Prayers of the Church,

Holy Trinity, Cycle A, June 4, 2023

Genesis 1:1-2:4a (God creates the universe and blesses it)

Psalm 8 (What is man that you are mindful of him?)

Acts 2:14a, 22-36 (Again, part of Peter’s Pentecost sermon)

            (ELW, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Trinitarian blessing)

Matthew 28:16-20 (The Great Commission)

In the power of the Spirit, let us pray to God the Father, that through his dear Son, he would accomplish his will for the Church, the world, and all people for whom we pray.

A brief silence

We adore you, O Lord, and confess you are one God in three Persons. With God the Son, in the power of God the Spirit, we are bold to pray to God the Father as “Our Father!” We do not deserve, and can barely comprehend, such a wonder. All we can do is bless your holy Name and proclaim your goodness and grace to the world.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Grant that your Church may always worship your Triune nature in unity; and confess that your unity is that of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Give the Church such wisdom and faith that it may rightly proclaim your Name to the world. And give it such humility and grace that, through it, many come to know, trust, and love you, the Lord and Savior of the world.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You commanded the Church to go into all nations, making disciples, baptizing in your Name, and teaching others to observe all you have commanded. Keep your persecuted servants faithful to that Great Commission, even when it would be easier to fall away. Let us more comfortable Christians not be a scandal to their witness, nor a stumbling-block to unbelievers.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make this congregation a temple fit for your holy presence. Let all we say and do glorify your Name. Bind us together in your love. Use us to introduce you to those who don’t yet know you.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You created this world and blessed it and called it good; and you entrust it to us as your stewards. We are called to be the face of God to creation! Help us to use the bounties of the sea, land and air with wisdom and prudence. Give gentle and loving hearts to all who care for animals. Bless farmers, ranchers, fisher-folk, and all who keep an anxious eye on weather, pollution, and everything that affects this beautiful planet.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Remind leaders of the nations that they are your stewards of authority and power. Remind captains of industry and commerce that they are stewards of the world’s resources. Remind the healthy and wealthy, the educated and influential, the popular and powerful, that they, too, are stewards of your lavish gifts. Remind all of us that we are stewards of your bounty. You command us to use them in accordance with your will; and your will is for all people and all creatures to enjoy their rightful portion of your gifts.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless, heal, and comfort all who suffer, including: {List}. Guide them safely through the dark valleys in which they wander. Be their light and life, their guide and joy. Return them to the fellowship of all who love and pray for them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Holy God, thank you for your mercy to those who have died trusting in your promises. Visit us with your wisdom, love, and forgiveness. Teach us the moves and graces of your triune fellowship. Give us joy and delight as we imitate you! Bring us into your presence, with the whole company of the redeemed. Let us gaze upon your blessed countenance and adore you as our Lord and God, O Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and forever and unto the ages of ages.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Hear our prayers, O Father, for the sake of Jesus your Son; and by the power of your Holy Spirit, bring what is pleasing in your sight to fruition in our lives. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, Day of Pentecost, Cycle A (May 28, 2023)

Also Memorial Day Weekend

Numbers 11:24-30 (The Spirit descends on 70 elders)

            (ELW, ditto, or Acts 2:1-11, the Holy Spirit descends like tongues of fire)

Psalm 25:1-15 (Good and upright is the Lord; so he instructs sinners in the way.)

(ELW: Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, The Spirit renews creation)

Acts 2:1-21 (The Holy Spirit descends; Peter comments)

(ELW, ditto, or 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, the gifts of the Spirit)

John 7:37-39 (The Spirit wells up like living water in believers’ hearts)

            (ELW, ditto, or John 20:19-23)

In the power of the Spirit, let us pray to God the Father, that through his dear Son, he would accomplish his will for the Church, the world, and all people for whom we pray.

