December 12, 2021: 3^rd Sunday of Advent

Zephaniah 3:14-20: (Shout for joy, daughter of Zion! God comes as warrior and lover)

Psalm 85: (Show us your steadfast love, grant us your salvation; love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss)

             RCL/ELW: Isaiah 12:2-6: (God is my salvation. Give thanks, sing praise, make his name known)

Philippians 4:4-7: (Rejoice in the Lord always; God’s peace, which passes understanding, guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus)

 Luke 7:18-28 (29-35): (Tell John you have seen the lame walk, the blind given sight, and the poor given the Gospel)

             RCL/ELW: Luke 3:17-18: (Ministry of John, stopping short of being put in prison)

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For the Church, the world, for one another, and for the sake of all people, let us pray to the Lord.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, thank you for the joy, righteousness, peace, and love you lavish upon us in Jesus! Thank you for every moment of healing, forgiveness, and hope that happens in this sin-damaged and death-shadowed world. Thank you for your peace that passes human understanding and endures past human malice. Whatever our circumstances, give us hearts filled with lasting joy and imperishable hope. Give us grace to thank you for Jesus, and to lead others to the joy of knowing him.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make your Church beautiful with faithfulness, holiness, and joy. May its love for Jesus gladden many hearts. Let your persecuted Church rejoice in knowing you are near. Let their gentleness be known to everyone, even their tormentors. Guard all our minds and hearts in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We remember before you those whom it is easy to ignore: prisoners, refugees, and people in mental institutions, nursing homes, or homeless shelters. Help us to shed the light of your love upon them – and also the light of simple human kindness. Help us to speak your word of peace, forgiveness, and salvation to them – and also a word of understanding, encouragement, and friendship.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give your dearest blessing to the people of this congregation. Let us be a people in whom your Word is fulfilled: “Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other. He will speak peace to his people, to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts.”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make the leaders of every nation acknowledge your justice, and govern in obedience to it. Let faithfulness spring up from every human heart, and your righteousness look down from the sky. Strengthen, protect, and guide our military, first responders, and aid workers. Show them your steadfast love and direct their deeds in righteous pathways. Bring the blessing of peace to us all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Help all who suffer to turn to the One who made the deaf hear, the blind see, and the lame walk. We especially pray for: {List}. Give them confidence in you so that they do not worry about anything, but lift their needs to you by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. Grant your peace to them and all who love them, and guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

 Heavenly Father, as we await the coming of your Son in glory, we also anticipate reunion with our beloved dead. Help us comfort all who grieve. Make us gentle, joyful, and steadfast in love. And we pray: rejoice over your people with gladness. Renew us in love. Exult over us with loud singing. Remove from us all sin and evil, so that we will not bear their reproach.  Bring us, with all whom Jesus has redeemed, into your everlasting home, where we shall rejoice in your goodness forever.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

 For all these things; for all we lift before you in the silence of our hearts; and for everything that you know we need, we pray in the name and power of our Lord Jesus Christ, and commend into your mighty and merciful hands.

Amen.

December 5, 2021: 2^nd Sunday of Advent

Malachi 3:1-7b: (I will send my messenger; refiner’s fire; presents God’s people for judgment)

              RCL/ELW: Malachi 3:1-4 (no presentation for judgment)

 Psalm 66:1-12: (You refined and tested us, and brought us into spacious place)

             RCL/ELW: Luke 1:68-79 (the song of Zechariah)

Philippians 1:2-11: (Prayer that they may overflow with love, wisdom, and insight, and be blameless at the day of Christ, having produced harvest of righteousness)

Luke 3:1-14(15-20): (The ministry of John the Baptist)

             RCL/ELW: Luke 3:1-6 (the rest comes next week)

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For the Church, the world, for one another, and for the sake of all people, let us pray to the Lord.

