Editor’s Note: Pastor Cathy Ammlung is a pastor in the North American Lutheran Church and serves as Secretary of the Board of Lutheran CORE. She has earned a master’s degree in Chemistry and two master’s degrees in Theology.

I normally don’t share stuff about my political or religious views, aside from occasionally posting one of my sermons. That’s because I don’t usually like reading other people’s stuff on those topics. I confess, I generally click “hide this post.” Keeps my relationships with many folks more cordial because I’m not tempted to get in a war of words that would probably not change anyone’s mind but undoubtedly would harden someone’s heart.

I don’t want to inflict my views on other people, and would rather talk one on one about such topics. But I’m breaking my own rules today. I promise to not get judgy. Still, if you want to unfriend me because I was at the March for Life, go ahead. I get it.

This was the first time I’ve ever been in any march. I hate crowds! But this was a remarkably peaceful, polite, joyous crowd. White, Black, Hispanic, Asian, Mideastern. Many religious groups. Bikers in badass leather. Guys in dreadlocks. A fellow dressed in a weird Uncle Sam outfit, riding a sort of skateboard with a big center wheel, waving a “Shred for Life” banner. Don’t ask!! Knights of Columbus with thunderous drummers, and a group of Evangelicals with bagpipes, trumpets, and fifes. An astonishing number of young people, and scads of young nuns, young priests, young monks. Folks in wheelchairs, on crutches, with canes, in casts. Me, I was part of the North American Lutheran Church contingent. It was an uplifting and thought provoking experience.

What really got to me, and I suppose why I decided to post something, were a few of the very personal posters and comments. A young man with a photo of himself as a very premature baby in a NICU, with the words, “This is what ‘late term’ looks like.” Someone who said, “The doctor urged an abortion when my mom was pregnant, saying I wouldn’t live 24 hours. She chose life.” Women who deeply regretted having an abortion, standing quietly in front of the Supreme Court – next to women quietly holding up “keep abortion legal” posters. Men mourning the death of children they would have loved, but whose partners aborted the child. One of those men openly weeping when some prayers for the sanctity of life that I’d written were read in his church, grateful that someone offered a word of compassion for him and his girlfriend.

And it struck me: if I’d been conceived in 1973 instead of 1953, I might have been a statistic instead of a participant. My birth parents were married when I was born. Can you imagine the gossip if a *married* couple back then, obviously expecting a child, gave up that child – and not to a sympathetic relative but to an agency? How much less awkward, inconvenient, even shameful, if they’d surreptitiously had an abortion and claimed a miscarriage. Seeing those profoundly personal signs, hearing multitudes of personal stories, thinking about my own existence, drove home a point.

This isn’t an agenda or slogan. It’s not a political stunt or legal diktat. This is about real human beings, yes maybe even including me, who would not have even existed except they were not aborted. It’s about real people in the midst of scary, difficult, even tragic circumstances, heroically or maybe even inadvertently being truly “pro-choice.” They chose an innocent child’s right to life above their right to assert their own legitimate desires, hopes, and fears. It’s about committing our lives, time, and efforts into supporting, encouraging, and aiding women and men to make that brave, hard choice even when the culture shouts and celebrates the opposite.

Enough. Here is the prayer that I wrote.

Gracious Father, through you all parenthood is blessed. You were pleased to incarnate your Son through the consent and the flesh of a woman, the Virgin Mary. You entrusted the care of the holy Child to his foster father, St. Joseph. Bless, protect, guide, and strengthen all parents – biological, adoptive, and foster. Especially when parenting is difficult, give them joy and satisfaction in their holy task. Grant them a double portion of your Spirit, so that their children may flourish in faith toward you, in honor toward their parents, and in love for all your children.

We pray for those who struggle to have children and cannot. We pray for those who have lost a child they deeply loved.

We pray for those who struggle to love their children even when that is desperately difficult. We pray for those who do not want the child they have conceived or borne. Have mercy on them all. They face such terrible demons of grief, shame, regret, fear, and anger. Often, we can only stand and weep with them, and pray for them. Help us to do those things, and to walk with them through their dark valleys. Help us to share our confidence that you will lead them safely through.

