PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, Cycle C: January 12, 2025: The Baptism of Our Lord
Isaiah 43:1-7: (I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior)
Psalm 29: (Ascribe glory to the Lord; his mighty voice resounds over the waters)
Romans 6:1-11: (We are baptized into the death and resurrection of Christ)
RCL/ELW: Acts 8:14-17 (Peter and John lay hands on those baptized in Jesus’ name, they receive Spirit)
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22: (John speaks of the One who will baptize with fire and the Holy Spirit; baptism of Jesus)
*******
Opening Hymn: When Morning Gilds the Skies: LBW #546, ELW #853
Hymn of the Day: Praise and Thanksgiving Be to God Our Maker
(tune is same as for “Father Most Holy”): LBW #191, ELW #458
OR To Jordan’s River Came Our Lord: LSB #405
OR When Jesus Came to Jordan: WOV #647, ELW #305
OR The Star Proclaims the King is Here: LSB #399, v. 1, 3, 5
Communion Hymn #1: How Firm a Foundation: LBW 507, ELW #796, LSB #728
OR Remember and Rejoice: ELW #454
Communion Hymn #2: O Worship the King: LBW #548, ELW #842, LSB #804
Closing Hymn: I Bind Unto Myself Today: LBW #188, ELW #450, LSB #604
(ELW and LSB conveniently have this laid out on 2 facing pages. LSB also has a verse that has been omitted from LBW and ELW. If you dare, add it: “Against the demon snares of sin, the vice that gives temptation force, the natural lusts that war within, the hostile foes that mar my course; Or few or many, far or nigh, in ev’ry place, and in all hours, against their fierce hostility, I bind to me those holy pow’rs!):
************************
Let us draw near to the Throne of Grace, offering prayer and supplication on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.
A brief silence
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us a glimpse into the mystery of the Trinity in the Baptism of your beloved Son. Thank you for uniting us to him, in the power of the heaven-descended Dove. Thank you for naming us your beloved children, in our own Baptism. Give us grace to live lives well-pleasing to you. Let all of our thoughts, words, and deeds cry “Glory!”
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Through your holy Church, let the world hear the thunder of your voice and know the beauty of your holiness. Strengthen and defend all who suffer for confessing Jesus as Lord. Fulfill among them your promise that the flames of persecution should not burn them, nor the waters of death carry them away from you.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bless all who are baptized or reaffirming their baptismal covenant today. Stir up your Spirit in them, that they may be freed from sin, united to Christ, and named as your children forever.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for the people and the ministry of this congregation. Make us dead to sin and alive to you in Christ. Burn away the chaff from our hearts. Gather up and sanctify all that you have cleansed. Help us share with family and friends the goodness of the new life we have in our Savior.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Protect, purify, and guide the leaders of all nations, especially our own. Establish peace, wisdom, and righteousness among us. Keep watch over those who walk through the floods of violence and the flames of war to defend us. Conform their decisions, words, and actions to your will. Bring them home safely and soon. Bring healing to communities wounded by violence and fractured by injustice and hatred.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Say to all who suffer in mind, body or spirit, “Do not fear, for I am with you.” Especially we name before you: {List}. Gather them from the far reaches of suffering and sorrow; restore them to all who love them; and remind them always that they are precious in your sight.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
We remember before you our loved ones whom you have delivered from the waters of death. You have also called us by name, and made us your own in Baptism. Keep us united with Jesus. Strengthen us by your Spirit to daily walk in the newness of his life. At the last, say to us and to all whom you name as your own, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. 2I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.4 You are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you, 7everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.’
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Graciously hear, and generously answer our prayers, dear Father, in accordance with your wisdom and mercy for us. We pray in the name of your dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
