Prayers of the Church, The Vigil of Easter, April 11, 2020

Let us, with joyful confidence, pray to our risen Savior for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, “thanks” is too small a word! We hear the long story of salvation, and are humbled by your forbearance toward your wayward people. We enter into the mystery of your death and resurrection in our Baptism. We feast on the sweetness of your victorious life at your Table. “Thanks” is too small a word, except that your Spirit searches our hearts and in that small word, utters what we cannot express for all you have done, and all that you are.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Fill the Church with light of your crucified and risen life. Make it resplendent with holiness, charity, and truth. Let it shine the light of your love upon those who dwell in the shadows of sin and death, so with one voice we sing, “Christ is risen, Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Shatter the hateful words and malicious acts of all who persecute your followers. Raise up your suffering servants, and grant them courage and joy. By their faithful witness, lead their tormentors to repentance, so together they sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Feed the people of this congregation with the milk and honey of sincerity and truth. Make us lovely with your mercy, forgiveness, and goodness. Use us to draw many who are afar off into your welcoming embrace, so together we sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Clothe the newly baptized in the festal robes of faith and innocence. Lead them in the pathways of faith toward you and fervent love toward others. And teach them to constantly sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Let peace and righteousness kiss; let mercy and healing overflow; and let wisdom and faith abound throughout the world. Grant that all people, in every nation, might come to saving knowledge of you, their Shepherd, Healer, and Lord, so that with one voice they sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Keep safe those who risk their lives on behalf of others. Equip them with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the sandals of peace, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, so that they accomplish your will in places of danger and injustice, and may rightly sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Raise up all who sit in the shadows of pain, despair, grief, and death. Bring comfort and forgiveness to those who cry out for mercy. Bestow your reconciling grace upon all who are estranged from you and from their loved ones. Grant them and all who love them, your perfect peace, so together all may sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O risen Lord Jesus, those who died trusting you already experience the Easter morning that knows no end. Wipe away our tears, banish our doubts, and fill us with courage and joy. Give us loving hearts, gracious words, and tireless hands to help one another along the way. Lead us through the waters of death, as if on dry ground. By your grace and favor, let us stand with you and with all whom you have redeemed, in your promised Kingdom that has no end, there to sing for all eternity: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, please 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, Good Friday (April 10, 2020)

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

A brief silence

Forgive and save your Church, O God, for heeding anything that distracts it from knowing, proclaiming, and sharing the love of Jesus, its crucified and risen Redeemer.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and renew pastors, bishops, theologians, and other church leaders when by treacherous words and shameful deeds they crucify Christ anew, and turn people from his salvation.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and guide each of us in this congregation, for the small and great ways in which we fail to love you with our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength, and do not love one another as Jesus has loved us.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and challenge everyone who says they believe in you, but have more pressing obligations than worship, prayer, forgiveness, or service in your name.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and enlighten all who believe in other gods, or who have limited and distorted notions of who you are.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and rescue all who say they are “spiritual but not religious,” or who are fascinated by the occult or dark spiritual arts.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and teach those who do not believe in you at all, especially those who persecute believers.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and bring to repentance our enemies, personal and communal. Forgive all who slander, lie, and spew hate, as did their spiritual ancestors toward your beloved Son.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and transform all who break promises, break laws, and break hearts, especially when we still struggle to forgive.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and energize all who whine, complain, make excuses, and shift blame to others.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and reform everyone who seeks to divide, not build up; to sow suspicion, not trust; and who insists on their own way at any cost.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and liberate those who are enslaved by their desires, passions, fears, addictions, or by their attraction to evil for its own sake.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and heal all who are caught in snares of illness and pain, depression and anxiety, regret and shame.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive, save, transform, and redeem all of us – for if we are honest, we know we must number ourselves in the great and miserable fellowship of sinners. Forgive, dear Lord, forgive us who despair; who seek revenge; who are cruel and selfish; who are bored and apathetic; who are thoughtless, clueless, heedless, merciless, and faithless.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

