The Prayers of the Church, June 15, 2025: The Holy Trinity, C, also Father’s Day

 

Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 (the Wisdom of God, in whom all was created)

Psalm 8 (your works are excellent; what is man that you are mindful of him)

Acts 2:14a, 22-36 (Peter’s Pentecost sermon: Jesus is Lord and God)

                ELW/RCL: Romans 5:1-5 (We have peace with God through Jesus; the Spirit of him who raised up Christ is poured into our hearts)

John 8:48-59 (Before Abraham was, I AM)

                ELW/RCL: John 16:12-15 (The Spirit will declare all he has heard; take what Jesus received from his Father)

 

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Opening Hymn: Holy, Holy, Holy: LBW #165, ELW #473, LSB #507

Hymn of the Day: Holy God, We Praise Your/Thy Name: LBW #535, ELW #414, LSB #940

OR

Almighty Father, Creator Blest

Tune: Victory (The Strife is O’er)

By Rev. Cathy A. Ammlung, STS

 

(before first verse; “in” is sung on two notes):

Credo, credo, credo in_ unum Deum!

 

1. Almighty Father, Creator blest, Worlds sprang to life at his behest;

Seen and unseen, his name they confessed: Credo, credo!

 

1. Lord Jesus Christ, his only Son, In truth and substance, they are one;

Pure Light from Light, in him life’s begun: Credo, credo!

 

1. For us poor sinners, mortal and weak, He came from heav’n, the lost to seek,

God’s Word made flesh, salvation to speak. Credo, credo!

 

1. Born of the virgin, Mary most pure, And of the Spirit, to be sin’s cure,

Christ became man; let praises endure – Credo, credo!

 

1. For us, ‘neath Pilate’s judgment he died – For us, our Lord was crucified,

For us, he rose again, glorified: Credo, credo!

 

1. Ascended to the Father’s throne, He shall return, to judge everyone,

And rule fore’er, as Lord and God: Credo, credo!

 

1. Most Holy Spirit, life-giving Lord, One with the Father and Son, adored,

Inspiring prophets’ holy word, Credo, credo!

 

1. Making one holy Church in the world, One with apostles, martyrs and Lord,

One through baptism with water and Word, Credo, credo!

 

1. From sin forgiven, we are made free, Christ’s life from death our future shall be,

Forever praising the Trinity: Credo, credo!

(final refrain: as in opening)

Credo, credo, credo in_ unum Deum!

Communion Hymn #1: Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise: LBW #526, ELW #834, LSB #802

Communion Hymn #2: Father Most Holy:  LBW #169, ELW #415, LSB #504

Closing Hymn: Thee We Adore, Eternal Lord: LBW #547

OR Thy Strong Word Didst Cleave the Darkness: LBW #233, ELW #511, LSB #578

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By the power of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to God our Father in the name of Christ Jesus our Lord, making intercession for the Church, the world, and for all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Holy God, we praise your Name! Help us to joyfully proclaim it to the world, and to honor it in all we do.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Father, bless and preserve your Church, purchased with the blood of your Son and sanctified with the fire of your Spirit. Keep it steadfast in faith; sound in doctrine; loving in service; generous in giving; ardent in worship; and holy in living. Make it a lamp filled with the light of your presence, guiding many to salvation in your Name.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be the shelter, strength, and inheritance of all who are hated because they confess Christ as Savior and God. Give them courage, graciousness, and hope; and soften the hearts of their enemies.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Kindle with your Spirit the hearts and minds of the people in this place. Unite us to your Son. Use us to proclaim the gospel in words and deeds to all those we meet. Help us to seek out those who most deeply need your love. Give us courage to invite them into your holy fellowship, in which they may find mercy, joy, and an eternal home.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all students, especially those graduating this spring.  Gide them in paths of wisdom and righteousness in whatever they do. Teach them to love goodness, truth, and beauty, which spring from your heart. Bless them, and their families, teachers, mentors, and friends, who encouraged and supported them along the way.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

There is no other God beside you, who are Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Give your gifts of faith, wisdom, and righteousness to all people, especially to those who take counsel for the nations. Conform the hearts of all people to your will, and bless this war-torn world with the peace that passes human understanding.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Dear Father, gather in your Son’s embrace all who suffer, including: {List}. Bestow upon them health and salvation; and bless them, and all who care for them, with the grace and comfort of your Holy Spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most Holy and Blessed Trinity, we praise and adore you for welcoming our beloved dead into your eternal communion of life and love. Keep our hearts firmly fixed on you, the Lord and Giver of life, the Alpha and the Omega, the God and Father of all creation. Bring us, with the whole company of the redeemed of every time and place, every nation, tribe and tongue, into the joy of your presence, where we shall behold you face to face and adore you as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, our Lord and our God.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

