Prayers, 5th Sunday of Easter, Cycle B (April 28, 2024)
Acts 8:26-40 (Philip explains Suffering Servant to Ethiopian eunuch)
Psalm 150 (Let everything praise the Lord!)
ELW: Psalm 22:25-31 (Everyone shall bow down and worship!)
1 John 4:1-21 (Test spirits to see if they are from God. Love one another, for love is of God)
ELW: 1 John 4:7-21 (no testing of spirits!)
John 15:1-8 (I am the vine; you are the branches; my Father prunes you so you bear much fruit)
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Opening hymn: Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven:
LBW #549, ELW #865 (note: 864 is the gender-neutral version), LSB #793
OR We Know That Christ is Raised and Dies No More: LBW #189, ELW #449, LSB #603
Hymn of the Day: Alleluia! Jesus is Risen: WOV #674, ELW #377, LSB #474
OR Fruitful Trees, the Spirit’s Sowing: LSB #691
OR (if a baptism) All Who Believe and Are Baptized: LBW ##194, ELW #442, LSB #601
Communion Hymn #1: Let All Things Now Living: LBW #557, ELW #881
Communion Hymn #2: Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee: LBW #551, ELW #836, LSB #803
Closing Hymn: Oh, That I Had A Thousand Voices: LBW #560, ELW #833
THE PRAYERS
Let us pray to our victorious Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people.
A brief silence
Lord Jesus, thank you for cutting us from our tree of death and grafting us to yourself, the Living Vine. Give us courage: your Father’s pruning shears frighten us at times! Give us faith: he prunes us to bear much fruit in you! Give us love: it is the sweetest fruit of your blessed vine.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant that your holy Church may always abide in you, and you in it. May its words and deeds bear the fruits of your Holy Spirit. Through its witness, graft many souls to yourself.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Give to your persecuted servants the knowledge that through their faithful endurance, they will bear rich fruit that refreshes and nourishes many hearts – perhaps even their enemies’.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You are the vine, and we are the branches. Keep this congregation united to you. Make our ministries bear fruit in the lives of those around us. Give us joy in knowing and serving you.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bless and direct everyone learning the way of being your disciple. May their friendship with those who do not yet know you well, bear much fruit. Use them to kindle or renew faith in many hearts.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Prune the hearts of our earthly rulers. Cut away the greed, pride, and lust for power that leads to hatred and violence. Build up all that enriches the lives of the poor and humble. Let the desire to do your Father’s will abide in all our hearts and minds.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You have overcome the world. Be the joy and strength of all those who defend us against violence, sickness, and injustice. Protect and guide them. Prosper all they do that works for peace and health. Bring them home safely and soon.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant to all who suffer a double portion of your Spirit, including: {List}. Fill them with your life. Keep them steadfast in faith. Bless and strengthen all who care for them.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, death shall never have the last word over your beloved people. Thank you for speaking words of forgiveness and life to all who have died trusting in you. Abide with us. Lead us to that place where we shall dwell with you and with all the redeemed, and shall feast at you heavenly Table forever.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant to us all that is in accordance with your will, dear Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
