PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, February 16, 2025: Sixth Sunday after Epiphany, Proper 5
Jeremiah 17:5-8: (Cursed are those who trust mortals; they are like shrub in desert. Blessed are those who trust God; they are like tree planted by water)
Psalm 1: (Ditto! The wicked shall not withstand judgment. God preserves the righteous.)
1 Corinthians 15:1-20: (The proofs and witnesses to the Resurrection. Consequences of believing or disbelieving that Christ is raised.)
RCL/ELW: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20: (Did first half last week!)
Luke 6:17-26: (Jesus heals; blessings and woes from Sermon on the Plain)
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Opening Hymn: The Man is Ever Blessed (nice paraphrase of Psalm 1 and 1st lesson!): LSB #705
OR How Blest are They Who Hear God’s Word (I know, you don’t know the tune and there’s no substitute possible. Try it anyway. It is very easy, from the Danish Psalter.): LBW #227
OR Dearest/ Blessed Jesus, At Your Word: LBW #248, ELW #520, LSB #904
Hymn of the Day: Blest Are They: WOV #764, ELW #728, LSB #982
OR O Christ, Our Hope: LBW #300, ELW #604, LSB #553
OR We Know That Christ is Raised (if you did NOT read the 1 Cor. 15 text last Sunday):
LBW #189, ELW #449, LSB #603
OR If Christ Had Not Been Raised From Death (ditto; great paraphrase!): LSB #486
Communion Hymn #1: I Know That My Redeemer Lives: LBW #352, ELW #619, LSB #461
Communion Hymn #2: you may not need one… 😉
Closing Hymn: O God, My Faithful God: LBW #504, LSB #696
OR Christ, Be Our Light: ELW #715
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Let us draw near to the Light of Christ, offering prayer and supplication on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.
A brief silence
Heavenly Father, thank you for grafting us to Christ, the Tree of life rich with abundant fruit. Thank you for planting us in the streams of living water: the Spirit flowing from your Son’s pierced side. Thank you for raising us to new life in him. May we delight in him, meditate on him day and night, and produce the sweet fruit of repentance and righteousness.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Plant your Church amidst those streams of living water. Let its worship, teaching, fellowship, and charity bring life and healing to many people.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Father, we pray, as you have commanded, for our enemies and for everyone hostile to your Word. Soften their hearts and forgive their sins. Heal their souls, and lead them to the foot of your Son’s Cross. Give us the grace to welcome them there as sisters and brothers, fellow debtors to your amazing grace.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Keep this congregation in your care. Cause all we do to conform to your will. Help us share the mercy of Jesus with everyone we encounter, especially the people we don’t much like. Water us daily with the gifts of your Holy Spirit. Let us grow in grace and in fruits that nourish all who hunger for your goodness.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Guide our earthly leaders in pathways of righteousness and integrity. Give them grace to delight in your Law. Help them use their authority to benefit all people, especially the poor. Help us all to never sow seeds of discord and violence. Instead, let us share friendship, respect, and mercy with those who need them most.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bring healing to the bodies, minds, hearts, and relationships of everyone burdened by sin and suffering. Today we plead on behalf of: {List}. Cheer their spirits, renew their hope, and bless their loved ones and caregivers.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Thank you, Father, for the lives of all your faithful people who are now at rest in you. Thank you for their witness, example, and goodness towards us. Nourish us with your Word, Refresh us with your Spirit, and guide us by Jesus’ Cross. Help us grow in faith toward you and in love for one another. Bring us, we pray, into the Resurrection-life he has won for all who love him.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For all these things, dear Father, and for whatever else you desire for us in your wisdom and compassion, we pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior, Lord, and King. Amen.
