June 25, 4th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 7)
June 25, 4th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 7)
Jeremiah 20:7-13 (I must speak God’s Word, though I’m mocked for it)
Psalm 91:1-16 (God will deliver from snares, pestilence and evil)
(ELW: Psalm 69:7-18, Zeal for your house has consumed me; save me from the mire)
Romans 6:12-23 (Having been delivered from slavery to sin, now be slaves to righteousness)
(ELW, Romans 6:1-11, Baptized into Jesus’ death and resurrection)
Matthew 10:5, 21-33 (Jesus instructs disciples before their mission;
fear the One who can destroy body and soul!)
(ELW, Matthew 10:24-39, Disciple not above teacher, but you are of great value
to your Father. I have not come to bring peace but a sword.)
Let us pray for the Church, the world, and for one another.
A brief silence is kept.
Thank you, dear Father, for Jesus. We may trust him even when he brings not peace but a sword. Thank you for the severe mercy of death and resurrection; Law and Gospel; repentance and forgiveness. Thank you for entrusting your Kingdom and your Word to us, even though we often feel unequal to that trust!
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
You established your Church as a school for mission to the world. Rekindle that missionary zeal throughout the Church. Let all Christians be eager witnesses to the love of Jesus. Free the Church from worldly preoccupations. Free it to announce and share with the world the Gospel of salvation.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Strengthen those who are persecuted for naming Jesus as Lord. Keep them from repaying evil with evil. By their gentleness, patience, and faith, turn the hearts of their tormentors to trust only in you.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Fashion this congregation into a missionary outpost; a school for discipleship; a hotbed of generous service; and a temple resounding with your praise. Teach us simple ways of sharing your love with everyone we meet; and give us the strength and will to do them.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
There is such a great need for pastors, evangelists, and disciple-makers! We know the world is starving for the living bread of your Word. Help us to nurture faith, help fellow believers to discern God’s call to ministry, and support them in every way possible as they respond to his gracious invitation. And if others say to us, “Perhaps you are the one God is calling,” help us to say, “Here I am, Lord.”
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Fill the leaders of nations, and everyone in positions of authority, with righteousness, wisdom, and integrity. Help us to live, insofar as it’s up to us, at peace with our neighbors, even when we’re annoyed with them. Help us to care for one naother, even when we’re stressed out and stretched thin. And help us to forgive each other, even when that seems hard.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Deliver from evil all who risk their lives in defense of life and liberty. Guide them in pathways of righteousness. Heal them when they are wounded in body, mind, or spirit. Return them safely to their families and communities.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Bring health and gladness to all whose lives are shadowed by pain, suffering or sorrow – including: {List}. Be their light and life, their guide and joy. Raise them up from the dark valleys in which they wander. Give compassion, gentleness, and patience to all who care for them. Shelter them always with your love.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Father, we entrust our beloved dead into your care. Hold them in the palm of your hand. Keep us firm in faith and constant in affection. Command your holy angels to shield us from the Evil One’s flaming darts. By the Cross of your beloved Son, lead us safely into your presence. There, with all whom you have redeemed and raised up, grant that we may delight in praising your goodness and mercy 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.