PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, February 23, 2025: Seventh Sunday after Epiphany, Proper 6, Cycle C
Genesis 45:3-15: (Joseph reveals himself to his brothers and forgives them)
Psalm 103:1-13: (Bless the Lord, O my soul! As far as the east is from the west, so far does God remove our sins from us)
1 Corinthians 15:21-26, 30-42: (The consequences of the Resurrection; more than hoping in human power; the resurrection of the faithful, and glorified bodies)
RCL/ELW: 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50: (The resurrection body)
Luke 6:27-38: (Love enemies; be merciful, as Father is. Forgive and give: you will be forgiven and be given much!)
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Opening Hymn: God of Our Life, All-Glorious Lord (tune: “Holy God, We Praise Your Name”): LBW #270
OR Awake, My Soul, and With The Sun: LBW #269, ELW #557, LSB #868
Hymn of the Day: Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us: LBW #424, ELW #707, LSB # 851
OR Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive: LBW #307, ELW #605, LSB #843
OR God, When Human Bonds Are Broken (It’s a familiar tune!): WOV #735, ELW #603
Communion Hymn #1: Lord Jesus Christ, We Humbly Pray: LBW #225, LSB #623
OR Draw Us In the Spirit’s Tether: WOV #703, ELW #470
Communion Hymn #2: May We Your Precepts, Lord, Fulfil: LBW #353, LSB #698
OR The Peace of the Lord: ELW #646
Closing Hymn: Forth in Thy Name, O Lord, I Go (Can be sung to the Doxology): LBW #505, LSB #854
OR Beloved, God’s Chosen: ELW #648
OR Christ is Risen, Christ is Living (Nice reflection on 1 Corinthians texts; can also be sung to “Come, Thou Fount of Ev’ry Blessing”): LSB #479
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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
Loving Father, forgiveness is the hardest thing we ever do – but refusing to forgive is worse. Thank you for the forgiveness that you have given us in Jesus. Let it sink in and work deep within us. Although it is hard, teach us how to forgive, and to ask for forgiveness. Restore us to yourself, and to those who are separated from us, whether by their sins or by our own.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Make your Church unflinching in exposing sin, humble in confessing it, and generous in forgiving all who repent of it. Do not let it re-brand sin as virtue, nor reject those who stumble. Make it wise in exhortation and counsel. Make it gracious in restoring and healing all who repent and turn to you.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bless counselors, pastors, and others who help repair relationships and restore community. Equip them to listen deeply and speak wisely. Let them seek your will and model your love as they serve others.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Embrace the people of this congregation with your holy and forgiving love. Make us eager to seek out those estranged from us, and patient in the work of reconciliation. Let all we say and do shine with love for Jesus, and with Jesus’ love for everyone we meet.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Give rulers of nations, and everyone in positions of authority, a love for justice tempered with mercy. Remind us all that revenge may destroy both parties. “Strict justice” may divide, not build up communities. And two-tiered justice is not truly justice at all. Teach us that mercy and forgiveness, though difficult, can bring healing and reconciliation.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Restore the faith and the health of all who are burdened by suffering of body, mind, or spirit – including {List}. Give them the joy of your saving help; and restore them to fellowship with all who love them.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father, we commend our beloved dead into your care, trusting your promise of mercy. Keep us, we pray, in your care as well! Help us bring your mercy to those who are lost, broken, estranged, or despairing. Sustain us with your grace. We know it’s won for us in death and resurrection of Jesus and given to us by the Holy Spirit. Reconcile us to yourself and to each other. Welcome us into your kingdom and reunite us with all your people. There let us praise your goodness forever and ever.
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.