Have mercy on women who seek, or who have endured, an abortion – and upon the father of their unborn child. As you visited Joseph in a dream, touch their spirits with your presence. Help them understand your love for them, and their unborn child. Where forgiveness is needed, grant it freely and lavishly. Help them to turn to you. Give them the strength to choose life, not death, if they are pregnant. Give them the grace to repent, to forgive themselves and each other, and to be healed in body and soul, if they have already had an abortion.

There are so many “disposable people,” dear Lord! They range from the unborn, to the handicapped, to refugees and immigrants, to the frail elderly, to our personal and corporate foes, to people whose lives seem so “out of bounds” that we can’t really comprehend, much less respond to them helpfully or graciously. Loving, respecting, and caring for “disposable people” is so hard! We can feel overwhelmed, angry, frustrated, cheated, or hopeless. And we’re ashamed even to admit that sometimes even we wish they’d just go away. Forgive us, dear Lord. Give us grace to see them through Jesus’ eyes: as people he loves so much that he gave his life for them. Give us grace to see his presence in them. Give us grace to share even a cup of cold water with them, for Christ has claimed them as his sisters and brothers.

We pray for everyone who cares for the most vulnerable people in our midst. Their work is often hard and usually under-appreciated. Thank you for their goodness and dedication. Deepen their compassion, integrity, and wisdom. Protect and strengthen them when others want them to act against their faith, their principles, and their dedication to cherish life and promote genuine well-being.

Father, there are many who think that humanity is a matter of achievement. If someone isn’t smart enough, healthy enough, independent enough, or even wanted enough, they don’t “deserve” to be treated as fully human persons. Don’t let us fall into that horrible mindset. Give us the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear of the Lord, and joy in your presence – not just for our own good, but so that we are equipped to combat those sinful and death-filled notions. Help us to share, in word and by example, what you have always revealed: that we are persons because you have made us in your divine image. No matter how distorted or disabled or debased that image has become through accident, malice or the cussedness of the universe, help us all to see, acknowledge, and pray for that image to be perfectly restored in Christ Jesus our Savior.

For Celebrating the Sanctity of Life,

Please add one or more of these petitions to your intercessory prayers.

Gracious Father, through you all parenthood is blessed. You were pleased to incarnate your Son through the consent and the flesh of a woman, the Virgin Mary. You entrusted the care of the holy Child to his foster father, St. Joseph. Bless, protect, guide, and strengthen all parents – biological, adoptive, and foster. Especially when parenting is difficult, give them joy and satisfaction in their holy task. Grant them a double portion of your Spirit, so that their children may flourish in faith toward you, in honor toward their parents, and in love for all your children.

We pray for those who struggle to have children and cannot. We pray for those who have lost a child they deeply loved. We pray for those who struggle to love their children even when that is desperately difficult. We pray for those who do not want the child they have conceived or borne. Have mercy on them all.  They face such terrible demons of grief, shame, regret, fear, and anger. Often, we can only stand and weep with them, and pray for them. Help us to do those things, and to walk with them through their dark valleys. Help us to share our confidence that you will lead them safely through.

Have mercy on women who seek, or who have endured, and abortion – and upon the father of their unborn child. As you visited Joseph in a dream, touch their spirits with your presence. Help them understand your love for them, and their unborn child. Where forgiveness is needed, grant it freely and lavishly. Help them to turn to you. Give them the strength to choose life, not death, if they are pregnant. Give them the grace to repent, to forgive themselves and each other, and to be healed in body and soul, if they have already had an abortion.

There are so many “disposable people,” dear Lord! They range from the unborn, to the handicapped, to the frail elderly, to people whose lives seem so “out of bounds” that we can’t really comprehend, much less respond to them helpfully or graciously. Loving, respecting, and caring for “disposable people” is so hard! We can feel overwhelmed, angry, frustrated, cheated, or hopeless. And we’re ashamed even to admit that sometimes even we wish they’d just go away.  Forgive us, dear Lord. Give us grace to see them through Jesus’ eyes: as people he loves so much that he gave his life for them. Give us grace to see his presence in them. Give us grace to share even a cup of cold water with them, for Christ has claimed them as his sisters and brothers.

