; and cheerfully serve in your Name. Bring us, through the merits of Jesus, into your Kingdom, where with all the redeemed, we shall glorify you in the unity of your most holy Spirit 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.