A brief silence

Thank you, dear Father, for promising that not one of your lambs, tended by your Son the Good Shepherd, shall be lost. Thank you that Jesus levels mountains, fills in valleys, and takes every road, until he finds and saves them. Unite us with him, so we, too may seek the lost and lead them to his embrace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make your Church the herald of good tidings, fearless in proclaiming your Word. Through it, grant your comfort to those who are lost and afflicted by sin, sorrow, and suffering. In everything it says and does, may your Church constantly and faithfully announce: “Behold: Here is your God!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Be merciful to our persecuted brothers and sisters who proclaim the name of Jesus even amidst their enemies. Make their witness shine as a light in the world’s darkest places. Pierce the hearts of their tormentors with the truth of the Gospel.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless and prosper the work of this congregation: its pastors and council members, its committee members and other volunteers, and all who worship with us. Keep us steadfast in faith, fervent in worship, radiant in holiness, patient in adversity, and beautiful in our love for you and for your people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant wisdom to our earthly leaders. Use them to raise the poor from depths of despair. Level mountains of injustice and suffering throughout the world. We earnestly pray that nation will no longer raise sword against nation. Guide us all in the pathways of your righteousness and peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

John spoke wise words to soldiers who came to him for baptism. Grant integrity, courage, and competence to our military and first responders. Use them to restore safety and justice in dangerous places. Spare them from death. Heal them in mind and body. Strengthen their families. Bring them home swiftly when their task is done.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Remove the burden of pain and sorrow from the backs of all who suffer, especially {List}. Bring them into a broad and spacious place. Let them rejoice in your goodness and give thanks for their deliverance.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

 Merciful Father, we entrust into your never-failing care our beloved dead. Comfort those whose grief runs deep. Revive our spirits, direct our days and our deeds in your peace, and make us abound in every good work. Strengthen our hearts with the gift of your Spirit, so that we may be blameless at the coming of Jesus. And gather us, with all the redeemed, into your eternal Kingdom, where we shall rejoice in your goodness and righteousness forever.

Lord, in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

 For all these things; for all we lift before you in the silence of our hearts; and for everything that you know we need, we pray in the name and power of our Lord Jesus Christ, and commend into your mighty and merciful hands.

Amen.

November 28, 2021: 1^st Sunday of Advent

Jeremiah 33:14-16 (The righteous branch of David will spring up)

 Psalm 25:1-10 (Be mindful of your mercy, instruct sinners in your way, do not let enemies exult)

 1 Thessalonians 3:8-13 (The Lord make you abound in love, and strengthen hearts in holiness, that you may be blameless at the coming of Jesus)

 Luke 21:25-36 (The Son of Man comes; heaven and earth will pass away, but not my words)

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For the Church, the world, for one another, and for the sake of all people, let us pray to the Lord.

A brief silence

How precious is your love, dear Father, and how vast your mercy! You made solemn promises to Israel – and through them, to the world. In Jesus, your promises find their eternal Yes. Prepare our hearts for his threefold coming among us: As the Babe of Bethlehem, veiled in human flesh. As Head of the Church, veiled in word and sacrament. And as King of the universe, veiled only in robes of light and love, the glorious Yes who fulfills your ancient promises, and our eternal heart’s desire.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fill your Church with your Holy Spirit, so it may instruct sinners in your way. Strengthen it in holiness. Give it boldness to proclaim your Word that shall never pass away. Make it abound in love, especially when persecuted, so that its enemies do not exult, but instead repent and believe the Good News.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the Jews, the flesh and blood kindred of Jesus and our elder brothers and sisters in faith. Banish hatred of them from every heart. Unite us with them in faith toward you and fervent love for one another, under the glorious and gentle rule of the Messiah.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Adorn this congregation with faith, love, mercy, generosity, and holiness. Turn our hearts and hands to adorn with these gifts all who are suffering.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Teach us to live at peace with each other. Help seek your will, not our own. Let us use whatever power and authority we have for the common good. Give wisdom, integrity, and common sense to our elected and appointed leaders, and to all who risk their lives in defense of liberty, justice, health, and peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We plead on behalf of everyone who needs your merciful care and glorious deliverance – especially: {List}. Gladden their hearts, heal their bodies, uphold their spirits with your own Holy Spirit. Surround them with the love and care of all who hold them dear.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Merciful Father, we entrust into your never-failing care our beloved dead, especially: {List}. Ease the sorrow of those whose grief runs deep. Revive our spirits, direct our days and our deeds in your peace, and make us abound in love and in every good work. Strengthen our hearts with the gift of your Spirit, so that we may be blameless at the coming of Jesus. And gather us, with all the redeemed, into your eternal Kingdom, where we shall rejoice in your goodness and righteousness forever.