We pray for everyone who cares for the most vulnerable people in our midst. Their work is often hard and usually under-appreciated. Thank you for their goodness and dedication. Deepen their compassion, integrity, and wisdom. Protect and strengthen them when others want them to act against their faith, their principles, and their dedication to cherish life and promote genuine well-being.

Father, there are any who think that humanity is a matter of achievement. If someone isn’t smart enough, healthy enough, independent enough, or even wanted enough, they don’t “deserve” to be treated as fully human persons. Don’t let us fall into that horrible mindset. Give us the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear of the Lord, and joy in your presence – not just for our own good, but so that we are equipped to combat those sinful and death-filled notions. Help us to share, in word and by example, what you have always revealed: that we are persons because you have made us in your divine image. No matter how distorted or disabled or debased that image has become through accident, malice or the cussedness of the universe, help us all to see, acknowledge, and pray for that image to be perfectly restored in Christ Jesus our Savior.

THE PRAYERS,

Transfiguration of Our Lord, Cycle A (February 23, 2020)

Let us pray that the light of Christ may shine upon the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Holy Lord, Holy and Mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us! In the transfiguration of Jesus, we see your glory. And we see what a human being, immersed in you, will look like. Thank you for this “doubled vision.” Thank you for showing us that Jesus truly is all in all. Thank you for his suffering and death, which transfigures our own. Thank you for the vision of his holy glory, which he so lovingly pours upon all who cling to him in faith.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Transfigure your Church. Make it a lamp, radiating the splendor of your beloved Son’s light and life. Make it a place where poor sinful mortals may eat and drink in your presence, and live. Make it a place where cleverly devised myths are confounded by the glorious truth of the Gospel. Make it a place where all may come, and be fashioned into the very image and likeness of Christ Jesus our Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Transfigure this congregation: its people and programs; its decisions and vision; its worship, service, and fellowship. Make our every word and action like clear crystal, through which the radiance of Jesus’ love shines unimpeded upon everyone we meet.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Transfigure the suffering of your persecuted Church, by uniting it to the death and resurrection of Jesus. Give it grace to speak truth and offer forgiveness to its enemies. Transfigure the ministries of seminaries, missionaries, and sister congregations and synods, that all they say and do points to Jesus and his strong saving love.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 Transfigure this world, so that the sacrifices of those who stand in harm’s way to protect us may not be in vain. Let their actions shine with valor and honor; and grant them healing when they fall, and joy when they return home.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Transfigure this death-shadowed world; its people; and its leaders. Enlighten minds to seek your truth, and purify hearts to delight in doing your will. Turn us from being enemies of you, of one another, and of our own eternal good. Transfigure us into your loyal subjects, sisters and brothers to one another, wise stewards of creation, and lovers of your Beloved.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Transfigure the lives of all who sit in the shadows of suffering and sorrow – especially: {List}. Grant that Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, may rise upon them with healing in his wings. Let sorrow be turned to joy; fear into hope; and despair into faith in your love.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, we entrust our beloved dead into your care, knowing that you have transfigured their death into life, their sin and brokenness into holiness, and their limits into unbounded delight in your infinite wisdom and goodness. We humbly beseech you to transfigure each of us into the likeness of Christ. Speed the coming of that day when he shall be all in all. Grant that when we look upon the face of any whom you have redeemed through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we see his love alone, shining in their eyes.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

All these things, and whatever else you see that we need, grant to us, dear Father, for the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

THE PRAYERS,

6^th Sunday after Epiphany, Proper 6, Cycle A (February 16, 2020)

