November 12: 24th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 27)
Amos 5:18-24 (Woe to those who desire the Day of the Lord! He despises your feasts
and sacrifices; let justice, righteousness roll down like streams of water)
Psalm 70 (Let those who seek you find deliverance)
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (Do not grieve as those without hope; Christ will come with trumpet)
Matthew 25:1-13 (Parable of the wise and foolish virgins)
Let us approach the Throne of Grace, there to pray for the Church, the world, and one another.
A brief silence is kept.
Heavenly Father, we are sometimes foolish, not wise; scatterbrained, not prudent; reactive, not responsive. Forgive us! Remind us of the honor and privilege of being invited to your Son’s wedding feast! Give us the grace and wisdom of your Holy Spirit. Let us always rejoice; believe; and show the light of faith, hope, and love in this dark world.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Make your Church wise, faithful, pure, and watchful, rejoicing in the near approach of her Bridegroom and Savior. Make her worship joyful and pleasing in your sight. Make her labors glorify you and help those in distress. Make her feasts a foretaste of your heavenly wedding banquet, feeding all with truth, righteousness, and salvation.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Give patience, kindness, comfort, and hope to your persecuted Church. Help us provide for their needs and bear witness to their suffering. Turn the hearts of their enemies to seek your forgiveness.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Make everyone in this congregation into lamps shining with your light and love. Keep us constantly worshipping you and serving others. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, and help us share your grace and favor with those whose lights are flickering out.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Let your justice roll down like waters upon this parched and broken world. Let your righteousness fill the hearts and minds of all who are entrusted with authority. Especially we pray for our elected and appointed leaders. Give them your Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, so that they may bring peace, prosperity, justice, and healing to our land.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
On this Veteran’s Day weekend, we pray for all who have honorably served their country. Grant wisdom, courage, integrity, and sound judgment to everyone currently serving in the military, and to all who risk their lives on behalf of community and country. Use their skills to bring freedom, safety, and justice wherever they serve. Keep them safe; shield their loved ones from grief and fear; and grant them a swift and joyful homecoming.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Let all who seek your help in their times of trial find deliverance from all that troubles them. We remember before you: {List}. Grant them health and salvation; justice and comfort; hope and guidance. When their lamp of faith seems ready to flicker and fade, rekindle them with the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit. And give a double portion of that same Spirit to all who minister to their needs.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father, we grieve for our dead, but not without hope. Thank you for receiving them into your merciful care. Renew our confidence in your goodness in this time of our earthly pilgrimage. Help us to encourage and help one another along the way. Lead us, by the Cross of Jesus, into the Kingdom which you have prepared for all who have been redeemed by his suffering, death, and resurrection.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Hear our prayer; and graciously grant all that glorifies you and benefits our poor broken world, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