Lord, in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

 For all these things; for all we lift before you in the silence of our hearts; and for everything that you know we need, we pray in the name and power of our Lord Jesus Christ, and commend into your mighty and merciful hands.

Amen.

November 21: Christ the King Sunday

Daniel 7:9-10,13-14 (Vision of the Son of Man)

 Psalm 93 (The Lord is King, robed in majesty)

 Revelation 1:4b-8 (Vision of the glorified Jesus)

 John 18:33-37 (Jesus before Pilate: What is truth?)

THE PRAYERS 

Let us intercede before the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the sake of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Father, “though the eyes made blind by sin thy glory may not see,” even so, give us eyes to see Jesus.  Give us ears to hear his word of Truth resounding in halls of power. Give us lips to proclaim him as Savior and King of the universe. Give us hearts to adore him.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have made your Son King of creation and head of your holy Church. Bind the Church to Christ with cords of love. Make it unswerving in faith, radiant in holiness, and bold in witness. Use it to draw all people to his Cross, there to acclaim him as Lord, King, and Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have made your Son fairer than the sparkling stars on high. Let the light of his love bring joy to all Christians who suffer for naming Jesus as Lord. May that same light illumine and cleanse the darkness in the hearts of their tormentors. Help us to remember them in prayer, to stand with them in witness, and help them however we can.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have made your Son our Savior and Lord. Fill the people of this congregation with your Holy Spirit, so that in all we say and do, among all people we encounter, we acclaim Jesus Christ as Son of God and Son of man.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have made your Son fairer than sunlight, moonlight, and sparkling stars on high. Give to all who love the beauty of creation a deeper love for the uncreated light and supernal beauty of your Son, the Word by which all worlds were made.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have made your Son Lord of the nations. By your Holy Spirit, conform the hearts of rulers and people to the heart of Christ; and let his peace reign undisturbed in every land.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have made your Son our light, joy, and crown. Let his strong saving love accompany those who serve our country, here and abroad. Fill them with honor, courage, and wisdom. Bring them home in safety when their task is done. Heal and strengthen the wounded. Help them all to transition well into civilian life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have made your Son fairer than woodlands, meadows, and flowers of blooming spring. Let his beauty, healing, and compassion cause all sorrowing hearts to sing. Especially this day we pray for the needs of: {List}

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most gracious Father, you have made your Son to shine more brightly than the angels of heaven. We thank you for the lives of the faithful departed, including {List}, who already see his glory face to face. Fill us with such faith and love that, in your good time, we shall join them in singing, “Glory and honor, praise, adoration, now and forever more be thine.”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For Jesus’ sake, dear Father, graciously hear and generously answer our fervent petitions, to your glory and for the benefit off for whom we pray. Amen.

November 14: 25^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 28

Daniel 12:1-3 (Some will be raised to everlasting life, others to shame)

Psalm 16 (You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy)

Hebrews 10:11-25 (We have confidence to approach God, having been made clean. Let us persevere in faith)

Mark 13:1-13 (Jesus foretells destruction of Temple, persecution of his followers)

             RCL/ELW: Mark 13:1-8 (Omits persecution and testimony)

