THE PRAYERS, November 16: 23rd Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 28)
ALL: Malachi 4:1-6 (On the Day of the Lord, the wicked burn like stubble, but Sun of Righteousness rises on the blessed with healing in his wings)
ALL: Psalm 98 (Let everyone sing to the Lord; he comes with righteousness to judge the earth)
Sola/LSB: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-13 (God will order your days and deeds; therefore walk in righteousness and godliness)
ELW/RCL: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 (Lacks Paul asking for their prayer, commending them to God against evil one)
Luke 21:5-36 (Signs of the end; description of tribulation; grace to speak God’s truth before kings; watch, pray)
ELW/RCL: Luke 21:5-19 (Lacks some signs of the end, parable of fig tree)
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Opening Hymn: The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns: LBW #33, ELW #260, LSB #348
Hymn of the Day: The Clouds of Judgment Gather: LBW #322 (Not a difficult Irish tune. But yes, you can sing it to Aurelia, the tune for The Church’s One Foundation.), LSB #513 (A sturdy Welsh tune)
OR Lord, Keep Us Steadfast In Your Word: LBW #230, ELW #517, LSB #655
Communion Hymn #1: Jesus, Still Lead/Lead Thou On: LBW #341, ELW #624, LSB #718
Communion Hymn #2: Guide Me Ever,/O Thou Great Redeemer LBW #343, ELW #618, LSB #918
Closing Hymn: Great Is Thy Faithfulness: WOV #771, ELW #733, LSB #809
OR O Christ the Same (gotta love singing O Danny Boy!): WOV #778, ELW #760
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In the power of the Spirit, let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.
A brief silence
Most holy God, you promise to come with power, glory, judgment, and healing. Sometimes that disturbs us! We want you to make all things right and new! But before that can happen, you’ll show us our sins in all their ghastly glory. Cover us then, Lord, with your healing wings. Clothe us in the righteousness of Christ. Shield us with your Holy Spirit. Make us holy, whole, and filled with your eternal life.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Cleanse and strengthen your Church throughout the world. Make it watchful and faithful. Let it tirelessly preach the Gospel and serve the world for Jesus’ sake. Make it a place of healing for people who are wounded by the powers of sin, death, and the devil.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Sometimes it is hard for our congregation to “keep on keeping on” in worship, witness, and welcome. Keep our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus and our ears alert to his Word. Amid the distractions and temptations we experience, grant that we may prefer nothing whatsoever to Christ.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Strengthen and shield everyone persecuted on account of Jesus. By their faithful endurance, turn the hearts of their tormentors to Christ in repentance and faith.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for missionaries, seminarians, and for all whom you call to be a pastor, chaplain, deacon, or other church worker. Fill them with your Spirit. Kindle faith, hope, and love in their hearts. Surround them by a cloud of faithful witnesses, mentors, teachers, and prayer warriors. Bless them to be a blessing to others.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Although the form of this world is passing away, still it is our home. Bestow wisdom, integrity, and mercy upon our leaders in government, education, industry, the military, our courts of justice, and every occupation in which people hold positions of responsibility and power. Grant to everyone the blessing of peace and a measure of prosperity.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Keep all who suffer in your special care, including: {List}. Grant healing to body, soul, heart, and mind. Strengthen everyone who cares for them. And surround them with the protection of your holy wings.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Most holy God, we thank you for the lives of your faithful people, especially those dearest to us, who now rest from their labors. Wipe away the tears of all who mourn their loss. Support us in this life with your Word and holy Sacraments. Give us strength and charity, so that we encourage one another as we follow Jesus even through the valley of death’s shadow. Bring us, by his merits, into your Kingdom, where with all the redeemed, we shall adore you in the unity you share eternally with your Son and the Holy Spirit.
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. AMEN.