A brief silence

Abba, Father! For Jesus’ sake, in the power of the Holy Spirit, we may call you Father. Thank you for giving us the same Spirit that filled your beloved Son. Thank you for the gifts of that Spirit, given so we may bless and praise you, and proclaim your love to those who need it most.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Pour out your Spirit upon the Church. Kindle in it the flame of truth, holiness, faithfulness, and goodness. Make it steadfast in suffering; faithful in witness; generous in service; and ardent in worship. Conform it to Christ, so that, through your Spirit, many are drawn to faith in Him.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

When they were persecuted, the martyrs’ joyful faith softened stony hearts. Do this also for your servants who still suffer on account of Christ. Sustain them with your life-giving Spirit. Keep them steadfast, never returning evil for evil. Let their faithful suffering bear rich fruit, feeding even their tormentors with repentance and faith.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Renew the hearts, minds, worship, and life of this congregation. Make us lovely and loving; joyful and kind; faithful and forgiving; generous and patient; humble and valiant. Make us look like Jesus; and use us to draw others into his nearer presence.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Through your Spirit, you gave the apostles words to proclaim your saving truth to pilgrims from many nations. We pray for translators, editors, commentators, authors, and narrators; for speech therapists; for teachers, tutors, and theologians; and for all of us. Let us use words wisely and well. Give us a passion for speaking truth in love. By that same Spirit, discipline our tongues to refrain: from words that hurt our neighbor, from telling convenient lies, and from rhetoric that inflames base passions. And to those who cannot speak, impart your Spirit which searches the heart and intercedes before you with sighs too deep for words.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Instruct the leaders of the nations in your ways, O Lord. Give them the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear of you, their Lord; so that they, and the people in their care, may have joy in your presence. Teach all of us the things that make for peace; and give us a spirit willing to them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

On this Memorial Day weekend, we lovingly commend into your care all our beloved dead, especially those who gave their life in service of their country. Keep their memories fresh and bright. Spur us to deeds of faithfulness, generosity, and self-sacrifice. And hasten the day when wars shall cease; evil is vanquished; every tear is wiped away; and you are truly all in all.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bring healing and hope also to everyone who has been afflicted by suffering, and who needs the grace of your life-giving Spirit. Especially we remember before you: {List}. Your Spirit brings renewed life to all creation. Grant that renewal to your servants, and to all who care for them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Thank you, heavenly Father, for receiving our beloved dead into your arms. Thank you for the life, death and resurrection of your dear Son, who has bestowed the Spirit of life upon all who trust in him. Breathe that Spirit into our lives, and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Raise us up in the power of the Spirit and in union with our dear Savior, so that with the whole redeemed and renewed creation, we may forever adore and worship you, the Lord of heaven and earth.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Hear our prayers, O Father, for the sake of Jesus your Son; and by the power of your Holy Spirit, bring what is pleasing in your sight to fruition in our lives. Amen.

Prayers of the Church,

7^th Sunday of Easter or Ascension (Transferred), Cycle A (May 21, 2023)

7^th Sunday of Easter

Acts 1: (6-10), 12-26 (Matthias chosen to replace Judas)

Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 (The holy God is also the protector of orphans and widows)

1 Peter 4:12-19; 5:6-11 (Christian suffering; God of grace will support, strengthen, establish you)

John 17:1-11 (Jesus’ High Priestly prayer; glorify yourself in them as you have in me)

Ascension (Transferred)

Acts 1:1-11 (The Ascension of Jesus)

Psalm 47 (God has gone up with a shout!)

Ephesians 1:15-23 (The power of grace put into effect when God exalted Jesus)

Luke 24:44-53 (Shorter account of Ascension; conclusion of the gospel)

+++

With joyful confidence, let us approach our Lord’s throne of grace, there to pray on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

O God beyond all praising, we worship you and adore you. You have revealed your glory through your Son, who has risen and ascended and who reigns at your right hand forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make your Church abide in Jesus, as he abides in you. Cause it to preach the Gospel of salvation and celebrate the Sacraments in accordance with that Gospel. Let it proclaim to the whole world your blessings without number and your mercy without end.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Grant to your persecuted people a firm confidence in the hope that has been established through the steadfast obedience of Christ their Lord. Give them grace to triumph through their sufferings and rise to serve you even in the presence of those who trouble them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Unite our hearts with fellow disciples of your Son, and with missionaries of your Gospel. Let us all be so united to your beloved Son and with one another, that in everything, we glorify your Name and spread the bounties of your mercy throughout the world.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Let the radiance of our Beautiful Savior fill the hearts and sanctify the ministries of this congregation. Make our worship into a joyful duty, and our service into a sacrifice of praise. Use us to lead others to Jesus, that with us, they may worship, honor, bless and adore him.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You have appointed your Son as King of creation and Lord of the nations. Teach our leaders to praise your name; to love justice and righteousness; and to seek those things that make for peace. Come to the help of those whose lives are troubled by sorrow and hardship; and draw all people into the glorious and gentle rule of Christ their Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Keep in your care all who stand in harm’s way to right wrongs, establish safety, and protect life and liberty. Prosper all they do that serves your will. Bring them home safely and soon; heal those who are wounded. Help us value their skills and insights when they return to civilian life.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We lift our hearts to you on behalf of all whose lives are clouded by any sort of affliction or sorrow, including: {List}. Let the light of Jesus’ countenance heal and cheer them. Let all who care for them do so with tenderness and compassion; and grant that together we may praise you for your unending mercies.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Lord, those who have died trusting in your promises now see their Beautiful Savior face to face. Thank you for bestowing this blessing upon them. Continue to show to us your love. Though we are your unworthy servants, bless us with such good gifts as will sustain us and others in this life. Bring us into that endless life and light you share with all whom you have redeemed. Grant that into eternity we always sing, “Glory and honor, praise, adoration, now and forevermore be thine!”