  THE PRAYERS 

Let us intercede before the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the sake of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Father, we don’t want to hear about persecution, judgment, and destruction! Kindle our hearts, fortify our minds, strengthen our spirits, steel our sinews. Unite us to Jesus, so that we stand strong even in the most difficult trials. For in even those worst times, we’re called to love you – with all our heart, mind, spirit, and strength. And we’re commanded to love our neighbors as ourselves. Give us your Spirit, so we desire and can do your holy will.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless your Church. You have promised that, though temples made by human hands may be destroyed, your Temple of living stones shall abide forever. Purify, preserve, and provide for it through your Holy Spirit. Unite it always to your Son, its Cornerstone and Head; and make it a house of prayer for all nations.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You foretold times of persecution for those who proclaim you as Lord and follow you as Savior. Shield, strengthen and bless all who endure such fiery trials. Help us to remember them in prayer, to stand with them in witness, and to provide tangible help for their physical needs.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Perfect the faith of this congregation, so that we are bold to approach the throne of grace with our prayers and supplications. Conform us to your mind and your likeness. Use us to bring your forgiveness, life, and salvation to those who are estranged from you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give us the wisdom to identify, encourage, and mentor future pastors and theologians. The world is dying for lack of the knowledge of your Lordship. You know the hearts of your people. Touch and kindle them with a passion to proclaim your Son, crucified and risen from the dead to bestow forgiveness unto eternal life, to the people who need your strong Word the most.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless and guide all the peoples of this world. Let them put their trust not in any earthly ruler but in your wise governance and gracious commands. Teach us how to live at peace with one another; to care for the poor and vulnerable in our midst; and to work for the common good, in accordance with your will.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You are King of the nations and the Prince of Peace; and yet in these troubled times, good men and women must stand in harm’s way to defend life and liberty. Guide and strengthen them. Let their labors be a blessing to many. Help us to honor all who have served, especially those who have sacrificed the most on our behalf.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Your dear Son is the Resurrection and the Life. Grant healing to all who suffer, and give them a foretaste of his victory over death.  Especially we pray for: {List}. Bless all caretakers with skill, patience, and compassion. Re-establish bonds of affection and fellowship that have been unraveled by sickness or sorrow.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Holy God, we acclaim you as Lord of Life. Thank you for bestowing your eternal life upon all who died trusting in you. We ask you to guard and guide us safely through this earthly life, with all its troubles, trials, and temptations. Fill us with confidence that we can always turn to you with all our needs and cares. Raise us up on the last day, with all whom you have redeemed. Let us join the chorus of adoration and praise to you: for with your Son and the Holy Spirit, you are our joy, our delight, and our eternal inheritance.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For Jesus’ sake, dear Father, graciously hear and generously answer our fervent petitions, to your glory and for the benefit off for whom we pray. Amen.

November 7: All Saints’ Sunday

Isaiah 25:6-9 (The feast; God wipes away tears, removes shame, destroys death)

Psalm 24 (Who ascends the holy hill of God, enters temple? Those with clean hands and pure hearts)

Revelation 21:1-6a (The new heaven and earth, New Jerusalem; death is no more)

John 11:32-44 (Jesus raises Lazarus)