Let us pray that the light of Christ may shine upon the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Dear Father, you set a high bar before us! You want us to look, act, and be like Jesus. Thank you for promising us that, in our Baptism, we are joined to him. Thank you that he has “cleared the bar” – and help us to not dangle lazy arms or drag objecting feet, as he carries us over that bar with him! By your Spirit, grant that all that Jesus has done for us is made manifest in us, to your glory and for the benefit of your people.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Build the Church into a holy temple, filled with your Spirit, with Christ as the cornerstone. Give it faithful pastors, bishops, theologians, teachers, and other leaders.  Help them plant and water the seed of faith, to which you alone give growth. Make the Church set before the world the way of life; and grant that many should choose it.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Cause quarrels, angry words, and hurt feelings to cease in this congregation. Unite us in a common purpose: planting and tending the seed of faith in one another, in our children and grandchildren, and in our friends, neighbors, and community.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Jesus spoke hard words about anger, adultery and divorce. Help us take them to heart. Bring your forgiveness and healing to those wounded by hurtful words and deeds. Give each of us wisdom and grace to comfort, challenge, and encourage loved ones who strive to remain faithful; who struggle to repent of offenses they have caused; and who agonize over how to forgive those who have betrayed their trust.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for our sisters and brothers in the faith who suffer persecution and death on account of Jesus. Set before us their example of faithful obedience to your Word. Help us to assist and defend them. Turn their tormentors from the paths of death and toward your light and life.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Set before the rulers of nations the path of life and of death; and give them the desire and the strength to choose life for themselves and for the people in their care. Conform each of us to your will, so that we may rightly and peacefully live together as your people.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We lift before you the needs of everyone who is afflicted by suffering, sin, or sorrow, especially: {List}. Deliver them from evil; grant them refreshment, hope and healing; and restore them to fellowship with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Dear Father, keep in your tender care all who have died trusting in your promises, especially those whose loss we grieve most deeply. Give us grace to comfort one another; to abound in gentleness, forbearance, self-control, faithfulness and compassion; and to choose those good things which you mean for our eternal life. Grant us the joy of joining the whole company of the redeemed in praising, worshipping, glorifying and adoring you forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

All these things, and whatever else you see that we need, grant to us, dear Father, for the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

THE PRAYERS,

5^th Sunday after Epiphany, Proper 5, Cycle A (February 9, 2020)

Let us pray that the light of Christ may shine upon the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, your Word is challenge, command, and marching orders for us. How often we stumble, fall short, or go AWOL in fulfilling it! Justice, generosity, holiness, mercy – we break your Word, your heart, and the hearts of people most in need of those good things. Thank you for Jesus, who fulfilled your Word among us, and who IS your Word. Thank you for setting his unquenchable light and holiness, mercy and obedience within our hearts. For his sake, make us like him: salt and light, hope and holiness, so others may turn to him and live.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Grant that the Church should constantly preach Christ crucified for the forgiveness of sin unto everlasting life. Keep it from being conformed to the desires and whims of the world.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless the people and ministries of this congregation. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, so everything we say and do glorifies you and helps our neighbor, especially the poor, lonely, hurting, and distressed people in our community.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Father, being a disciple means being a student of Jesus. Give us teachable hearts and minds! Lead your “apprentices” in paths of personal devotion and holiness. Form them into “journeymen” who walk with those whose path is hard and lonely, and who bring hope, encouragement, and your dear Son’s love to those who need it most.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We remember before you our persecuted sisters and brothers. Make them into lamps shining in dark places. Bring them justice and deliverance. Soften the hearts of their enemies so they may turn to you and live.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Cause the rulers of all nations, especially our own, to heed the words of the prophet: to do justice tempered with mercy, and to care for the poor. We pray that they – and we! – not only refrain from evil, but actively pursue righteousness, and strive to live in peace.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bring healing and hope, justice and mercy to everyone burdened by sin, sorrow, and suffering. Especially we lift before you the needs of: {List}. Shine the light of Christ upon them, and upon all who care for them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, we entrust into your care all our beloved dead, especially those who were salt and light in our lives. Keep us also in your care throughout our earthly pilgrimage. Kindle your kindly Spirit within us, so that we constantly encourage and help one another along life’s way. And for the sake of your beloved Son, who gave himself for us, bring us into your eternal Kingdom, where with all whom he had redeemed, we may gaze upon his face and adore you for your goodness forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

