September 10, 15th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 18)
Ezekiel 33:7-11 (You are a sentinel, so warn those who sin. I do not desire the death of sinners, but that they turn to me and live)
Psalm 32:1-7 (The joy of confession and forgiveness of sin)
ELW/RCL: Psalm 119: 33-40 (Teach, lead, give me a heart to obey your commandments)
Romans 13:1-10 (Obey earthly rulers. Love fulfills all the commandments)
ELW/RCL: Romans 13:8-14 (No rulers mentioned. Love each other, put on Christ, for salvation is near!)
Matthew 18:1-20 (Become like a little child. Do not lead God’s little ones astray! Cut off whatever causes you to sin. God rejoices over penitent sinners. Discipline in the Church.)
ELW/RCL: Matthew 18:15-20 (Discipline in the Church)
Let us approach the throne of grace on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.
A brief silence is kept.
O dear Lord, these lessons are hard! It’s tough to think about sin and reconciliation, discipline and hard conversations. Please help us to thank you for the guidance and promise your Son gives us, even in such awkward encounters. And fill us with your Spirit, so we are equipped to put into practice what Jesus has given us for such times.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Make your Church courageous in warning people of their sinfulness, and humble in confessing its own sin. Help it to graciously offer forgiveness to any who turn to you. Give it the lovely righteousness of your Son, and make it his dwelling-place, and an outpost of your Kingdom.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Hear the prayers of your faithful people who suffer persecution, torture and death because of Christ. Do not let the waters of hatred overwhelm them; and grant them grace to persevere in faithfulness.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Bless this congregation with humility, gentleness, and wisdom. Help us to speak truth with so much love, that others eagerly seek the mercy, reconciliation and life that comes from Christ.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
We pray for families, congregations, and communities in which people have hurt one another. They struggle with betrayal and anger. They need humility, to confess and repent when they have done wrong. They need courage, to forgive when they have been wronged. They need hope, to relearn trust. Refresh them with your Spirit and nourish them with your Word. Give them the grace and mercy of Jesus, so they can heal and reconcile, to your glory and for the sake of their fellowship.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
You have entrusted the leaders of nations with power and authority. Teach them that they must give an account of their stewardship to you, the King and Lord of all nations. Make them willing and able to accomplish your will for the good of all people entrusted to their care. Teach us all to settle differences peacefully, to act honorably, speak respectfully, and live justly.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Give wisdom, courage, and right intentions to those in the military and law enforcement. Make them worthy instruments of your will. Use them to bring safety, freedom, and justice to those who suffer at the hands of evildoers. Heal them when they are victims of evil. By their labors, lay the groundwork for peace to flourish.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
We plead on behalf of all who suffer, including {List}. Grant them health, hope, guidance, and the joy of your presence in their lives. Fill all who care for them with compassion. Give your salvation to them all.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father, thank you for your “little ones” who, have died to this world and now live eternally in your embrace. Give us the grace to live as your little ones, too. Help us to trust and obey you. Help us to aid, warn, and forgive each other. Give us your mercy, and for Jesus’ sake, lead us into your Kingdom. Grant us the joy of seeing your face and of worshipping you in the company of all you have redeemed.
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.