THE PRAYERS 

Let us intercede before the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the sake of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Thank you, dear Lord, for those forgiven sinners we call saints. Thank you for giving us a glimpse of your glory shining through their words and deeds. Thank you that, in Jesus, you have wiped away all their tears and taken away all their shame. Thank you for promising this to us, too.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Save and defend your Church, purchased with the blood of Christ. Give it righteous pastors and bishops. Defend it when it is attacked. Purify and heal it when it sins. Make it perfect in love and good works. Keep it steadfast in the faith once delivered to the saints, so that one holy Church may bear witness to you, the creator and redeemer of all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give your persecuted Church the blessings promised by Jesus. Let it rejoice in being united to his Passion. Give it the peace that passes human understanding. Grant repentance and faith to all who hate the name of Jesus. Give them grace to bind up the wounds they have inflicted upon the Body of Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Draw to yourself the hearts of this congregation’s members. Guide our minds; fill our imaginations; control our wills, so that we may be wholly yours. Use us as you will, always to your glory and the welfare of your people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Set before us the example of your saints, great and small. Inspire us by their faith, generosity, and compassion. Strengthen us to endure, as they did, hardship and persecution for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified to an unbelieving world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We commend all nations into your merciful care. Let everyone live in peace and be guided by your providence. Give those in authority the wisdom to know your will and the strength to do it. Grant to them – and to all of us! – a double portion of your Spirit, so that justice, mercy, righteousness, and peace may prevail.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Take under your special protection all who are charged with maintaining safety, justice and peace in times and places of danger and violence. Preserve them in justice, honor, and integrity throughout the time of their service; and return them safely to their families.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Comfort with the grace of your Holy Spirit all who are in sorrow or need, sickness or adversity, especially {List}. Give wholeness and hope to all who cry out to you for help. Have mercy on the dying, and comfort the grieving. And to all, grant a measure of your love, shielding them with your tender care.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, we give you thanks for all of our blessed dead who rest now in your care—especially: {List}. Raise them to the glorious life promised to all whom you have redeemed by the Cross and Resurrection of your dear Son. Grant that we, who walk as yet by faith and not by sight, may in the power of your Holy Spirit continue our course on earth with steadfast hope, constant love, and unquenchable joy. Gather us, with all of your people of every time and place, every kindred, tribe, and tongue, at that eternal high feast that celebrates your victory over sin and death, won for us in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For Jesus’ sake, dear Father, graciously hear and generously answer our fervent petitions, to your glory and for the benefit off for whom we pray. Amen.

October 31: Reformation Sunday

Jeremiah 31:31-34 (God’s new covenant will be written on the heart)

Psalm 46 (The God of Jacob is our stronghold!)

Romans 3:19-28 (We are justified by faith, apart from works of the law)

John 8:31-36 (If the Son makes you free, you are free indeed)

THE PRAYERS 

Let us intercede before the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the sake of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Thank you, heavenly Father, for your Holy Spirit. Thank you for his life-giving and purifying fire. Thank you for his gifts of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear of the Lord, and joy in your presence. Thank you for reforming, renewing, and sustaining your one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church on earth.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Pour out that Spirit upon your Church.  Make it your holy habitation. Keep it steadfast in your Word. Strengthen it in the face of temptation and defend it from evil. Reform and purify it from sin and error, and bestow on it your saving peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be the refuge and strength of Christians when they are persecuted for confessing Jesus as Lord. Grant them the strength to endure, even to giving their life, in faithful witness to him. Give us the courage and will to defend their witness, provide for their needs, and boldly confess the faith and the hope we share in Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be to this congregation our help and our redeemer. Gladden our hearts with the joy of your saving love. Empower us to share our joy, and your love, with those who do not know either.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Pour out your Spirit upon the teachers and theologians of the Church. Cause them to hand on, as of first importance, the Gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ. Bless church schools, colleges, and seminaries, that they should write your words upon the hearts of many.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Exalt yourself among the nations, and speak your holy word to the leaders of the world. Establish among all peoples that peace which the world cannot give; and teach us to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly before you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We long for you to break the bow, shatter the spear, and make war to cease throughout the world. Until that day, direct and strengthen all who take up arms in defense of life and liberty. Be their very present help in times of trouble and places of danger. Prosper all they do that accomplishes your will. Bring them home safely and soon.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We lift before you the needs of all whose lives are shaken by suffering. Especially we pray for: {List}. Be in their midst, and let them not be overthrown. Give them your saving help, and say to them, ‘be still, and know that I am God.’ Restore them to health and hope, that they may proclaim the awesome things you have done.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy Lord, we give you thanks for the lives of all your faithful people whom you have claimed and redeemed through the precious blood of Jesus. Grant that we may humbly follow in their footsteps; boldly trust in your promises; faithfully proclaim your Word; and cheerfully serve in your Name. Bring us, through the merits of our Savior, into your Kingdom. There, with all the redeemed, we shall glorify you in the power of your Spirit forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

October 24: 22^nd Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 25

Jeremiah 31: 7-9 (God saves, consoles, and leads back the remnant of his people)