By the suffering and passion, of your holy and beloved Son; by his prayers from the Cross for our sake; by his sinless death and his descent into the depths of hell for the sake of sinners; by his glorious resurrection and ascension, and by his promise to come again as victorious Lord of all, forgive us our sins, heavenly Father. Crucify our sins and burn them in hell; but hide us, your poor sinful creatures, in the life-giving wounds of Jesus, and shelter us in his outstretched arms. Anoint us with the same Spirit he committed to you with his dying breath. Raise us, in the power of that Spirit, to share in the glorious resurrection life of Christ. And speed the coming of that great eternal day when everyone whom you have forgiven and healed, transformed and redeemed, is made fit to stand together before your throne, there to praise and adore you in the unity you share with your Son, our Savior and Lord, and with the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, Maundy Thursday, Cycle A (April 9, 2020)

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

A brief silence

Most holy and blessed Lord, we adore you.  We bless you for your love and mercy. We thank you for the Medicine of immortality, graciously offered at the Last Supper and marvelously extended to each of us. We thank you for being so humbly and lovingly washed by Jesus, and called his friends. Help us love one another as he loves us.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Father, fill the Church throughout the world with your Spirit, so it more perfectly loves you and the people your Son came to redeem.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Guide our seminary professors and students, all missionaries of the Gospel, and everyone walking the path of discipleship. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly proclaim Christ, and him crucified.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Strengthen our persecuted sisters and brothers in the faith. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly bear witness to the holiness and love of Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless this congregation. Fill us with your Spirit, so we more perfectly reflect the servant-love of Jesus to one another, and to our neighbors.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Kindle the faith of all who will be baptized into the death and resurrection of Christ at Easter. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly follow in his footsteps.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bestow wisdom upon all who have authority and power in our world. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly accomplish your will for the good of the people entrusted to their care.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Grant courage and integrity to all who risk their lives for the sake of others. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly establish safety and peace in this troubled world.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We plead on behalf of for everyone who is sick, grieving, estranged, ashamed, addicted, abused, confused, or despairing, especially: {List}. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly cling to Christ, their life, their health, and their salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, this day we share a foretaste of your eternal feast, prepared for all whom you have redeemed by the passion, death, and resurrection of your dear Son. Fill us with your Spirit, so that we more perfectly take up our Cross, follow Jesus wherever he leads, and encourage one another along life’s way. Bring us, through the merits of Christ, into your Kingdom, where with him and the Holy Spirit, you reign in the joyous glory of heaven’s endless day.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

For these things, dear Father, and for whatever else is needful, we pray in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, Palm Sunday/Sunday of the Passion (April 5, 2020)

Let us pray for the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood you have redeemed the whole world and drawn all people to yourself. We praise and adore you for your great sacrifice and love. We beseech you to bestow these holy gifts to all whom we lift before you now in prayer.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem your Church. Through its ministry of Word, Sacrament, fellowship and service, draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem those who suffer for the sake of your name, and those who risk danger to proclaim the Gospel to those who do not know you. By their faithful witness, draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem all who seek to walk the hard path of discipleship. Through their willingness to take up their cross and follow you, draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem this congregation, especially those seeking baptism. Through our faith toward you, and fervent love for one another, draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem our children, especially those enduring illness, poverty, abuse or violence. Through their innocent praise of your goodness, draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem the people in every land and nation. By the guidance of the Holy Spirit, establish your peace in every place; and draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem those who stand in harm’s way on our behalf. By their labors, establish places of safety and calm; and there draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem all who walk through the dark valleys of suffering, sorrow, and death. Use the witness of their faithful waiting, and their blessed healing, to draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, you have saved and redeemed those who have died trusting your promises. Now keep us steadfast in faith, patient in suffering, generous in service, and loving in fellowship, until you have drawn all people to yourself; and have bestowed upon all the redeemed the fullness of your forgiveness, blessing, and eternal life.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Hear and graciously answer our prayers, O blessed Savior, according to the mercy and favor you have for your people. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, 5^th Sunday in Lent (March 29, 2020)

Let us lift our hearts and voices to the Lord in prayer, that he would be merciful to his people.

