THE PRAYERS, 

Holy Trinity, Cycle B (May 27, 2018)

In the power of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Gracious Father, bless and preserve your holy Church, purchased with the blood of your dear 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. In all things, make it a lamp filled with the light of your presence, welcoming and guiding many to salvation in your holy Name.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be the shelter, strength, and inheritance of all who are hated because of your holy Name. Give them courage, graciousness, and hope; and soften the hearts of their enemies. Visit with your light and salvation our sister synods and companion congregations; and prosper the work of your missionaries throughout the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Kindle the hearts and minds of the people of this congregation with your Spirit. Unite us to your Son, and use us to proclaim the gospel in words and deeds to all those we meet.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

This weekend in particular, we remember our beloved dead, especially those who have given their lives for their country. Keep them ever in your care; and hasten the day when sin, warfare, and death shall be no more, and your eternal peace reigns undisturbed in every heart.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

There is no other God beside you, who are Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Give your incomparable 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 grant us grace to participate in your loving communion.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

With your mighty hand and outstretched arm, protect, guide and defend all those who stand in harm’s way on behalf of others. Use them to establish safety and order in places of danger and chaos; and bring them home safely and soon.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Dearest Father, gather in your Son’s embrace all who suffer in body, mind or spirit, especially: {List}. Visit them with your salvation; and support them, and all who love, care, and pray for them, with your healing and holy Spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most Holy and Blessed Trinity, we praise and adore you for welcoming into your eternal communion of life and love all who died trusting in you. Keep our hearts firmly fixed on you, the Lord and Giver of life, the Alpha and the Omega, the Creator, Savior, and Renewer of the world. 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.

Gracious Father, through the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, we are bold to ask these things in Jesus’ name. Whatever is in accordance with your will, grant us for your dear Son’s sake. Amen.

THE PRAYERS, 

Day of Pentecost, Cycle B (May 20, 2018) 

In the power of the Holy Spirit, let us pray for the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Come, Holy Spirit, and renew the Church. Fill it with boldness in witnessing to Jesus’ strong saving love. Fill it with faithfulness in proclaiming his Word and celebrating his Sacraments. Fill it with zeal for ministering to all people in his name – especially to the least of those whom he calls sisters and brothers.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Come, Holy Spirit, and renew the faith of your persecuted Church. Give it grace to endure suffering for Jesus’ sake; and grant that its faithful witness may cause many to turn to Christ and live. Kindle the faith and inspire the proclamation of all missionaries of the Gospel, and of our sister congregations and synods.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Come, Holy Spirit, and renew the people and the ministry of this congregation. Fill us with joyfulness in worship; eagerness in service; gentleness in fellowship; generosity in giving; and persistence in faithful witness in Jesus’ name.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Come, Holy Spirit, and stir up the faith in all who are confirmed today. Be for them the true Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear of the Lord, and joy in his presence.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Come, Holy Spirit, and renew the face of the earth. Fill the minds of worldly leaders with wisdom in guiding the nations towards peace and justice. Fill their hearts with humility as they wield power and authority. Fill the spirits of the world’s citizens with love for God, neighbor, and the world around them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Come, Holy Spirit, and bring peace in all places of danger, violence and strife. Fill the minds and direct the actions of all who take up arms in defense of life and liberty. Strengthen and protect them; bless all they do that works for peace and justice; and bring them safely home when their task is done.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Come, Holy Spirit, and bring joy, peace, and healing to all whose need is great, especially: {List}. Fill them with the comfort of your presence and lead them into the joy of your salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Come, Holy Spirit, and cheer the hearts of all who grieve the loss of loved ones. Fill them, and all of us, all with steadfast faith in you, the Lord and Giver of life; in the communion of saints in heaven and on earth; in the forgiveness of sins, in the resurrection of the body; and in the life everlasting.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant us, dear Lord, all that is in accordance with your will, to your glory, and for the building up of your people. Amen.

THE PRAYERS, 

The Seventh Sunday of Easter, Cycle B (May 13, 2018)

(May also be used for the Ascension of Our Lord)

Let us pray in the name of our risen and ascended Savior for the Church, the world, and for all people according to their needs.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, your Church worships and blesses you for the triumph of your Son over the powers of sin, evil and death. We praise you for his ascension to your right hand; and we pray that you would give your Church steadfastness, joy, and boldness to proclaim his rule to all the world, until he comes in glory.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Ease the suffering of all who are persecuted for naming Jesus as Lord; and give gentleness to their words and peace in their hearts. Bring to repentance and humble faith all who torment them. We also ask your gracious favor upon all missionaries of the Gospel, and upon our sister congregations and synods.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