Psalm 126 (Israel’s fortunes restored; those who sowed in weeping bring in the sheaves with joy)

Hebrews 7:23-28 (Our perfect, great High Priest is the blameless eternal Son of God)

Mark 10:46-52 (Blind Bartimaeus is healed and follows Jesus on the way)

THE PRAYERS 

Let us intercede before the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the sake of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Dear Father, thank you for the mercy, healing, forgiveness, and salvation you lavish upon us in Jesus! Give us courage and persistent faith, so we always trust and follow him along his Way.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Purify and shape your Church into the perfect Temple for your Son, our great High Priest. Make it lovely with holiness, beautiful with mercy, and radiant with truth. Use it to enlighten the spiritually blind, and equip it to lead them along Christ’s way.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

As you consoled and healed the remnant of Israel, do so and more for your persecuted Church. Make it rich in faith, hope, and love. By its witness to Jesus, open the eyes of its sin-blinded enemies, and lead them also along Christ’s way.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless this congregation with such lively faith that we always see opportunities to bring other people to Jesus and his healing love. Make us eager to be companions to those who don’t yet know him. Help us to be their guides along Christ’s way.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, blindness isn’t just a metaphor. It’s a physical reality. We lift before you the challenges and needs of those who are impaired in vision, hearing, and mobility. Help us to bring the light of your love and the music of your Word to them. Help us also to provide the assistance, training, and support they need to flourish. Let us be their “guide dogs” along Christ’s way.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Pound into the heads of our country’s leaders some common sense, humility, and virtue. Teach them that power, wealth, and fame matter less than wisdom, justice, mercy, and integrity. Use them to lead their people along your way.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for the brave, wise, and good among us who risk so much to protect life, health, liberty, and justice. Renew and sustain their strength and resolve. Use them to mend communities fractured by sickness, violence, and injustice, and to lead many along your way.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Like Bartimaeus’s friends, we plead that Jesus would bring healing and encouragement to all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit. Especially we plead for: {List}. Bring them healing and hope, light and life. Refresh all who care for them, so together they may walk along your way.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Dear Father, we entrust into your care our beloved dead. Ease the sorrow of those whose grief runs deep. Give us strength to encourage and support each other as we follow our blessed Savior along the way that leads to your spacious house and our eternal homecoming.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Incline your ear to our prayers, dear Lord; and answer them according to your most gracious and holy will, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

October 17: 21^st Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 24

Ecclesiastes 5:10-20 (Pointlessness of amassing wealth)

      RCL/ELW: Isaiah 53:4-12 (Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows)

 Psalm 119:9-16 (How can young remain pure? Follow God’s commandments)

      RCL/ELW: Psalm 91:9-16 (God promises deliverance to those whom he loves)

 Hebrews 4:1-16 (Don’t harden your hearts against God. God’s word sharper than 2-edged sword; we confidently approach High Priest who was tempted but didn’t sin)

      RCL/ELW: Hebrews 5:1-10 (Great high priest is gentle with us: he suffered too)

 Mark 10:23-31 (Hard for rich to enter Kingdom; disciples promised much, with persecution)

      RCL/ELW: Mark 10:35-45 (James and John want special honors; true greatness is in suffering and serving as Jesus does)

