The Transfiguration of Our Lord, Cycle B (February 14, 2021)

2 Kings 2:1-12 (Elisha sees Elijah being taken up into heaven in fiery chariot)

 Psalm 50:1-6 (Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth)

2 Corinthians 4:3-6 (God has shone in our hearts to give the light of knowledge of

his glory, shown in the face of Christ)

 Mark 9:2-9 (The transfiguration of Christ)

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

With gratitude for the gift of Christ, let us draw near to our heavenly Father in prayer, asking his mercy for the Church, the world, and all who need his loving-kindness.

A brief silence

Most holy Father, thank you for showing us Jesus “unmasked!” Thank you for showing us what we will look like when we truly see him as he is. Even now, “unmask” us enough that other people see Jesus’ forgiveness and love for them, shining through us.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Let your Son rule gloriously in the Church throughout the world. Through its words and deeds, shed the light of Jesus’ forgiveness and mercy on all who need them. Make the Church your new Zion, so that many are drawn to the perfection of Christ’s beauty, and are saved.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Shed the light of Jesus’ love on Christians who suffer at the hands of others for his sake. Let that holy love touch, purify and transform them and even those who hate them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Give grace to this congregation. Let all who gather here in Jesus’ name day by day see him more clearly, love him more dearly, and follow him more nearly.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We ask a special blessing on little children – not only those dear to us, but each of them throughout the world.  Shelter them from every evil. Shine the light of your love upon them. Give them the grace to hear Jesus’ voice in our words, and to see his dear face in our deeds.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Moses the Lawgiver and Elijah the Prophet bore witness to your Son, the King of the nations. Grant their wisdom and righteousness to the leaders of the world. Through their decisions and actions, let them bear witness to their coming King. Help them use authority with wisdom and integrity. Help them to lead their people into paths of justice, righteousness, and peace.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Clothe in the armor of light all who risk their lives to protect the innocent and to defend liberty and justice. Grant that all they do may serve your purpose. Help us to honor their service; care for their wounds; support their families; and rejoice when their tasks are completed.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We beseech you to shed the light of your strong saving love upon all who sit in the darkness and shadows of pain, fear, loneliness, despair or sorrow. Especially we name before you: {List}. Let them see the light of your countenance, and grant them your saving help.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Father, through the passion, death and resurrection of your dear Son, you bestow the imperishable light of your glory to all who die trusting in you. We commend into your keeping our departed loved ones. Let Christ be the lamp to our feet and the Light to our pilgrim path. Give us ears eager to listen to him and eyes willing to see him, alone, in every circumstance of life. Bring us to that day when, with all the redeemed, we gaze upon his face and worship him in the splendor of light and life which he shares with you and the Holy Spirit, God forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Graciously hear, and generously answer our prayers and petitions, dear Father, as may be best for us and to your greater glory, thorough your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

4^th Sunday after Epiphany, Proper 3, Cycle B (February 7, 2021)

Isaiah 40:21-31 (Those who trust the Lord will renew strength, rise like eagles)

Psalm 147:1-11,20c (The Lord cares for creation, lifts up downtrodden)

1 Corinthians 9:16-23 (Paul became all things to all people so some may be saved)

Mark 1:29-39 (Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law, then many people))

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

With gratitude for the gift of Christ, let us draw near to our heavenly Father in prayer, asking his mercy for the Church, the world, and all who need his loving-kindness.

A brief silence

Father, we know that “Becoming all things to all people” doesn’t mean selling out, being hypocrites, or lying. It means understanding other people so well that we know the best word or action that might lead them one step closer to trusting and loving Jesus. Give us that kind of sympathy and wisdom, so that by all means, some may come to faith in him!