In the power of the Holy Spirit, we entrust our prayers and petitions into your hands, gracious Father, for the sake of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

The Prayers of the Church, June 8, 2025: Day of Pentecost, C

 

Genesis 11:1-9 (Tower of Babel and confusion of languages)

Psalm 143 (prayer of longing for God’s refreshing presence)

                ELW/RCL: Psalm 104: 24-35 (it calls for elimination of v. 35a, “Let sinners be consumed and the wicked be no more.” I dare you to keep it in.)

Acts 2:1-21 (Day of Pentecost and undoing of Babel)

John 14:23-31 (Love me, do my commandments; I send the Spirit who will remind you of my words; my peace I give to you)

ELW/RCL: John 14:8-17 (See me, see the Father; if you love me, keep my commandments; the Father will send the Spirit of truth)

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Opening Hymn: Holy Spirit, Truth/Light Divine: LBW #257, ELW #398, LSB #496

Hymn of the Day: Come Holy Ghost, Our Souls Inspire: LBW #472

Creator Spirit, Heavenly Dove: ELW #577

Come Holy Ghost, Creator Blest: LSB #498

Weirdly, these are all basically the same hymn! Same tune, basically same gist, just different translations!

OR O Spirit of Life: ELW #405

Communion Hymn #1: Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove: LBW #475, ELW #578

Communion Hymn #2: Gracious Spirit, Heed Our Pleading: WOV #687, ELW #401

Closing Hymn: Spirit of God, Sent From Heaven Abroad: LBW #285

OR Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness: WOV #684, ELW #396

OR Holy Spirit, the Dove Sent From Heaven: LSB #502 (Great words, and nice Hispanic melody)

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By the power of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to God our Father in the name of Christ Jesus our Lord, making intercession for the Church, the world, and for all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Come Holy Spirit! Set our hearts on fire with love for God one another. Propel us into the war zones of hatred, despair, and unbelief. Kindle our tongues to speak words of grace, truth, and life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Purify the Church with your holy fire. Burn away its sins and schisms. Warm it with love for Jesus and for the world he came to save. Teach it to remember, cherish, teach, and live all that Jesus commanded us, especially to love one another as he has loved us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Enliven and sustain everyone who is persecuted for Jesus’ sake. Give them wisdom, gentleness, courage, and faithfulness. Convict and convert the enemies of the Gospel to lives of repentance and faith.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Descend upon the hearts and minds of everyone in this congregation. Cause us to shine the light of Christ on the lives of those who need him most. Conform us ever more perfectly to his blessed likeness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for those who hate and scorn the Gospel of Jesus. Cause their hearts to burn with desire for Him, though they do not know him yet. Make them long for an imperishable Hope; for a living Truth; for a trustworthy Way; for a transfigured Life; and for a Love that will not let them go.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Direct, strengthen, and cheer all who risk their lives on behalf of others. Prosper all they do that conforms to your will. Grant healing to the wounded, honor to those who sacrificed their lives, patience and hope to their families. When they return home, grant them ways to  help build a better world for all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Come, Creator Spirit, and renew the face of the earth. Bless, renew, provide for, and transfigure this broken world, until it conforms to the will and fulfills the desire of the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Teach, purify and perfect the minds, hearts and wills of all people – especially those entrusted with power and authority; and bestow the blessings of peace, health, knowledge and tranquility upon us all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Breathe health, wholeness, and hope into the hearts of all who suffer, including: {List}. Grant refreshment to their spirits. Restore them to full fellowship with all who love them. Bless everyone who cares for them, especially those whose research and skill brings new hope to those afflicted by suffering.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most blessed and Holy Spirit, we laud and magnify your gracious protection and lordly power that brings the resurrection life of Jesus to all who call upon his name. We thank you for breathing his eternal life into all the faithful departed. Breathe the love of Jesus into us. Renew our minds and set fire to our hearts. Make our lives overflow with the beauty of holiness, drawing others to Christ. Give us grace to enter into the blessed company of the redeemed, and by your power, to worship the Father in union with his dear Son, our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ, forever and ever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

In the power of the Holy Spirit, we entrust our prayers and petitions into your hands, gracious Father, for the sake of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

The Prayers of the Church: May 29/June 1, 2025: Ascension of Our Lord (transferred), 7^th Sunday of Easter, C

 

Lessons for the Ascension of Our Lord

Acts 1:1-11 (the Ascension story)

Psalm 47 (God has gone up with a shout!)

