July 2, 5th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 8); Independence Day Weekend
July 2, 5th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 8); Independence Day Weekend
Jeremiah 28:5-9 (Would that the word of the prophet who speaks peace come to pass!)
Psalm 119:153-160 (Preserve my life from those who do not heed your law)
(ELW, Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18, God’s covenant with David)
Romans 7:1-13 (We have died to Law in Christ; sin caused the Law to be death for us)
(ELW, Romans 6:12-23, Delivered from slavery to sin, now be slaves to righteousness)
Matthew 10:34-42 (I come not with peace but a sword; whoever doesn’t take up cross and follow isn’t worthy of Jesus, but whoever gives cup of water in His name will receive reward)
(ELW, Matthew 10:40-42, Whoever welcomes you welcomes me)
Let us pray for the Church, the world, and for one another.
A brief silence is kept.
Father, you pay us the compliment of revealing difficult truths to us. You expect us to see the world honestly, and to value your truth above even earthly peace. You speak to us of sin and death, cross bearing and persecution, suffering and service. Give us a double measure of your Spirit as we seek to be disciples of Jesus, because, dear Lord, we’re going to need it!
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Give the Church courage to speak your truth, even when that seems to bring not peace but a sword. Keep it faithful to the testimony of apostles and martyrs, saints, and doctors of your one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church throughout all time and space. Grant that it should prefer nothing whatsoever to Christ; and that it should count as its greatest honor the bearing of his Cross in this sin-shadowed world.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Preserve the lives of your persecuted servants from those who despise your Law. When they must bear a bitter cross, keep them faithful, firmly fixed on the joy set before them. Give us courage to defend and assist them. Give us grace to faithfully serve the Lord for whom they are willing to die.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Bless the people and ministries of this congregation. Give us fresh ways to reach, speak with, and walk alongside people who don’t know your love. We ask a special blessing upon all Vacation Bible School programs this summer. Give them dedicated volunteers and lots of happy children.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Even in the lazy days of summer, you call us to be Jesus’ apprentices in the art of healing souls, teaching minds, and softening hearts to receive your great gifts. Bless and guide everyone learning to be disciples of Jesus, walking with him as he seeks the hurting and lost.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Our nation is facing challenges, divisions, and discontent. Remind us of the great gifts you have bestowed upon us. Fill us with your Spirit, so that we always seek your will and strive to do it. Bless us with peace, and with freedom from every evil and falsehood. Teach us all to live together as your children, and to work together for the prospering of all.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Keep safe those in the military, and all on the front lines of chaos, danger, and disease. Prosper all they do that is in accordance with your will. Give them clear heads, capable hands, and upright spirits. Bring them safely home when their task is done, and heal those who are injured in any way.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
We pray on behalf of your servants who suffer in body, mind, spirit, or circumstance, and for all who crave your mercy and blessing, including: {List}. Restore them to health, wholeness, and hope. Help us to give even a cup of cold water for the sake of our Lord and his love for them. Bless all caregivers, doctors, nurses, technicians, and therapists with compassion, expertise, and cheerful service.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
With reverence and affection, we remember before you our beloved dead. Comfort all who grieve. Help us care for each other for Jesus’ sake. Help us speak hard truths with humility and love. Give us grace to take up our cross and follow Jesus, knowing that he will lead us through danger, evil, and death, and will bring us home to you forever.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Hear our prayers, dear Father, as they touch your heart through the Spirit who searches our hearts. For the sake of your beloved Son, answer them as may be best for us and give you glory. Amen.