A brief silence

Blessed Lord, we live in a valley of deathly shadows. Thank you for Jesus, who calls us by name from our tombs. Help us to firmly believe that his is our Resurrection and our Life.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Send your Holy Spirit to breathe new life into your Church. Raise it up to be the living body of your dear Son in the world. Purify and bless it, so that through Word and Sacrament, and by deeds of mercy and forgiveness, it may share your life and grace with all who are held captive to sin, evil and death.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Breathe your Holy Spirit upon your persecuted servants throughout the world. Revive their faith and knit them into an undying fellowship with Jesus and with one another. By their courageous witness and their patient suffering, glorify your Name and turn many hearts to repentant faith.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Breathe your creative Spirit into all missionaries of the Gospel, and into everyone joins Jesus on his mission. By their faithful preaching and acts of charity, grant life and salvation to those who walk in the valley of the shadow of death.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Breathe your gracious Spirit into this congregation, so that our worship, words, deliberations and deeds abound with the fruits of that Spirit. Fill us with the life of Jesus, and give us the will and the strength to share his life with everyone we meet.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Breathe your life-giving Spirit upon all to whom death draws near. Grant them serenity, faith, and reconciliation with you and their loved ones. Especially we plead on behalf of those who die alone, abandoned, unloved or unnoticed. Bless them with the mercy and grace promised by your Son to any who will receive him. And give a double portion of your Spirit to hospice workers and to all who care for the dying.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Breathe your Holy Spirit into all who lead the nations, especially our own. Fill them with wisdom and understanding; counsel and might; knowledge and fear of you, their Lord; and joy in doing your will. Help them work for the welfare of their people. Breathe your gracious Spirit into every heart, so that hatred, violence, cruelty and war ceases throughout the world.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Breathe your Spirit into all who risk their lives to defend liberty and protect others. Keep them faithful, true and bold. Shield and direct them in perilous situations; raise and heal them when they fall; and deliver them into a place of safety when their task has ended.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Breathe your Spirit of life and grace into all who all who are afflicted by sickness, sorrow or adversity – especially: {List}. As Jesus raised up Lazarus from death, we beseech you, raise up these dear ones from the power of sin, evil and death; and restore them to their loved ones.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Most holy and gracious Father, we thank you that you have called your faithful servants by name, out of death and into life in Christ. Breathe your Holy and life-giving Spirit into us, for we are still troubled by the powers of death, sin, and the devil. Give us the grace to comfort one another in times of sorrow, and to encourage and help each other along life’s road. Grant us faith to confess your Son as the Resurrection and the Life, the Christ, the One who has come into the world to bring eternal life to everyone who believes in him.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Into your hands, gracious Father, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, 4^th Sunday in Lent (March 22, 2020)

Let us lift our hearts and voices to the Lord in prayer, that he would be merciful to his people.

A brief silence

Holy Father, thank you for the light of sun and moon, stars and streetlights, candles and lamps. Thank you for these “created lights” that are the faintest glimmer shed from your true and uncreated Light, your Son, Jesus Christ. Lead us, even when eyes fail and earthly lights grow dim, to his kindly light, which no darkness can overcome.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Heal the blindness of your Church. Give it eyes to see its own sin, and to repent. Give it eyes to see the world’s sins, and to offer your forgiveness to any who will receive it. Give it eyes to see the plight of all who are afflicted by the powers of sin, death and the devil, and to proclaim your gracious redemption, bestowed through the Passion of your dear Son.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Heal the blindness of those who persecute followers of Jesus, and of all who turn a blind eye to their plight. Grant that all who suffer on account of Christ may be so faith-filled and gracious that their tormentors turn to you for healing, forgiveness, and new life.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Be gracious and merciful to your missionaries, to our seminarians and their professors, and to all who strive to be Jesus’ apprentices and disciples. Give them clear sight and strong faith, so that through their labors, many who are spiritually blind may be led to Jesus and healed.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Heal the blindness from which we, the members of this congregation, suffer. Give us new eyes to see Jesus in one another, and for his sake, to love even the person we don’t yet like. Give us eyes to see new opportunities for serving you; for sharing our faith in you; and for making this church a lamp that shines with the light of Christ’s love for everyone we encounter.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Let your healing, blessing and grace rest upon the blind and deaf; and upon those with impaired or distorted senses of touch or taste, balance or movement. We often take for granted these gifts; unless it happens to us, we can’t imagine lacking them. Give them strength and courage. Sharpen the perception of their other senses. Surround them with people whose respect and encouragement leads them to greater faith in you, their light and their life.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Heal the blindness of the nations, and all who are in positions of authority. Give them eyes to seek your will, and hearts and hands to do it. Give them eyes to see injustice, deceit and cruelty, and the strength and courage to combat them. Make each of us into children of your light, living in faith toward you and with fervent love toward one another.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