This congregation thanks and praises you for the passion, resurrection, and ascension of Christ our Savior. Grant us grace to live in accordance with his commands; to proclaim his Lordship over the world; and to share his forgiveness and grace with those who need them most.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You care tenderly for your people, especially the littlest who are laid in your arms. We therefore ask your blessing upon all mothers and those who act with a mother’s love. Give them your own patience, steadfastness, tenderness and wisdom. Share your deep gentleness and strong love as they care for their children.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Your Son has ascended on high, and rules as king of all nations. Grant wisdom, humility, and fairness to the leaders of the earth; and teach all people to live together in peace and unity, until the day Christ comes to judge the living and the dead. Bless this nation with peace, honor, and goodness; and conform it to your will.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We lift before you the sacrifices made by all who risk their lives on behalf of others, especially those who have been wounded; we thank you for those who gave their lives in defense of their country; and we ask your blessing and protection upon all who currently. Bless them, their loved ones, and those whose lives they protect and defend.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We lift before you the needs of all whose lives are shadowed by suffering or sorrow— especially: {List}. Grant to them the abundant life promised by Jesus; fill them with the grace and comfort of your Holy Spirit; and bless those who care for them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, as Christ has ascended to heaven to reign in glory forever, we await the coming of that day when we, too, shall live with you and with all of your people in joy and glory everlasting. We entrust into your care those who have died trusting your promised inheritance. Keep us in union with them, with all of your saints, and with you, in the power of your Holy Spirit, for the sake of Christ our Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear and graciously answer our prayers in accordance with your will, dear Father, for the sake of your beloved Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

THE PRAYERS, 

The Sixth Sunday of Easter, Cycle B (May 6, 2018)

Let us pray to our victorious Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their needs.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, bless your Church with the continued power and presence of your Holy Spirit, so that your love fills and overflows it. Nourish it with Word and Sacrament; and through its words and actions, let the world see, desire, and dwell in your love forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Cheer the hearts and strengthen the spirits of all who are persecuted for your Name’s sake, and use their witness to cause many to repent and believe in you. We ask your richest blessing also upon our companion synods, sister congregations, and upon your missionaries throughout the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless the people of this congregation with love, respect, and kindness towards each other, so that others in our community may truly know we are your followers. Fill us with wisdom and prudence, and through the gift of your Holy Spirit, make us glad to obey your commandments.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Cause your love and goodness to flourish in our young adults, so that they may be salt, light, leaven, and example to their friends, fellow students, and coworkers.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Pour out upon the leaders of the nations the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might. Teach them to love justice; to act with mercy toward the poor and hungry in their lands; and to walk humbly before your Father. Grant to all people the blessings of peace and unity on earth.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, bless those in the military and all first responders, with courage, wisdom and integrity. Guide, protect, and strengthen them. Let their labors help create a safe, just world where the innocent may live in peace; and bring them home swiftly when their work is done.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant the refreshment and joy of your life-giving Spirit to all who cry to you for help. Especially we pray for: {List}. Grant them wholeness of body and mind; a joyful and confident hope in your goodness, and the peace which the world cannot give them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, thank you for choosing, forgiving, and saving the faithful who have gone before us. Thank you for working those deeds in us as well. Do whatever is needed so that we may bear the rich fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. And gather us to your eternal Kingdom, where those fruits may fully ripen and be perfected, to your glory and to the delight of all 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.

THE PRAYERS, 

The Fifth Sunday of Easter, Cycle B (April 29, 2018)

Let us pray to our victorious Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their needs.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, grant that your holy Church may always abide in you, and you in it. Make it fruitful in words of faith and hope, and deeds of love. Through its witness, graft many souls to yourself, the living Vine.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give to your persecuted servants the knowledge that they shall bear rich fruit that refreshes and nourishes many hearts. We ask your richest blessing also upon our companion synods, sister congregations, and upon your missionaries throughout the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You are the vine, we are the branches. Keep the people of this congregation united to you and to one another. Help our ministries to bear much fruit in the lives of those around us. Give us joy in knowing and serving you, our Savior and Brother.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Abide in our high school students, so that their lives may be rooted and grounded in you, not the fads and fancies of this world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Prune the hearts of all who take counsel for the nations. Cut away the greed, pride, and lust for power that leads to hatred and violence. Build up everything that enriches the lives of the poor and dispossessed. Grant that the desire to do your Father’s will might abide in the hearts and minds of leaders and peoples everywhere.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have overcome the world; therefore, be the joy and strength of all those who defend us against those things that still trouble our world. Guide, protect, and strengthen them. Prosper all their works that make for peace, safety and justice; and bring them home safely and soon.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant to all who suffer in mind, body or spirit a double portion of your life-giving Spirit. Especially we pray for: {List}. Fill them with your abundant life; keep them steadfast in faith; and strengthen and bless all who care for them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, those who abide in you shall never have death be the last word over them. We thank you for speaking your words of forgiveness and eternal life to all who have fallen asleep in you. Abide with us and in us; and lead us to that place where we shall dwell with you and with all the redeemed, and shall feast at you heavenly Table forever.