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We praise and magnify you, most holy Father; we entrust our prayers and petitions to you in the strong name and for the dear sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayers of the Church,

6^th Sunday of Easter, Cycle A, May 14, 2023 (Also Mother’s Day)

Acts 17:16-31 (Paul in Athens: What you worship as unknown, I proclaim to you)

            (ELW: Acts 17:22-31)

Psalm 66:8-20 (God has tested, delivered us; we will offer sacrifices and extol him)

1 Peter 3:13-22 (Give account of hope with gentleness; suffer for doing good, like Christ. Baptism an appeal to God for good conscience, through Christ’s resurrection and exaltation)

John 14:15-21 (If you love me, keep my commandments; the Father will send you the Spirit)

Let us pray to our risen Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Thank you, Jesus, for your faithful servants who have openly proclaimed the greatest mystery: that you are true God and true man, crucified and Raised from the dead for the forgiveness of sin unto eternal life. Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to teach, comfort and guide us in your Way forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord, grant that your Church always adores and proclaims you as the Redeemer of the world. Fill it with your Spirit. Equip it to defend the faith, even to nay-sayers, with gentleness and respect. Kindle such love for you that it beautifully keeps your commandments and draws many to faith in you.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Come quickly to help your persecuted disciples throughout the world. Fill them with faith, hope and charity. Let those who revile their hope in you be put to shame.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Give a double portion of your Spirit to missionaries, evangelists, and theologians. Raise up a new generation of pastors and other faithful witnesses to the Gospel. Give wisdom to all who teach the faith to the next generation of believers. Bless all they do that glorifies your name.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Give the members of this congregation the keen eye and quick wit of St. Paul, who proclaimed your Gospel to skeptical Greek philosophers. Though we may speak more simply, help us to relate to people around us with words and stories that help them draw closer to you. Help us to share the hope that is in us, and the love you bear for them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless all mothers, and everyone who acts with a mother’s care. Grant wisdom, a firm yet gentle hand, infinite patience, and plenty of sleep. Comfort those whose child is estranged, suffering, or deceased. Forgive and give new hope to women who have had an abortion for any reason. Shower your mercy on those who long to have children but cannot, who have miscarried, and upon all who grieve the loss of their own mothers. Give all of us grace to rightly honor them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

The nations do not know you, dear Lord. They suffer because they are starving for your Word of life, truth, and salvation. Bestow your Spirit on the world, so that our leaders seek to obey your Father’s will. Let all who blindly serve “an unknown god” learn to love and serve you, their Redeemer and Lord. Teach all of us to walk in your pathways of life and truth.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Deal gently with all who are afflicted by pain, confusion, sorrow, remorse, or despair, including: {List}. Heal every hurt they have sustained. Bring them into a place of refreshment, health, and hope. By your gracious Spirit, give compassion and patience to all who care for them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Most holy Savior, we bless and adore you. We commend to your care our beloved dead. Do not leave us as orphans, grieving as those who have no hope. Draw close to us and keep us in your care. Fill us with your Spirit. Make us abound in faith and good works. Help us to share these gifts with gentleness and respect. Gather us with all your saints into your arms. Lead us into the life, light, and love you share with your Father and the Holy Spirit forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We praise and magnify you, dear Jesus. Accept our prayers and lay them at the feet of your Father, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns gloriously as our Lord and our God, now and forever. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, A, May 7, 2023, 5^th Sunday of Easter