As your dear Son healed the man born blind, we pray that he would also bring healing, light, hope, and renewed faith to everyone who suffers from any affliction. Especially we lift up the needs of: {List}. Lift them up from their pain, sorrow, fear or grief. And give them the joy of your saving help, now and always.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We thank you, dear Father, for receiving into your greater light and into your eternal life, everyone who died trusting your promises. Deal mercifully with those shadowed by grief and loss. And we beg you: Lord, let us receive our sight, so that day by day, we see you more clearly; love you more dearly; and follow you more nearly. Bring us to that endless Day in which we see you face to face in the company of all who have been redeemed by the merits of your Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Into your hands, gracious Father, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, 3^rd Sunday in Lent (March 15, 2020)

Let us lift our hearts and voices to the Lord in prayer, that he would be merciful to his people.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, thank you for Jesus, your living water given to quench our deepest thirst. Sometimes we don’t realize how thirsty we are. Sometimes what we drink makes us even thirstier. Thank you that Jesus provides exactly what we need most – your goodness, love, forgiveness, and life – in the most spiritually digestible form: Himself.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make your Church a place where your living water flows. In it, quench the thirst, heal the hearts, and cleanse the souls of people perishing from the powers of sin, evil and death. Inspire all pastors, deacons, theologians and teachers to share your holy Word so that many may hear, and come to believe, that your Son is the Savior of the world.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray on behalf of our sisters and brothers who, in remaining faithful to you, have endured suffering we cannot comprehend. Fulfill in them the Apostle’s words: that suffering produces endurance; endurance produces character; character produces hope; and hope does not put them to shame, because God’s love has been poured into their hearts through the Holy Spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Jesus said the fields are ripe for the harvest. Therefore we pray: send, guide, and strengthen missionaries to preach the Good News. We also ask that you make each of us disciples “on a mission with you” to eagerly share the Living Water with thirsty souls in our communities.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Have mercy on this congregation, dear Lord; do not let it become a place of grumbling or quarreling, but rather a place to worship you in spirit and in truth; to care for one another with gentle hearts; and to share the living water of your Son with everyone we know or meet.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Thank you for the people and organizations that make clean drinking water available throughout the world. Thank you: for water pumps and purification units; for sanitation and irrigation instruction; for desalinization and chlorination; and for the simple joys of a glass of cold water or a hot shower. Grant that all who benefit from the pure and refreshing waters of this life may also be drawn to the Living Water of eternal life, Jesus Christ your Son.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Have mercy on our nation, its elected and appointed leaders, its people, and the people of every land. Although we are all ungodly and rebellious, save us, we pray, from our folly. Give us hearts and minds that delight in your law, and wills set to obey it. Remove from us, and from every nation, the spirit of discord and strife; and crown us with the blessing of your peace.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Refresh and heal with your Living Water everyone troubled by pain, grief, despair, fear, guilt or confusion. Especially we pray for :{ List}. Give them renewed strength; deep peace; unshakeable hope; and abiding faith in your gracious compassion.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

With reverence and affection, we entrust our beloved dead into your unfailing care, dear Father. Wipe away the tears of those whose grief runs deep. Refresh us with your Word and Sacraments as we pass through the dark valleys and desert places of this life. Help us to encourage one another; to rejoice even though suffering; to honor and cultivate good character; to live in hope; and to lean on your never-failing promises. Speed the day when, in Spirit and in truth, the whole company of the redeemed will worship you, and acclaim your beloved Son as the Savior of the world, our Lord and our God.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Into your hands, gracious Father, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, 2^nd Sunday in Lent (March 8, 2020)

Let us lift our hearts and voices to the Lord in prayer, that he would be merciful to his people.