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Renew and strengthen your Church. Grant wings to its words, so that hearts are touched by the Gospel of salvation. Make it swift speak and enact forgiveness and mercy in your name. Make it tireless in bearing witness to you. Conform it to your will. Use it to draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Renew and strengthen all who suffer for the sake of Jesus. Help them to constantly trust in his love.  Help us, who do not experience such suffering, to pray for them; defend them; provide for them as we are able; and to live in a way that glorifies you and honors their witness.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Renew and strengthen this congregation. Give us confidence to willingly wait upon you for guidance, and to gladly obey what you command. Use us to encourage our families, friends and neighbors, especially those who most need to know your love.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Renew and strengthen your servants who are nearing or are in retirement. Fill them with your Spirit, so that they may continue to walk tirelessly in the way of faithfulness and service which you set before them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Renew and strengthen the leaders of the nations. Grant them wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear of the Lord. Guide them to care for their people, especially the poor and all who suffer from natural disaster or manmade calamities. Make all of us eager to learn what makes for righteousness and peace in our communities and world.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Renew and strengthen all who work to bring us justice, safety, and healing in these troubled times. Grant them courage and integrity, and use their labors to accomplish your will. Shield them and their loved ones from harm.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Renew and strengthen all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit—especially {List}. Give them hope: to wait upon your gifts of health and wholeness. Give them faith: to rise above doubt, despair and sorrow. Give them your love, shared through each of us: to strengthen, shield, and surround them always.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Most blessed and glorious Lord, thank you for the great and final healing you bestow upon all who died clinging to your promises. Grant us joy in sorrow; patience in suffering; courage in danger; wisdom in choosing; compassion and mercy in service. Vouchsafe to us the joy of being welcomed, with all whom you have healed from sin and death, into your eternal kingdom.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Graciously hear, and generously answer our prayers and petitions, dear Father, as may be best for us and to your greater glory, thorough your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

4^th Sunday after Epiphany, Proper 3, Cycle B (January 31, 2021)

Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (I will raise up a prophet, put my words in his mouth;

listen to him alone)

Psalm 111 (God is faithful and just; praise him for his righteous deeds)

1 Corinthians 8:1-13 (Caring for brethren with weak consciences;

eating food offered to idols)

Mark 1:21-28 (Jesus drives out a demon in Capernaum on Sabbath)

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

With gratitude for the gift of Christ, let us draw near to our heavenly Father in prayer, asking his mercy for the Church, the world, and all who need his loving-kindness.

A brief silence

Holy God, thank you for being stronger than the demons, doubts, and despair that trouble us. Thank you for bold prophets, faithful teachers, gentle caretakers, and ordinary saints who serve you by mentoring, guiding, healing, and challenging us. Give us grace to go and do likewise.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Raise up in your church leaders to faithfully speak your Word with boldness, clarity, and charity. Give its members hearts that listen with faith, obedience, and gladness. Give to those who have not heard or heeded your Word, ears to hear rightly, ponder patiently, and believe firmly.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Give your persecuted disciples steadfastness, courage, and gentleness of heart, to rightly confess Christ before their enemies. By your mercy, bring their tormentors to repentant faith.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We ask your dearest blessings upon this congregation, so that in all we say and do, we proclaim the strong saving love of Christ. Strengthen our families, and make them into havens of safety, grace, and forgiveness.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Have mercy upon all who are tormented by mental illness; post-traumatic stress; substance abuse; or anything else that clouds minds, distorts personalities, and shatters souls. Give them release from whatever has demonic control over their lives. Restore peace, sanity, relationships and hope to them and to their loved ones.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Drive out from this world the demons of hatred, violence, apathy and injustice. Fill the hearts and minds of earthly leaders, and the people entrusted to their care, with your Holy Spirit. Give us all a passion for caring for our neighbors, especially those who are despised and afflicted; and grant us your peace.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Grant healing, strength, comfort and hope to all who are wounded in body, mind, or heart— especially {List}. Shield them from ever power of evil; drive from them the demons of despair; restore them to wholeness and to the company of all who love them; and fill them with the blessed peace of your Holy Spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Merciful Father, keep safe all who have died trusting in you. Comfort those who mourn.  Defend us in the presence of our enemies – sin, evil and death. Lead us into your eternal and glorious Sabbath rest, in which peace, wholeness and holiness are restored to all whom you have redeemed.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Graciously hear, and generously answer our prayers and petitions, dear Father, as may be best for us and to your greater glory, thorough your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

