September 17: 16th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 19)
Genesis 50:15-21 (Joseph forgives his brothers)
Psalm 103:1-13 (Bless the Lord, O my soul; he has not dealt with us according to our sins)
Romans 14:1-12 (Don’t quarrel with those weaker in faith over opinions;
whether we live or die, it’s unto the Lord)
Matthew 18:21-35 (Parable of the unforgiving servant)
Let us approach the throne of grace on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.
A brief silence is kept.
We are your debtors in so many ways, heavenly Father! We sometimes forget how even our trifling sins can, if unrepented and unforgiven, run up a soul-crushing “tab.” Thank you for being so willing to cancel our debt. Keep us ever mindful of the costly generosity of your beloved Son. Give us his grace and strength, to willingly forgive the debts of those who have wronged us.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Teach your Church how to be a school for forgiveness mercy. Give it leaders who explain and practice forgiving. Make its worship an encounter with your forgiveness. Equip its members to pray for and share the forgiveness you give through the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
How difficult it must be for your people to forgive when they are being tortured simply for believing in Jesus, who prayed for his enemies even from the Cross! Give them a double portion of his Spirit, so that they may bless and not curse; forgive and not revile. Let persecutors repent from their evil and ask forgiveness from those they have wronged.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Make the people of this congregation rich in mercy, abounding in kindness, tireless in good works, and joyful in praising you, the source of all mercy.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
We pray for all who are crushed beneath a load of debt. They can do foolish or dangerous things to seek relief. Help them to ask for help, forgiveness, and a wise solution. Help those to whom they are indebted to move beyond anger and self-interest, into the uncharted yet blessed waters of mercy. Remind them how indebted they are to you, for you forgive their debts of sin.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Be merciful to this poor broken world. Help our leaders to rule with justice tempered with mercy and compassion. Bestow on all of us a spirit of patience, forbearance, humility, and kindness. Teach us to outdo one another in showing mercy and righteousness.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
We pray for everyone seeking to be Jesus’ disciples, especially as he teaches them the hard path of forgiveness and self-sacrifice. Fill them with your Spirit. Help them to share your Son’s costly grace rightly and wisely, even with people who are obnoxious, obstinate, or oblivious.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Renew the life and health of all who are afflicted in any way by the powers of sin, evil, sickness, or death. Today we plead on behalf of: {List}. Heal all their infirmities, dear Lord; and crown them with your mercy and loving-kindness.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Most holy Father, you show goodness and mercy toward those who die trusting in you. Thank you for redeeming their lives from the grave. Make your ways known also to us. Renew our strength and take away our sin. Lead us in the pathways of your loving-kindness. Teach us to forgive rather than to pass judgment upon one another. Grant that whether we live or die, we know that we are yours. Raise us to that perfect and glorious life which you give to all whom 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.