A brief silence

Dearest heavenly Father, we know the “Gospel in miniature” by heart. Thank you for its truth. You so loved the world! You gave your only Son! We may have everlasting life, not death! We praise and adore you for your love. By your Spirit, let every thought, word, and action reflect that love – to you, and to people who don’t yet know your love or believe your Word.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Let the wind of your Spirit blow through your Church. Use it impart your divine life and holy love to all who will receive them. Grant new and heavenly life to congregations wounded and dying from the assaults of the world, the devil, and their own sinful selves. Make them into “wounded healers,” able to draw broken and sinful people to Jesus, their Life and true Love.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Keep watch over our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world when they cry to you for help. Preserve them from every evil; and grant repentance, forgiveness, and new life to their tormentors.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Nicodemus, a teacher in Israel, needed the challenge, wisdom, and words of life that only Jesus could give. Grant that all who seek to be pastors, teachers, and theologians in your Church should constantly sit at Jesus’ feet. There, let them drink in his love, wisdom, and Spirit, so they can be truth-filled teachers and trustworthy guides to everyone in their care.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Fill this congregation with the Holy Spirit, so that day by day, our hearts, minds, words and ministries are reborn as instruments of your will. Use us to bring your redeeming love to those who need it most.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Be gracious to travelers, immigrants, refugees, and all who have left their homes by choice or necessity. Give them safety and refreshment, hopefulness and faith upon their way. Set before their eyes the example of Abram and Sarai, so that their journey is sheltered by your watchful presence and finds its end in your loving embrace.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Give teachable minds and humble hearts to the leaders of nations, especially our own. Help them prefer integrity and wisdom to the allure of power or popularity. Make them watchful and protective toward those entrusted to their care. Guide them in paths of justice and righteousness, so that they may also guide their citizens in those paths.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Be the guard, guide and shield of those in our military, and to first responders. Do not let their foot be moved; deliver them from evil; and use their labors to bring safety and aid. Restore them to their loved ones when their task is done. Grant honor to the fallen, healing to the wounded; and peace to all.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Watch over everyone who endures pain, sorrow, fear, doubt, loneliness or despair, especially: {List}. Be that blessed shade and shelter from all that afflicts them; give hope to their hearts, health to their bodies, calm confidence to their minds; and unshakable faith to their souls.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, thank you for fulfilling your promise of eternal life to all who have died trusting in you. Keep us steadfast in the faith you granted to Abraham and Sarah; to Paul and all the apostles, martyrs and saints of your Church; and to all of your redeemed people from every time and place, every kindred, tribe and nation. Guide us through this “barren land;” feed us with the Bread of Heaven; be our strength and shield; and bring us safely through the Jordan into your blessed presence, where we may forever sing your praises and delight in your love forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Into your hands, gracious Father, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, 1^st Sunday in Lent (March 1, 2020)

Let us lift our hearts and voices to the Lord in prayer, that he would be merciful to his people.