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.

THE PRAYERS, 

The Fourth Sunday of Easter, Cycle B (April 22, 2018)

Let us pray to our victorious Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their needs.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, you are the Good Shepherd. Defend the Church from peril; provide for its needs; lead it in paths of righteousness and holiness; and through its ministry, lead many to hear your voice and follow you. Bless pastors and bishops, and make them faithful sheepdogs for your flock.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You are the Faithful Shepherd for all your people who are set upon by wolves and persecutors. Protect, guide, and bless them; and give them such grace under pressure that their enemies may repent of evil. We ask your richest blessing also upon our companion synods, sister congregations, and your missionaries throughout the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You are the Good Shepherd of this congregation. Lead us with your Word; prepare our table with your Body and Blood; teach us to do your will with glad and faithful hearts; and use us to lead many into your safe keeping.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep in your special care our middle schoolers, so they may always hear and heed your voice above the noises and distractions that beset them. Guide them, and all our children, into pathways of righteousness, life, and safety all the days of their lives.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You are the Gate of your sheep. Protect all people from false shepherds; from rulers who care nothing for their welfare; and from all the threatening dangers of this world. Bring peace in places of violence; rich pasture in places of poverty; and true righteousness in places of injustice.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, you are the Rod and Staff of all who stand in harm’s way on behalf of others. Guide, protect, and strengthen them. Prosper all their works that make for peace, safety and justice; and bring them home safely and soon.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You are One who leads us through dark valleys shadowed by suffering. Be the strong Guide and sure comfort of all who call upon you, especially: {List}. Fill them with your abundant life; keep them steadfast in faith; and strengthen and bless all who care for them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, you prepare a place for us even in the presence of our last enemy, death itself. We thank you for leading safely home all those who listened to your voice in this earthly life, especially {List}. Keep us close to your side; and lead us to that place where we shall dwell with you and with all the redeemed, and shall feast at you heavenly Table forever.

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.

THE PRAYERS, 

The Third Sunday of Easter, Cycle B (April 15, 2018)

Let us pray to our victorious Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their needs.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, make you Church so perfectly in your image that, in its words, even unbelievers hear your word of challenge and invitation; and in its deeds, they see your holy love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give your persecuted sisters and brothers the grace to speak St. Peter’s words to their tormentors: “You act in ignorance; repent, believe in him; and be forgiven.”  We ask your richest blessing also upon our companion synods, sister congregations, and your missionaries throughout the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make this congregation bold to proclaim you as our risen Lord. Help us to speak and act in ways that reflect your holiness and love to those around us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant to our young children your dearest blessings. Teach them to trust you with all their heart, and to find happiness in sharing your love with their friends and family.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Deliver the people of this world from the powers of sin, evil, and death. Give them leaders who seek to do your Father’s will; and fill every heart with compassion and uprightness. Especially we pray for our elected leaders, and for the welfare of this country, that in all things your will is accomplished and your people are established in righteousness, liberty and peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give boldness, prudence, and fortitude to those who serve in our military or as first responders. Use their labors to establish justice and peace in chaotic places; keep them safely in your care; and grant them joyous reunions with those who love them when their task is done.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray on behalf of all whose needs of body, soul and mind are great, and especially for those who crave our prayers on their behalf, including: {List}. Transform suffering into patient endurance; sorrow into enduring hope; shame, guilt and sin into hope-filled repentance; despair into repentant new life; and the power of death into living joy.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, you promise your resurrection life to all whom you have redeemed. We thank you for fulfilling that promise to those who have died trusting in you, especially: {List}. Comfort those who mourn; walk with us throughout our life’s journey; and transform us into your blest likeness so that, on that great day when we see you face to face, we may with perfect clarity see you also in the faces of all your saints in light.

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.

