THE PRAYERS, January 29, 2022, 4th Sunday after the Epiphany
Micah 6:1-8 (Answer me, my people; how have I burdened you? What does the Lord require but to love justice, do mercy, walk humbly before him?)
Psalm 15 (Who abides with God? Those who walk blamelessly and do what is right)
1 Corinthians 1:18-31 (Christ is the wisdom and power of God, despite the foolishness and stumbling-block nature of the Cross)
Matthew 5:1-12 (The Beatitudes)
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
Father, thank you for Jesus and his teaching! His Beatitudes challenge, humble, and energize us. Give us a double portion of your Holy Spirit, so that by your grace, we may begin to live out those Beatitudes, to your glory and for the blessing and benefit of others.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Fill your Church with your Holy Spirit. In the power of the Spirit, make it love justice, do mercy, and walk humbly before you, its Lord and God. Fill the Church with the splendor of Jesus’ glory, the beauty of his holiness, and the sweetness of his love.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Make each member of this congregation into disciples of Jesus, so that we may be a sign of your goodness and mercy to our friends, families, neighbors, and community.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Raise up pastors, theologians, professors, deacons, and other Christian leaders who earnestly and patiently seek your will, and who teach others, by word and by example, to do the same.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Be the light in dark places, the sword and shield victorious, for our military and first responders, and for all who risk their life on behalf of others. Give them integrity, courage, and wisdom as they strive to bring justice and safety in dangerous places. Heal their body, mind, and soul. Strengthen their loved ones. Help us to honor their sacrifice and benefit from their labors.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
We pray for our earthly rulers, whether we like them, agree with them, or voted for them. Conform their minds, hearts, and actions to your holy will. Help them to strengthen bonds of respect, trust, and concord in every community across our nation.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Bless, heal, and strengthen the sick and sorrowful, especially those we name now before you: {List}. We also pray for women who are pregnant or have recently given birth, especially those whose health is imperiled; for women who have had an abortion or miscarriage; for newborn infants, especially those at risk of illness or injury; for all fathers; and for everyone who cares for and rejoices in the gift of new life.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
As we entrust our beloved dead into your hands, and commend ourselves to your care, we pray: Now, Lord, you let your servants go in peace; your Word has been fulfilled. Our own eyes have seen the salvation that you have prepared in the sight of every people. A light to reveal you to the nations, and the glory of your people Israel.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever, Amen.
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.
