July 9: 6th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 9)
Zechariah 9:9-12 (Rejoice, daughter of Zion, your lowly King comes to you)
Psalm 145:1-14 (The Lord is gracious and full of compassion; all his works praise him)
Romans 7:14-25 (I don’t do the good I want to do; another law is at work in me!)
Matthew 11:25-30 (My yoke is easy, my burden light)
(ELW, Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30, Jesus, friend of sinners; take my yoke…)
Let us lift our hearts, hands, and voices in prayer to God on behalf of all people.
A brief silence is kept.
Dear Father, thank you for Jesus, our friend and yokefellow. Thank you for soul’s refreshment and heart’s ease; for mind’s nourishment and body’s rest. Thank you for the countless blessings we so often take for granted.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Grant that your Church should always be as gentle and lowly of heart as its Savior. Use it to draw people who are burdened sin, suffering, and sorrow, to the One who will give them rest. Let the Church’s mission – faith toward you and fervent love toward others – be a light and joyous burden to bear.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Give encouragement and respite to your persecuted Church. Help us, who are richly supplied with your good gifts, to share generously with them. Teach us to pray for them and to speak and act on their behalf. Give us , and them, grace to pray for their tormentors to repent and believe the Good News.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Thank you for this congregation. Help us to see others through Jesus’ eyes. Some are carrying heavy burdens, known only to them and to you. Ease their load. Help us to refresh their spirits. Shape all we say and do, so that many find forgiveness, hope, and renewed joy in loving and serving you.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Thank you for this beautiful world, over which you have set us as your stewards. Let your Holy Spirit guide us to be wise, responsible, and compassionate as we tend the land and its creatures. Help us to enjoy the loveliness of creation, finding in it refreshment for our souls and relaxation for our bodies.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Bless, purify, and guide this nation. Let the words of the song be our prayer on its behalf. “America, America, God mend thine every flaw; confirm thy soul in self-control, thy liberty in law!” Grant to the people of every nation favorable weather, peaceful times, and respite from the burdens of sickness, poverty, and violence. Teach us all to eagerly seek and share your mercy, guidance, and blessings.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Ease the burdens borne by all who risk their lives to keep us safe, just, and free. Prosper all they do in accordance with your will. Heal those who are wounded, and comfort and strengthen their loved ones. Help us honor their service and value their skills when their duties are finished.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Give rest and healing to everyone weighed down by sin, sorrow, or suffering, including: {List}. Ease the load of care and worry that their loved ones shoulder. Give to us all the joy of your saving help.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Thank you, dear Father, for our departed loved ones. Until we are reunited with them and with your children of every time and place, bless us with your steadfast mercy and loving-kindness. Yoke us to our Savior, and guide us by his Spirit. Strengthen us to help each other bear the burdens of life. Lead us into the eternal rest and unending joy which you have promised to everyone redeemed by the work of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
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.
