October 1: 18th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 21)
Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32 (you are responsible for your own sins; turn from them and live!)
Psalm 25:1-10 (Lead me in your truth and teach me!)
Philippians 2:1-18 (Be of one heart and mind – the mind of Christ; act without grumbling;
be his lights in this broken world, that Paul may boast in you!)
ELW/RCL, Philippians 2:1-13 (Eliminates personal reference)
Matthew 21:23-32 (By what authority does Jesus act? Parable of two sons who act contrary to
their words; which are you like?)
Let us approach the throne of grace on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.
A brief silence is kept.
Heavenly Father, thank you for making us your children. Thank you for your patience with us when we speak and act in ways that grieve and displease you. Thank you for your Son Jesus, who perfectly says and does your will. Make us to be like him, so we are your heart’s delight and your blessing to the world.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Fill the Church throughout the world with the mind of your dear Son. Conform its proclamation to his teaching, and its works to his self-sacrificing love. Fashion the Church into the image and likeness of Christ, so the light of his love shines into the world, and many turn to him and live.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Grant faith, hope, and charity to our brethren who experience persecution throughout the world. Stir up our hearts to defend and assist them. Let repentance soften the hearts of their tormentors.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Put the mind of Christ into this congregation. Let his humility and love shape and direct all we say and do. Give us hearts that are obedient to your will, to your glory and for the building up of your people.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Bless all parents, step-parents, and foster parents. Give them your Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear of the Lord, and joy in your presence. Forgive their errors and relieve their fears. Grant them the joy of seeing their children grow into healthy, loving adults.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Make the world’s leaders – not only of nations, but also of local government, and of all useful fields of human endeavor – into your wise and willing offspring. Teach them to serve you by protecting and providing for them. Make all of us honest, wise, and kind. Help us to care for our neighbor, to work for opportunity and harmony in our neighborhood and nation; and to live at peace with each other.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Keep in your special care those in the military, and all who risk their lives for the sake of others. Inform their minds, strengthen their bodies, and purify their hearts. Shape their actions to conform to your will. Bring them home safely and soon, and shield their loved ones with your love.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Bring the joy of your saving help to everyone in distress, sorrow, danger or need – including: {List}. Lead them through the things that afflict them into the light of your blessed presence. Give them the blessings of restored health, hope, and fellowship with those who love them.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Thank you, Father, for the lives of your faithful servants who now dwell in your eternal Kingdom. Especially we bless you for our departed loved ones. Wipe away the tears of those whose grief is deep. Give to us courage, compassion, wisdom, energy, faithfulness, and hope as we walk our pilgrim’s path through this life. Bring us safely into your house, where you have made room for everyone redeemed through the obedient sacrifice of your Son. There let us delight in praising your goodness forever.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Conform our prayers to the heart of Jesus, hear them through the interceding of your Holy Spirit, and grant them in accordance with your gracious will. Amen.
