The Prayers, January 1, 2023: Circumcision and Name Day of Jesus
Numbers 6:22-27 (The Aaronic, priestly benediction)
Psalm 8 (Divine majesty and human dignity)
Galatians 3:23-29 (The law was our disciplinarian; now we are clothed in Christ)
Luke 2:21 (Jesus is named at his circumcision)
Let us pray that Jesus brings light, salvation, and peace to the church, the world, and all people.
A brief silence
Thank you, Jesus, for taking on our human nature and submitting yourself to your own Law. Thank you for shedding your blood, even as a tiny child, for our sake. Thank you that you do the very thing your name announces: you save your people from their sin.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Purify your Church throughout the world with your precious blood. In everything it proclaims and does, may it honorably bear your sacred Name.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Purify this congregation with your precious blood. Let our worship, fellowship, service, and mission always glorify your sacred Name.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Purify your persecuted servants with your precious blood. Let their patience in suffering and steadfast faith bear witness to your sacred Name.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Purify the nations and their leaders with your precious blood. Let justice and mercy abound, and let all peoples live in harmony and good will. In all things, let us praise your sacred Name.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
The new calendar year speaks of hope and new beginnings. Purify our days and deeds with your precious blood. Let all our deeds begin, continue, and find their perfect end in you, the Hope of all nations and our heart’s desire. Thus may we forever bless your sacred Name.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Purify and heal through your precious Blood all who suffer any kind of evil of body or soul. Especially we pray for: {List}. Visit them with “tidings of comfort and joy,” that they may stand in your light to praise your sacred Name.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Thank you, dear Jesus, for redeeming with your precious blood all who died trusting in you. Cheer our hearts with your blessings as we begin this new year and continue our earthly pilgrimage. Help us to encourage and strengthen each other, always looking to your Cross to guide us through the darkest days. Lead us into your bright courts of heaven, and into that endless day in which all whom you have redeemed shall forever adore your sacred Name.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Hear and mercifully grant us, dear Lord, all that we ask that conforms to your good and perfect will for us, for your Name’s sake. AMEN.
