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.