Acts 6:1-9; 7:2a, 51-60 (Deacons, including Stephen, are chosen; excerpts from Stephen’s speech; the stoning of Stephen)

            (ELW: Acts 7:55-60, The stoning of Stephen)

Psalm 146 (Happy are they whose help is from the Lord, who executes justice for the poor)

            (ELW: Psalm 31: 1-5,15-16, Prayer for deliverance from enemies)

1 Peter 2:2-10 (Come to Christ, the living Stone who will cause many to stumble;

            but you are his own people, a royal priesthood)

John 14:1-14 (I am the Way, Truth and Life; believe that the Father is in me and I am in him)

Let us pray to our risen Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Thank you, Jesus, for being the Way to your Father’s house, the Truth that sets us free, and the Life which raises us out of sin and death. Thank you for being the Love that never lets us go. Give us grace to share your love with everyone we meet, especially those who have lost their way, strayed from the truth, and are haunted by death.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make the whole Church your house of living stones: holy, precious, your prized possession and beloved Body. Let its words and deeds proclaim the excellence of your salvation. Use it to call many people out of darkness into your marvelous light.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Like Stephen, there are many even today who are persecuted and tortured for proclaiming you as Lord. Give them the grace and strength that you gave Stephen: to fearlessly speak your truth in love; to forgive and pray for their enemies; and to remain faithful to the end.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord, we want to be your disciples! But we’re afraid of ridicule, rejection, or persecution. Give us grace to be like Stephen, always praying for others to repent and believe in you. Let us always build up faith in you alone, our Head and Cornerstone.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Thank you for everyone in this congregation who supports the ministry of Word and Sacrament through their faithful work. Fill them with your Holy Spirit. Prosper all they do to share the Gospel. Give them joy in serving you and your people.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord, there are so many who have lost their way in life. There are so many who insist there’s no such thing as real truth. There are so many who are dying without knowing your love. Please help us to notice them, to walk with them, and to find ways of slipping their hand into yours.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Remind the rulers of the nations that you alone are King of the nations. Teach them to use their authority and power to care for the poor and needy, to do justice and love mercy; and to walk humbly before you. Frustrate the way of the wicked. Make us all beautiful with your righteousness and compassion.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Guide, protect, and strengthen all who defend life and liberty here and abroad. May they always walk in pathways of integrity and justice. When they are wounded, bring healing, hope, and peace to them and to their loved ones. When their task is done, bring them home in honor.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless, heal, comfort, and sustain everyone who cries out to you for help, including: {List}. With the Psalmist, cause them to say, “Happy are they who have the God of Jacob for their help; whose hope is in the LORD their God; who keeps his promise forever.”

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, we hear your promise at funerals: “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”  Therefore we entrust into your keeping our beloved dead. Give us grace to believe your promise. Help us grow in holiness. Strengthen us in compassion and service. Be for us, and for all whom you love, the Way to your Father’s house; the Truth which sets us free from bondage to sin, evil and death; and the Life which eternally transforms us into your likeness.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We praise and magnify you, dear Jesus. Accept our prayers and lay them at the feet of your Father, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns gloriously as our Lord and our God, now and forever. Amen.

“When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand” (Revelation 6:5).

Judgement is built into creation.  It is not that the Lord waits to pour out a special dispensation, but that when one sins, recompense will come.  The recompense of sin is sloppy.  The seemingly innocent are stricken by their own sins or the wanton acts of another.  But who is truly innocent? And how does one dismiss the promise of the Lord that all things work together for good for those who love the Lord?

Lord, I think in terms of how I see things.  I forget that You are Lord of all.  Guide me, dear Lord, to live according to Your never-failing goodness so that I see things through Your eyes.  Bad things are going to happen in this world.  We will all pay the price for sin, but You have paid the price to free us from sin’s sentence of death.  Help me to learn how to be faithful above all things.  Guide me in Your goodness to know and trust that Your will shall be done.

Lord, I know that You will judge me.  Even though I am under Your grace, You love me enough to hold me accountable for how I act.  Let that be before my mind so that no matter what comes, I know that Your grace is a gift and that anything that happens in this age will be used to grow in me what You intend.  Help me to not slip back into conditional thinking, but live knowing that all things are in Your hands.  Amen.