All these things, and whatever else you see that we need, grant to us, dear Father, for the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Let us pray that the light of Christ may shine
upon the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Father, thank you for Jesus and his teaching! We are challenged,
humbled, and empowered by his Beatitudes. Give us a double portion of your Holy
Spirit, so that by your grace, we may begin to live out those Beatitudes, to
your glory and for the blessing and benefit of others.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Grant that your Church should be so filled with, and led by, your Holy
Spirit, that it constantly loves justice, does mercy, and walks humbly before
you, its Lord and God. Fill the Church with the splendor of Jesus’ glory, the
beauty of his holiness, and the sweetness of his love.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make each member of this congregation into disciples of
Jesus, so that we may be a sign of your goodness and mercy to our friends,
families, neighbors, and community.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Raise up pastors, theologians, professors, deacons, and other Christian
leaders who earnestly and patiently seek your will, and who teach others, by
word and by example, to do the same.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Be the light in dark places, the sword and shield
victorious, for our military and first responders, and for all who risk their
life on behalf of others. Give them integrity, courage, and wisdom as they
strive to bring justice and safety in dangerous places. Heal all wounds to body, mind, and soul. Strengthen
their loved ones. Help us to honor their sacrifice and benefit from their
labors.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for our earthly rulers, whether we like them,
agree with them, or voted for them. Conform their minds, hearts, and actions to
your holy will. Help them to strengthen the bonds of affection, trust, and
concord within families and communities.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless, heal, and strengthen everyone who is burdened by
suffering, especially those we name now before you: {List}. We also pray for
women who are pregnant or have recently given birth, especially those whose
health is imperiled; for women who have had an abortion or miscarriage; for
newborn infants, especially those at risk of illness or injury; for all
fathers; and for everyone who cares for and rejoices in the gift of new life.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

As today also commemorates the Presentation of our Lord,
let our constant prayer be that of Simeon as he entrusted his life into God’s
keeping: Now, Lord, you let your servants go in peace; your Word has been
fulfilled. Our own eyes have seen the salvation that you have prepared in the
sight of every people. A light to reveal you to the nations, and the glory of
your people Israel.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in
the beginning, is now, and will be forever, Amen.

All these things, and whatever else you see that
we need, grant to us, dear Father, for the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus
Christ. Amen.

Let us pray that the light of Christ may shine
upon the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Father, thank you for Jesus! We marvel that in all things, even so
small a matter as being presented in the Temple as an infant, he was perfectly
obedient to the Law you gave to your people Israel. Thank you for the
faithfulness and Spirit-led insight of Anna and Simeon. They rejoiced in the
appearance of the Messiah who would, in perfectly fulfilling your Law, abolish
it as the way to the Temple of your loving heart. Lord, let us always live in,
depart in, and eternally abide in your peace.

Lord, in your mercy,
please hear our prayer.

Grant that your Church should be so filled with, and led by, your Holy
Spirit, that it always confesses, praises, blesses, and proclaims Jesus Christ
as Lord, Savior, Messiah and King. Fill it with the splendor of his glory, the
beauty of his holiness, and the sweetness of his love.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make each member of this congregation into disciples of
Jesus, so they, like Anna and Simeon, discern your presence and your will, and proclaim
your goodness and salvation to others.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Raise up pastors, theologians, professors, deacons, and other Christian
leaders who earnestly and patiently seek your will, and who teach others, by
word and by example, to do the same.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Be the light in dark places, the sword and shield
victorious, for our military and first responders, and for all who risk their
life on behalf of others. Give them integrity, courage, and wisdom as they
strive to bring justice and safety in dangerous places. Heal all wounds to body, mind, and soul. Strengthen
their loved ones. Help us to honor their sacrifice and benefit from their
labors.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for our earthly rulers, whether we like them,
agree with them, or voted for them. Conform their minds, hearts, and actions to
your holy will. Help them to strengthen the bonds of affection, trust, and
concord within families and communities.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless, heal, and strengthen everyone who is burdened by
suffering, especially those we name now before you: {List}. We also pray for
women who are pregnant or have recently given birth, especially those whose
health is imperiled; for women who have had an abortion or miscarriage; for
newborn infants, especially those at risk of illness or injury; for all
fathers; and for everyone who cares for and rejoices in the gift of new life.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Let our constant prayer be that of Simeon as he entrusted
his life into God’s keeping: Now, Lord, you let your servants go in peace; your
Word has been fulfilled. Our own eyes have seen the salvation that you have
prepared in the sight of every people. A light to reveal you to the nations,
and the glory of your people Israel.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in
the beginning, is now, and will be forever, Amen.

