THE PRAYERS, February 12, 2023: 6th Sunday after the Epiphany
Deuteronomy 30:15-20 (I set before you life and death; choose life; obey my commandments)
Psalm 119:1-8 (Happy are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the Law of the Lord)
1 Corinthians 3:1-9 (Paul chides Corinthians for childish quarreling; he, Apollos and others are ALL Christ’s servants, working together; Church is God’s field and building)
Matthew 5:21-37 (Hard words about anger, lust, and divorce)
Let us pray that the light of Christ may shine upon the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.
A brief silence
Dear Father, you set a high bar before us! You want us to be like Jesus. Thank you for joining us to him through Baptism. Thank you that he has “cleared the bar.” Help us to not dangle lazy arms or drag objecting feet, as he carries us over that bar with him! By your Spirit, grant that what Jesus has done for us is shown in us, to your glory and for the good of your people.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Build the Church into a holy temple, filled with your Spirit, with Christ as the cornerstone. Give it faithful pastors, bishops, theologians, teachers, and other leaders. Help them plant and water the seed of faith, to which you alone give growth. Make the Church set before the world the way of life; and grant that many should choose it.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Cause quarrels, angry words, and hurt feelings to cease in this congregation. Unite us in a common purpose: planting and tending the seed of faith in one another, in our children and grandchildren, and in our friends, neighbors, and community.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Jesus spoke hard words about anger, adultery and divorce. Help us take them to heart. Bring your forgiveness and healing to those wounded by hurtful words and deeds. Give each of us wisdom and grace to comfort, challenge, and encourage loved ones who strive to remain faithful; who struggle to repent of offenses they have caused; and who agonize over how to forgive those who have betrayed their trust.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
We pray for our sisters and brothers in the faith who suffer persecution and death on account of Jesus. Set before us their example of faithful obedience to your Word. Help us to assist and defend them. Turn their tormentors from the paths of death and toward your light and life.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Set before the rulers of nations the path of life and of death. Give them the desire and strength to choose life for themselves and for the people in their care. Conform each of us to your will, so that we may truly live together as your people.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
We lift before you the needs of everyone afflicted by suffering, sin, or sorrow, especially: {List}. Deliver them from evil; grant them refreshment, hope and healing; and restore them to fellowship with all who love them.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Dear Father, keep in your tender care all who have died trusting in your promises, especially those whose loss we grieve most deeply. Give us grace to comfort one another. Make us abound in gentleness, forbearance, self-control, and faithfulness. Help us to choose those good things which please you. Grant us the joy of joining the whole company of the redeemed. And let us praise, adore, and glorify you forever!
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
All these things, and whatever else you see that we need, grant to us, dear Father, for the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
