THE PRAYERS, January 22, 2023, 3rd Sunday after the Epiphany
Isaiah 9:1-4 (The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light)
Psalm 27:1-9 (The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear?)
RCL/ELW: Psalm 27:1, 4-9
1 Corinthians 1:10-18 (1st mention of divisions in Church; message of Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but the power of God to those being saved)
Matthew 4:12-25 (In the region mentioned by Isaiah, Jesus begins his ministry – “Repent; the kingdom of Heaven has come near” – and calls his first disciples)
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
Lord, sometimes we think you see us only “From a distance.” Sometimes that’s right where we want you! But in Christ, you have promised to be God-with-Us, Emmanuel. Be gentle, Father, as you shed your holy light on our sin-darkened world! Thank you for the grace and comfort of your Holy Spirit, who helps us to repent and to delight in your “joyous light of glory.”
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
The world scorns the Cross as folly and stumbling block. Therefore, give your Church faith, courage, and wit as it proclaims Christ crucified as the only means of forgiveness, salvation, and life with you forever. Make it lovely with the light of Jesus’ strong saving love for us sinners.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Bring light and clarity to the people of this congregation, so that every act of worship, fellowship, outreach, stewardship, service, study, and support is centered in Christ alone.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
We pray for all who are persecuted on account Christ. Keep them steadfast in faith and gracious in witness. Soften the hearts of their enemies, and bring them to repentant faith in Jesus.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
This is a hard prayer, Father: to pray for the evil and wicked; for abusers and killers, cheaters and deserters, and those who commit every sort of despicable act. When their victims cannot forgive, help us to pray the prayer they cannot: Forgive, dear Lord. Cause the wicked to repent of their evil ways and cling to the Cross of Christ as their only hope.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Shine the light of reason, justice, and mercy into the minds of our earthly rulers. Make them want to do your will and benefit the people entrusted to their care. Remind them that they, and all who have power and authority in society, must give an account of their stewardship to you, the Lord and ruler of all. And bestow upon us all a measure of your peace.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Bring healing, hope, and the light of your dear presence to everyone who sits in the darkness of suffering, shame, or sorrow. Especially we pray for: {List}. Let them, and all who care for them, say with confident joy: The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear?!
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Lord, you are the imperishable light, even in the darkness of death, for all who cling to you. We entrust our beloved dead to you, and we commend our lives to you as well. Be the lamp to our feet and light to our path throughout our earthly pilgrimage. For the sake of Jesus, lead us, and all whom you redeem, into your bright courts of heaven, and into your endless day.
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.