All these things, and whatever else you see that
we need, grant to us, dear Father, for the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus
Christ. Amen.

Let us pray that the light of Christ may shine
upon the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Lord, sometimes we think you see us only “From a distance.” Sometimes
that’s right where we want you! But in Christ, you have promised to be
God-with-Us, Emmanuel. Be gentle, Father, as you shed your holy light on our
sin-darkened world! And thank you for the grace and comfort of your Holy
Spirit, who helps us to repent and to delight in your “joyous light of glory.”

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Though the world scorns the Cross as folly and stumbling block, give
your Church faith, courage, and wit as it proclaims Christ crucified as the
only means of forgiveness, salvation, and life with you forever. Make it lovely
with the light of Jesus’ strong saving love for us sinners.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bring light and clarity to the people of this
congregation, so that every act of worship, fellowship, outreach, stewardship,
service, study, and support is centered in Christ alone.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for all who are persecuted on account of naming Christ as Lord.
Keep them steadfast in faith and gracious in witness. Soften the hearts of
their tormentors, as you changed the heart of St. Paul himself, and bring them
to repentant faith in Jesus.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray a hard prayer, merciful Father: we pray for
the evil and wicked; for abusers and killers, cheaters and deserters, and those
who commit every sort of despicable act. When their victims cannot forgive, help us to pray the prayer they cannot:
Forgive, dear Lord. Cause the wicked to repent of their evil ways and cling to
the Cross of Christ as their only hope.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Shine the light of reason, charity, justice, and mercy
upon the minds of our earthly rulers. Turn them from every agenda, plan, and
pronouncement that does not serve your will or benefit the people entrusted to
their care. Remind them that they, and all who have power and authority in
society, must give an account of their stewardship to you, the Lord and ruler
of all. And bestow upon us all a measure of your peace.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bring healing, hope, and the light of your dear presence
to everyone who sits in the darkness of suffering, shame, or sorrow. Especially
we plead on behalf of: {List}. Let them, and all who care for them, say with
confident joy: The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear?!

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord, you are the imperishable light, even in the
darkness of death, for all who cling to you. We entrust our beloved dead to
you, and we commend our lives to you as well. Be the lamp to our feet and light
to our path throughout our earthly pilgrimage. For the sake of your dear Son,
lead us, and all whom you are pleased to redeem, into your bright courts of
heaven, and into your endless day.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

All these things, and whatever else you see that
we need, grant to us, dear Father, for the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus
Christ. Amen.

Let us pray that the light of Christ may shine
upon the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Lord, sometimes we think you see us only “From a distance.” Sometimes
that’s right where we want you! But in Christ, you have promised to be
God-with-Us, Emmanuel. Be gentle, Father, as you shed your holy light on our
sin-darkened world! And thank you for the grace and comfort of your Holy
Spirit, who helps us to repent and to delight in your “joyous light of glory.”

