August 20: 12th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 15)
Isaiah 56:1, 6-8 (My house shall be a house of prayer for all peoples)
Psalm 67 (God judges the nations with equity and guides all the people of earth)
Romans 11:1-2a, 13-15, 28-32 (God’s election of Jews irrevocable; he will show mercy!)
Matthew 15:21-28 (Healing of Syro-Phoenecian woman’s daughter)
Let us pray for the church, the world, and all people according to their need.
A brief silence is kept.
Dear Father, we are so slow to see others as your beloved children! Soften our hearts to lead people different from ourselves into Jesus’ presence. Help us to discover that at the foot of his Cross, we truly are sisters and brothers.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Fashion your Church into your house of prayer upon the earth. By your Holy Spirit, show it how to rightly welcome all people into its midst. Through your Word and holy Sacraments, draw many close to your beloved Son. Let them receive his promised mercy, forgiveness, healing, and salvation.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
There are many who refuse your mercy, reject your Son, and persecute your servants. Forgive them and soften their hearts. Strengthen Christians who suffer because of Jesus, to witness to him with humility, boldness, and steadfast endurance.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Make this congregation a house of prayer. Fashion us into people of prayer. Transform our ministries into expressions of prayer, offered to you on behalf of our neighbors and our world. Help us to welcome fellow sinners. Give us grace to walk with them on the lifelong journey of repentance and obedient faith.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
O God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, we pray for our elder brothers and sisters in the faith, your people Israel. Grant to the Jews lively faith in you, fervent love for others, and joyful obedience to your holy Word. Let us, together with them, receive your promised mercy, which was entrusted to Abraham, and was ratified in the death and resurrection of his offspring and yours, Jesus of Nazareth.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Forgive and heal the hatred and violence that destroy peace, justice, and goodwill. Teach our rulers diligently seek the good of everyone entrusted to their care. Increase understanding, cooperation, and kindness between those of different backgrounds or beliefs. Teach us all to look beyond those things which divide, and to cling to your merciful will to heal and save all who will receive you.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
As the school year starts, we pray for students, parents, teachers, and aides. Let them teach, learn, and share all useful knowledge, and cherish truth, wisdom, and righteousness. Bless seminaries and Christian colleges and schools with faithfulness to Jesus, love of neighbor, and the practice of virtue.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Jesus showed that your mercy and salvation are for all who call upon your name. Thus we are bold to pray for all who suffer – including: {List}. Be gracious to them, and bless them. Show them the light of your countenance. Draw them, and all who care for them, closer to your Son. Bestow upon them the joy of your saving help.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Thank you, dear Father, for giving your fullest healing to the faithful departed. We commend them into your care, especially those dearest to us. Keep us united with them and with each other, by uniting us all with Jesus, and filling us with your Spirit. Grant us the unmatched joy of life in your house – not as pet dogs under the table; nor as strangers or as guests; but as your children, at home with you forever.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Hear our prayer, O Father, and grant all that glorifies you and builds up your people. This we ask for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