A brief silence

Father, thank you for Jesus. He didn’t rely on more-than-human powers as he fasted in the wilderness. He didn’t face Satan clothed only in the power of divinity. He was tempted just as we are when we’re at our weakest! Thank you that he stands with us, and for us, and dwells in us, through the worst temptations and struggles we face.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord, forgive your Church when it falls into lukewarm worship, wayward teaching, fractured fellowship, stingy charity, and halfhearted witness. Forgive it when it condemns certain sinners, but re-brands its favorite sins as virtue. Help it to stand firm in your Holy Word when it is tempted by these sins of faithlessness.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Forgive our persecuted brethren throughout the world when their anguish curdles into bitterness, retribution, or loss of faith. Strengthen and heal them, so by their witness, you lead their tormentors to repentance and true faith.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Forgive missionaries and all who seek to be your disciples when their passion for the Gospel cools, or when they become impatient or distracted. Kindle the fire of your most Holy Spirit within them, so that they glorify you in all they say and do.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Forgive this congregation when we focus on the speck in another’s eye, ignoring the log in our own. Forgive us when we seek our own will, not yours. Forgive us when we boast of ourselves, not the Cross of Christ. Fashion us into the image of Jesus, so others, seeing our good works, glorify you alone.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord, have mercy on us when we are tempted to sin. Warn and rebuke us, so we resist and repent. Guide us, so we feed on your Word and commit ourselves into your care. Humble us, so we rely only our Savior, who was in all things tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Forgive the nations and leaders of the world, especially our own. Forgive the arrogance and ambition that drive decisions. Forgive the cruelty, suspicion and hatred that fuel wars. Forgive the apathy and prejudice that fuel neglect and injustice. Create new hearts within us; and grant us that peace which only you can give.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Forgive those in our military, and all first responders when their hearts become hardened by vengeance or hatred. Heal, guide and strengthen them to act in accordance with your will.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord, have mercy on all who are sick, injured, or handicapped; addicted, abused, or abandoned; despairing, frightened, or ashamed; frightened, grieving or dying. Especially we pray for: {List}. Deliver them from the powers of sin, death and the devil. Restore them to health, hope, and fellowship with all who love them. Renew their faith in you, their Savior and Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Father, thank you for showing mercy to all who have died trusting in your promises. Keep us steadfast in faith. Forgive us when we succumb to temptations. When the long Lent of this life is complete and the hour of death draws near, let the Cross of Christ sustain us in faith and hope. By his glorious Resurrection, raises us from our tombs. Through the Holy Spirit, breathe your life and love into us forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Into your hands, gracious Father, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, Ash Wednesday (February 26, 2020)

Let us lift our hearts and voices to the Lord in prayer on behalf of all his people.

A brief silence

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us. As you are holy, make us pure and holy. As you are mighty, give us strength to turn from sin to live for you alone. As you are immortal, by the death and resurrection of our Savior Christ, lead us out of death to life.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Have mercy upon your church. Purge it of all faithlessness, false teaching, uncharitable words, and unholy actions. Fill it with your Holy Spirit, and use it to grant the joy of your saving help to all repentant sinners.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Have mercy upon all who are persecuted on account of your beloved Son. Keep them steadfast in faith, patient in suffering, persistent in prayer, and gracious in forgiving their enemies. Soften the hearts of all who despise Christ, and grant them repentance and true faith.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Have mercy on our seminary and church college professors, on Christian school and preschool teachers and aides, and upon everyone seeking to be a disciple of Jesus and to join him in mission, whether abroad or in their everyday lives. Give wisdom to their minds, eloquence to their tongues, and deep love to their souls, for you and for all they serve.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Have mercy on this congregation. Cleanse it from everything that obscures your strong saving love for us, and for those to whom we minister. Grant that we may prefer nothing whatsoever to Jesus Christ, and to sharing his forgiveness and salvation with others.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Have mercy upon all converts, all who are preparing for baptism at Easter, and for all whose faith wavers and dims because of doubts or despair.  Give them a double portion of your Spirit, and bring them into your loving embrace.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Have mercy upon the nations of the world and their rulers. Especially we pray for our own elected and appointed leaders. Lead them in the paths of righteousness, justice, and mercy. Help us all to work with one another according to your will. Never let us forget the needs of the poor, the widow, and the orphan; the dispossessed and unemployed; the sick and forgotten; the abused and the unjustly imprisoned. Give us the means and the will to ease their burden.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Have mercy on all who stand in harm’s way in defense of life and liberty. Strengthen them in every virtue that increases concord, establishes safety, and protects innocent lives. Reunite them with loved ones; and help them use their skills to serve their community in new ways.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Have mercy on all who suffer in body, mind, heart or soul – especially those who crave our prayers, including: {List}. Refresh their spirits, renew their hope, and restore their joy.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, keep in your special care our beloved dead. Wipe away the tears of those whose grief runs deep. Help us to help and encourage one another throughout this troubled life. Keep us steadfast in faith, constant in hope, and ardent in love. Lead us from death into the life and love you have prepared for all whom you have redeemed through the passion of your Son, the Savior and Redeemer of the world.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Into your hands, gracious Father, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.