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Though the world scorns the Cross as folly and stumbling block, give
your Church faith, courage, and wit as it proclaims Christ crucified as the
only means of forgiveness, salvation, and life with you forever. Make it lovely
with the light of Jesus’ strong saving love for us sinners.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bring light and clarity to the people of this
congregation, so that every act of worship, fellowship, outreach, stewardship,
service, study, and support is centered in Christ alone.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for all who are persecuted on account of naming Christ as Lord.
Keep them steadfast in faith and gracious in witness. Soften the hearts of
their tormentors, as you changed the heart of St. Paul himself, and bring them
to repentant faith in Jesus.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray a hard prayer, merciful Father: we pray for
the evil and wicked; for abusers and killers, cheaters and deserters, and those
who commit every sort of despicable act. When their victims cannot forgive, help us to pray the prayer they cannot:
Forgive, dear Lord. Cause the wicked to repent of their evil ways and cling to
the Cross of Christ as their only hope.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Shine the light of reason, charity, justice, and mercy
upon the minds of our earthly rulers. Turn them from every agenda, plan, and
pronouncement that does not serve your will or benefit the people entrusted to
their care. Remind them that they, and all who have power and authority in
society, must give an account of their stewardship to you, the Lord and ruler
of all. And bestow upon us all a measure of your peace.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bring healing, hope, and the light of your dear presence
to everyone who sits in the darkness of suffering, shame, or sorrow. Especially
we plead on behalf of: {List}. Let them, and all who care for them, say with
confident joy: The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear?!

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord, you are the imperishable light, even in the
darkness of death, for all who cling to you. We entrust our beloved dead to
you, and we commend our lives to you as well. Be the lamp to our feet and light
to our path throughout our earthly pilgrimage. For the sake of your dear Son,
lead us, and all whom you are pleased to redeem, into your bright courts of
heaven, and into your endless day.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

All these things, and whatever else you see that
we need, grant to us, dear Father, for the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus
Christ. Amen.

Let us pray that the light of Christ may shine
upon the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Thank you, Father, for granting such faith to Peter that he could
boldly confess your Son as the Christ. Thank you for promising that the gates
of hell cannot withstand the gracious battering-ram of your faith-filled
Church. Thank you for the forgiveness of sin that the Church pronounces in
Jesus’ name and at his command.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord, cause your Church to boldly confess Jesus as your Son, the Savior
and Messiah of the world. Teach it to
properly discern sin – and to faithfully preach repentance from it. Strengthen
it to generously forgive the repentant sinner, and to be pastoral in
withholding forgiveness from the persistently unrepentant. Use the Church to be
the means by which Jesus draws new disciples to himself and shapes them into
his likeness.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make disciples of everyone in
this congregation. Give us willing and trust-filled hearts. Help us to use our
spiritual gifts to glorify you and build up our community of faith. Make us
bold to tell others, “This is the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless the Church wherever it is persecuted on account of Jesus. By its
patient witness, turn its enemies from hatred to repentance. For missionaries
throughout the world, for our seminaries, church colleges, and schools, and for
all who seek to proclaim the Gospel in word and deed, we also lift our hands,
hearts and voices in fervent supplication.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

This weekend, we celebrate the confession of St.
Peter, and commemorate the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Thank you
for this double witness. Teach us to value one another not based on race,
creed, or gender, but because you have created all people in your image, and
have given your Son as the sacrifice for all our sin. By your Holy Spirit, make
the content of our character reflect your will, so that we treat each other
with respect, justice, and charity.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Enlighten the minds and purify the hearts of those who
take counsel for the nations. Turn them away from the false gods of power,
prestige, and ideology; and teach them your ways. Heal the divisions that beset
our country. Bestow your favor upon it, so that it may always be a beacon of
righteousness, justice and freedom for all.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Stoop down, O Lord, and hear the cry of all who are
afflicted by any kind of suffering or sorrow – especially: {List}. Lift them
out of their desolation; make their footing sure; and put a new song into their
mouths. Restore them to all who love them, that together we may proclaim your
faithfulness and deliverance.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Most gracious Father, we thank you for your faithful
servants who have died to us but whose lives are safely in your hand. Sustain
us with that same strong and merciful hand. Equip us with every spiritual gift
we need to trust and follow Jesus; and to bear the light of his forgiveness and
goodness to everyone around us. And, sustained in fellowship with Christ Jesus,
may we be found guiltless on that day when he is revealed to the world; and
made fit to dwell with him in the glory he shares with you and the Holy Spirit
forever.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

All these things, and whatever else you see that
we need, grant to us, dear Father, for the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus
Christ. Amen.