Ephesians 1:15-23 (God put all under Christ’s feet, made him head of body; glorious inheritance)

Luke 24:44-53 (You’re witnesses to Jesus’ death and resurrection. Proclaim repentance, forgiveness. Brief account of Ascension)

Lessons for 7^th Sunday of Easter:

Acts 1:12-26 (Barnabas chosen to round out the Twelve)

                ELW/RCL: Acts 16:16-34 (Paul and Silas exorcise demon from slave girl; are thrown in prison; chains miraculously broken; jailers believe and are baptized)

Psalm 133 (Good and pleasant when brethren dwell together in unity)

ELW/RCL: Psalm 97 (The Lord is king; Zion rejoices; God loves and guards the faithful)

Revelation 22:1-20 (the river and Tree of Life; warnings; invitation to feast; Come, Lord Jesus!)

John 17:20-26 (Jesus prays for all believers, that they be one as he and the Father are one)

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I’ve offered alternatives for Hymn of Day

Opening Hymn: Alleluia! Sing to Jesus: LBW #158, ELW #392, LSB #821

Hymn of the Day, Ascension theme: Look, O Look, the Sight is Glorious: LBW #156

Look, Ye Saints, The Sight Is Glorious: LSB #495

OR My Lord of Light: WOV #796, ELW #832

                OR O Christ, Our Hope, Our Heart’s Desire: LBW #300, ELW #604, LSB #553

Hymn of Day, 7 Easter theme: Lord, Who in the Night You Were Betrayed Did Pray: LBW #206, ELW #463

OR Son of God, Eternal Savior: LBW #364, ELW # 655, LSB #842

Communion Hymn #1: All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name: LBW #328, ELW #634, LSB #549

Communion Hymn #2: A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing: LBW #157, ELW #393, LSB #493

Closing Hymn: Rejoice, the Lord/For Christ is King: LBW #171, ELW #430

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Let us pray to our risen Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, Savior of the world! We worship and adore you. We kneel before your majesty. Yet you take us by the hand and invite us to your marriage supper. You make us your Bride and your Body. You pray for us, and promise us your own inheritance. You commission us to proclaim the Gospel to the world. You give us your own work of forgiving sins. All we can do is pray, Amen, come, Lord Jesus!

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Unite all who confess your Name into your Body, as your one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. Fill it with your Spirit. May it faithfully proclaim the gospel of repentance and forgiveness to the whole world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bestow upon your persecuted Church the fullness of their glorious inheritance, won for them through your own suffering, death, and resurrection. Cause their tormentors to repent and to turn to you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless this congregation. Tune our hearts to sing your praise and to do your will. Use us to draw others into the blest communion and fellowship divine that you share with the Father and Holy Spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We remember before you all who gave their lives for their country, in service of liberty and justice for all. Thank you for their great sacrifice. May it not be in vain. Thank you for everyone who risks life and health in defense of others. Heal those who are wounded in body, mind, or spirit. Help us to honor and assist them. And we urgently pray: bring the whole world to that glorious day when war will be no more.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

As you prayed for your followers, we pray for the world, its rulers, and its people, especially in this land. Bestow peace and unity in places of injustice and violence. Turn the hearts of many to seek and work for those things that please your heavenly Father. Equip them to bring a measure of health, hope and justice to all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We plead for all who endure the evils that afflict bodies, minds, and hearts. Today we pray for: {List}. Assure them of your presence, so that they believe and know that they dwell in you, and you in them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, you have ascended to the right hand of your Father. You promise your life to all whom you have saved. Therefore we confidently entrust into your care our beloved dead. Wipe away the tears of all who grieve. Dwell with us and in us. Draw us closer to each other as you lead us to your Father’s embrace. Give us your Spirit, to prepare us for your wedding-supper. Hasten the day when we celebrate that eternal feast with all the people whom you have redeemed.

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.