THE PRAYERS 

Let us intercede before the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the sake of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Father, thank you for the wealth and pleasures we have. Help us not get too attached to them. Thank you for Jesus’ hard words and loving example. Help us stay forever attached to him.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make your Church rich in faith, generosity, humility, compassion, and witness. Impoverish it with regard to pride, heresy, ingratitude, and fearfulness. Fill it with your Spirit. Conform it always to Christ, your righteous Suffering Servant, and our great High Priest.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Increase the faith, hope, and joy of your persecuted Church. Let the radiance of its faithful witness illuminate the hearts of its foes with your divine mercy.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Protect our congregation from being tempted to cling to treasures instead of sharing them, to your glory and for the benefit of our neighbors. Help us to prefer nothing whatsoever to Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for young adults in our congregation and community. Let them not be preoccupied with possessions or prestige, but seek to please you each day in self-forgetful service and love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We remember before you the poor of the earth, that their suffering might be eased. We pray for the wealthy and powerful, that they may use their gifts wisely and generously. Lead the rulers of the nations in the pathway of your commandments. Teach everyone to find true contentment in seeking and doing your will.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for all who stand between us and the threatening dangers of this world. Keep them faithful, true, and bold. Help them to heal rifts caused by violence and suspicion. Use their gifts to protect justice and freedom. Strengthen them when they falter; support their loved ones; and bring them home safely and soon.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant that all who suffer find hope and refreshment in Jesus’ mercy. We pray this day for {List}. We also plead on behalf of the poor, homeless, and unemployed. Give them the resources and courage they need to succeed. Let us display caring hearts, sound judgment, and practical assistance. Together let us flourish, and serve and glorify you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you, dear Father, for receiving all who have died in the covenant of their Baptism. Keep us always in that covenant. Help us to encourage one another and bear each other’s burdens. Help us to guide our neighbor into Jesus’ presence. Together with all of your redeemed people of every time and place, let us forever rejoice in your goodness, and see you face to face.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Incline your ear to our prayers, dear Lord; and answer them according to your most gracious and holy will, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

October 10: 20^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 23

Amos 5:6-7, 10-15 (seek good, not evil, that you may live)

Psalm 90:12-17 (Teach us to have wise heart; prosper our handiwork)

Hebrews 3:12-19 (Do not have evil, unbelieving heart; exhort against sin)

            RCL/ELW: Hebrews 4:12-16

Mark 10:17-22 (Rich man told to sell all, give to poor, and follow Jesus)

            RCL/ELW: Mark 10:17-31 (adds disciples perplexity over leaving riches, wondering how they’ll be rewarded for following Jesus)

THE PRAYERS 

Let us intercede before the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the sake of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Thank you, dear Father, for the priceless gift of your dear Son. Thank you for the wisdom, mercy, and salvation he brings. Thank you most of all for bringing us close to your heart.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bestow your Holy Spirit upon the Church, so it loves you with heart, mind, and strength. Help the Church to follow Jesus wherever he leads it to preach the Gospel and serve our neighbors. In word and deed, let it equip all people to find their treasure, joy and life in Christ alone.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We remember before you Christians who have been stripped of freedom, health, and even life, because they prize Jesus above all else. Enrich them with the joy of salvation. Through their faithful witness, bring many to repent and believe in Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for blessing our congregation with so many gifts, spiritual and physical. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, so that we always love the Giver more than the gifts.  Help us to willingly share those gifts with the spiritually and physically poor in our community.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Enrich the hearts and minds of students – from preschool through graduate school, and especially students called to be pastors and teachers in your Church. Let them love wisdom, seek understanding, and cling to Christ, their highest good and dearest treasure.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Teach the world’s leaders, and especially those of our own country, to care for people more than prestige; to love justice more than popularity; and to use resources and power for the benefit of all. Grant that they should seek your will above partisan politics or personal gain.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless, guide, and protect our military and first responders. Proper all they do that is in accordance with your will. Help us to support and encourage their loved ones; to heal and help the wounded; and to prize and use their gifts in civilian life when their present duties are done.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We plead on behalf of all who are sick or injured, imprisoned or lonely; addicted or abused. We pray for all who are troubled by the powers of sin, evil, and death.  Especially we remember before you: {List}. Grant them the joy of your saving help. Restore them to health, hope, and communion with you and with those who love and care for them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Gracious Father, keep in your care all who have died trusting in you; and console all whose grief runs deep. Sustain, encourage, and refresh us through the toils and trials of this life. Keep us strong in faith toward you, and fervent in love for one another. Bring us into the joy of your Kingdom. There, with all your people, let us forever feast on your goodness, and delight in adoring our Savior, united in the power and love of your Holy Spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Incline your ear to our prayers, dear Lord; and answer them according to your most gracious and holy will, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.