THE PRAYERS, January 8, 2023: The Baptism of Our Lord
Isaiah 42:1-9 (God’s servant will not crush a bruised reed; he is given as light to nations, to open blind eyes and free prisoners of darkness)
Psalm 29 (The voice of the Lord; all cry “Glory!”)
Romans 6:1-11 (We have been baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection)
RCL/ELW: Acts 10:34-43 (Peter preaches sermon to newly-baptized Gentiles)
Matthew 3:13-17 (Jesus comes to John in the Jordan and is baptized)
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
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, we adore you! Blessed Father, Glorious Son, most Holy Spirit, you reveal your heart to us in the Baptism of Jesus. By the Spirit’s power, unite us to Christ so completely that we may hear the Father say to each of us, “You are my beloved son, my beloved daughter; in you I am well pleased.”
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Fill the Church throughout the world with your Spirit. Bind it to your Son, your Word of truth. Adorn it with your goodness, holiness, and love. Make it fruitful in discipleship. Use it to lead many to the waters of Baptism, there to be made your beloved children.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Be enthroned, O Lord, in the midst of this congregation. Overwhelm us with your majesty and mercy. Fill our worship with the beauty of holiness. Strengthen us to do your will. Conform us to the heart and mind of Jesus. Bestow on us your peace.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Do not quench the spirit or break the hearts of your persecuted servants, O Lord; nor let them be discouraged when they suffer on account Christ. Give them such patience and faith that their tormentors turn to you and repent. For missionaries throughout the world; for all who wonder if they are called to be pastors; for all our seminarians, professors, pastors, bishops, and other ministers, we also lift our hearts and voices in fervent supplication.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Bless everyone who is baptized today, and all who remember and give thanks for their Baptism. Thank you for adopting us as brothers and sisters of your dear Son, and for filling us with the same Spirit that descended upon him. Make us radiant with his holiness and lovely with his compassion. Let us glorify you in all we say and do.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Put your Spirit upon the leaders of this and every nation. Establish your justice through them throughout the world. Give them the wisdom and the will to protect and provide for their people, especially those who are like “bruised reeds and faintly burning wicks.” Make them prefer mercy over might; righteousness over renown; and integrity over influence.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Keep in your care all who take up arms in defense of liberty and justice for all. Give them a spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, so their deeds conform to your will. Bring them safely home, and speed the day when deeds of war need not be done anymore.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
We beseech you on behalf of everyone afflicted by suffering, especially those who crave our prayers, including: {List}. Bring them out of the dungeon of suffering and the prison of darkness. Lead them into the brightness of your presence and the company of all who love them.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal: we praise and adore you for the mercy you have shown to all who have died to us but are alive eternally to you. Grant that we, who have passed through the waters of Baptism, may walk the broken pathways of this mortal life, refreshed by your Spirit, and conformed to your Son. By your grace, bring us through the floodwaters of death into your presence, where with all your redeemed children we may worship and adore you in the beauty of your holiness 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.