THE PRAYERS

The Second Sunday of Easter, Cycle B (April 8, 2018)

Let us pray to our victorious Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their needs.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, breathe your Holy Spirit upon your Church, so that it may never doubt your Resurrection, but always proclaim you as the crucified and risen Savior of the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Pour your Holy Spirit into your persecuted followers, so that their faith in you is unwavering and their witness to you is both gracious and bold.  We ask your richest blessing also upon our companion synods, sister congregations, and your missionaries throughout the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Come with your forgiveness, grace and peace to the people of this congregation. Give us a hunger for your Word; a thirst for your goodness; a vision of your love for each of us; and a desire to serve you by serving others in your name.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Breathe your Holy Spirit upon skeptics, doubters, and all whose confidence in your gracious presence has been shaken by tragedy. Use us to lead them gently into your house. Lift them with your wounded hands; and transform their unbelief into unshakeable faith in you, their Lord and God.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give, we pray, to the leaders of the nations, and to all people entrusted to their care, that peace which the world cannot give. Send your Holy Spirit into the world, so that repentant faith, and deeds of mercy, may bring the light of your saving love to hearts darkened by the powers of sin, evil and death.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Defend with your Holy Spirit all who stand in harm’s way. Give them wisdom, courage, and strength to accomplish their tasks honorably and well. By their labors, bring the blessings of peace and order in war-torn places; and bring them home in safety.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bring the peace of your forgiveness, the healing of your dear touch, and the joy of your salvation to all whose lives are shadowed by suffering to body, mind or soul. Especially we remember before you: {List}. Cheer their hearts, renew their faith, and restore them to fellowship with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, you have been raised from death, and you promise your resurrection life to all m you have redeemed. We therefore entrust into your strong arms the lives of all who have fallen asleep in you. Wipe away the tears of all who grieve; turn our doubt into unshakeable confidence; and grant that all of us may at last see you face to face and cry out in adoration and joy, “My Lord and my God!”

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.

THE PRAYERS

Easter Day, The Resurrection of Our Lord, Cycle B (April 1, 2018)

Let us pray to our victorious Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their needs.

A brief silence

O Lord Jesus, risen gloriously from the dead, we praise, worship and adore you for your victory over our ancient enemies – sin, death and the devil. Fill your Church with the splendor of your life, light and love, until the world and all its people rejoice and sing: “Alleluia, Christ is Risen, He is Risen Indeed!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Impart your deathless love to Christians who suffer bitter persecution even on this holy day. Grant them the joy of your saving help; purge the leaven of hatred and evil from the hearts of their tormentors; and hasten the day when all may fall before your feet in repentance, faith and joy.  We ask your richest blessing also upon our companion synods, sister congregations, and your missionaries throughout the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Crown this congregation with unfading joy, unfailing kindness, undaunted hope, and unceasing praise for your eternal and victorious love. Let all whom we know, meet and serve see your goodness revealed in our words and deeds.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Graciously bless the guests and visitors among us this day. Kindle the hearts of those who do not yet believe that you have conquered sin and death in your own body; and grant them faith to know that you live to bestow health and salvation upon them forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant peace among the nations of the earth, dear Lord; and impart wisdom, integrity, and holy fear to its leaders. Let the light of your Resurrection bring joy, comfort and wholeness to all people – especially those most afflicted by human malice or natural catastrophe; and bring us all into a right relationship with you forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be the strong and righteous arm of all who stand in harm’s way on behalf of others. Make them brave, wise and good. Shield them from the forces of evil and destruction. Heal them when they fall; and fill their loved ones with unconquerable confidence in your triumph over every foe.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We plead on behalf of all who are sick, wounded, abused, imprisoned, despairing, grieving or dying, and for all who crave your mercy, including: {List}. Impart your life and love to them all, so that they may join us in the Psalmist’s words, “I shall not die but live, and declare the works of the Lord!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy and gracious Savior, we thank you for redeeming all who have fallen asleep in your mighty arms. In your mercy, wipe away the tears of all whose grief runs deep. Feed us all with a foretaste of your Kingdom feast. Take away the shroud of sin, suffering and sorrow that troubles this broken world; and give us faith to love, forgive, and serve one another in humble joy and gratitude for your goodness. And, of your grace, raise us up to stand with all the redeemed and sing, “Blessing, honor, glory and might be to God and the Lamb forever! Amen! This is the feast of victory for our God! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!”

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.

THE PRAYERS

Easter Vigil, Cycle B (March 31, 2018)

Let us pray to our victorious Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their needs.

A brief silence

We adore you, O Christ, and praise you for your victory over sin, death, and the devil. Cleanse our hearts and lips to acclaim you as our glorious and beloved Savior, Redeemer, and Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Shatter the hateful words and malicious acts of all who persecute your followers for daring to name you as Savior. Raise up your suffering servants with your wounded yet glorious hands, and grant them courage and joy. By their faithful witness, bring their tormentors to repentance, that together they may sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, 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, that together we may sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Clothe the newly baptized in the festal robes of faith and innocence. Lead them gently 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, 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, 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 may accomplish your will in places of danger and injustice, and may rightly sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, 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, that together we may sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O risen Lord Jesus, those who died trusting you already experience that Easter morning that knows no end. Wipe away our tears, banish our doubts, and fill us with dauntless 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, 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.