 

Prayers of the Church, May 25, 2025: 6^th Sunday of Easter, C

 

Acts 16:9-15 (mission to Macedonia; meeting in house of Lydia)

Psalm 67 (May God be gracious to us and bless us; let all peoples praise him)

Revelation 21:9-14, 21-27 (vision of the New Jerusalem)

John 16:22-33 (then you will ask anything of the Father in my name, and receive; you joy will be complete. In the world you have trouble, but I have overcome the world)

RCL: John 14:23-29 (Those who love me keep my word; I give you peace;  I send the Spirit; rejoice, because I go to the Father)

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Opening Hymn: O Day Full Of Grace: LBW #161, ELW #627, LSB #503

OR Lord of All Nations, Grant Me Grace: LBW #419, ELW #716, LSB #844

Hymn of the Day: O, What Their Joy: LBW #337 (may use tune for “Blessing and Honor,” LBW #535)

                OR Eternal Spirit of the Living Christ: LBW #441, ELW #402, LSB #769

Communion Hymn #1: Jerusalem, My Happy Home: LBW #331, ELW #628, LSB #673

Communion Hymn #2: My Life Flows On In Endless Song: WOV #781, ELW #763

OR When Peace, Like a River: LBW #346, ELW #785, LSB #763

Closing Hymn: In Thee is Gladness: LBW #552, ELW #867, LSB #818

OR Amazing Grace: LBW #448, ELW #779, LSB #744

 

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Let us pray to our risen Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, blessed Bridegroom, thank you for making us your beloved Bride, even giving your life for us! Thank you for making your Church, now troubled by evils within and without, the glorious New Jerusalem! Thank you for promising us joy in our fellowship with you and one another!

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give your Church the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit. Grant that, in a world shadowed by suffering, sorrow and sin, it proclaims your promise of joy, and shares the blessings of your love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Confessing your name brings great trouble to many Christians around the world. Assure them that you have overcome the world.  Grant them such deep joy that their enemies are astonished, and repent.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let the Spirit fill every heart in this congregation with joy. Make that joy blossom into heartfelt worship, loving service, truthful witness, deep prayer, and loving fellowship. Use us to draw our friends and neighbors closer to you. Use us to shed the light of your love and joy in the darkest corners of their lives.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give your joyous presence to our teenagers. It is easy to be preoccupied with school, sports, jobs, and friends. It can be hard to endure teasing or scorn because of faith in you. Fill them with your love, so they may share it and be a blessing to those around them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

This world is filled with trouble; yet you have overcome the world and defeated the powers of sin, evil, and death. We pray for our world; for its leaders; for all people, especially those who are most burdened by the sorrows and horrors of human malice and natural calamity. Bestow your Holy Spirit upon us all: the Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord; and most of all, the Spirit of joy in your presence.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant healing and hope to all who suffer in body, mind or spirit, including: {List}. Be gracious and merciful to them, and to all who care for them. Restore the bonds of fellowship and affection that have been strained or sundered by suffering and adversity; and give us all the joy of your saving help.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus Christ, you have overcome the world, the devil, and our sins. Thank you for delivering our beloved dead from those powers. Let the fullness of your joy touch and heal hearts still shadowed by grief. Help us all to live in faith and hope, love and kindness, gentleness and peace, self-control and patience. Give us a foretaste of that joy that you promise forever to all whom you love.

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.

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.  So you too, outwardly appear righteous to people, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness” (Matthew 23:27-28).

In this world, we are obsessed with how things look.  If it looks good on the outside, we are good with it.  The Lord is interested in who we are.  He has created us to be His children.  But something has gone quite wrong – we sin.  He has established the necessary provision to be made right again, from the inside out.  Do not be filled with lawlessness and hypocrisy, but come into the presence of the Lord and be saved.

Lord, You know that I am trapped in the games of this world.  Guide me, Jesus, so that I see the game for what it is.  Lead me up and out of the mess of this world’s thinking so that I may think clearly.  Help me to see things with the mind You have given me and lead me to understand things as they are and not as I wish them to be.  Let me not walk with dead bones, but live in the truth You have revealed.

Lord Jesus, You have come that we may have abundant life.  Lead me in the way of truth.  Guide my thinking to stand fully on what You declare to be right and true.  Help me to always see things as they are and to not see them as I want them to be.  From the inside out, help me to live the life You have given me and keep me from the wishful thinking life this world keeps selling.  Amen.