3^rd Sunday after Epiphany, Proper 2, Cycle B (January 24, 2021)

Jonah 3:1-5, 10 (Jonah preaches, Nineveh repents, God has mercy)

 Psalm 62:5-12 (God judges all justly; trust in him)

1 Corinthians 7:29-31 (the time as short; live accordingly)

Mark 1:14-20 (time fulfilled, Kingdom near, repent; I will make you fishers of men)

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

With gratitude for the gift of Christ, let us draw near to our heavenly Father in prayer, asking his mercy for the Church, the world, and all who need his loving-kindness.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, yet again you show your patience, even when we are slow to understand, obey, and proclaim your Word. We are often so much like Jonah! Forgive us when we are half-hearted, or worse, grumpy when someone we dislike actually repents.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You called Jonah to preach repentance to Nineveh; and your Son called his disciples to proclaim repentance and the coming of your Kingdom.  Give your Church boldness to preach of judgment, repentance, and forgiveness. And give it graciousness, so that many should gladly turn to Christ Jesus and be saved.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Many don’t want to hear your call to repent and believe the Good News. Some don’t tolerate those who do believe. Because of that, Christians suffer throughout the world. Have mercy on your servants; and do not let their witness falter.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Have mercy when, like Jonah, we want to run from the tasks you have called us to do! Renew our faith. Give us words that lovingly call others to repentance and trust in you. Shape our actions to model Jesus’ compassion. Help us to rejoice when someone surprises us with repentance or new-found faith.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray this day for our members in their middle years. Grant them the fire and enthusiasm of youth, and the wisdom and humility that comes with years. Form them into fishers of men and women, eager to make disciples for your Kingdom

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless the leaders of all nations, especially our own. Give them integrity, wisdom, humility, and sound judgment. {We pray for our President and vice-president, and for all who have taken an oath of office to serve the people of this nation in accordance with the Constitution.} Give us grace to live in concord and unity with one another. And give us peace.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We lift before you the needs of the lonely and bereaved; the forgotten and abandoned; the abused—and their abusers. Whatsoever they need, grant in double measure. Especially we plead on behalf of loved ones who seek our prayers, including: {List}. Grant them faith to firmly cling to your promise of health and salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Holy Lord, we remember with reverence and affection our departed loved ones. Keep us united with them in bonds of faith and love. Turn our hearts in repentance and trust toward you. In your good time, deliver us into the fullness of that blessed Kingdom announced and promised to us by your beloved Son. With all the redeemed, let us praise and adore you forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Graciously hear, and generously answer our prayers and petitions, dear Father, as may be best for us and to your greater glory, thorough your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

2^nd Sunday after Epiphany, Proper 1, Cycle B (January 17, 2021)

1 Samuel 3:1-20 (the call of Samuel to be a prophet)

Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 (I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

you knew me in the womb)

 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 (the body made for the Lord; you are a temple

for the Holy Spirit)

John 1:43-51 (Jesus calls Philip and Nathaniel)

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

With gratitude for the gift of Christ, let us draw near to our heavenly Father in prayer, asking his mercy for the Church, the world, and all who need his loving-kindness.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, thank you for being so patient with us! Thank you for calling us to be your disciples and prophets, teachers and pastors, servants and saints and even fools for Christ. Thank you for using simple words to reveal profound truth. Help us to do the same as we share your Word with those who don’t know you well.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You called Samuel to be your prophet; and your Son called Philip and Nathaniel to be his disciples. Fill the Church with your Holy Spirit, so that hears and heeds Jesus’ call to follow him. Give it preachers, professors, and people who are faithful to your Word.  Through their words and deeds, draw many to trust in Him who is the salvation of the whole world.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Purify and perfect all who suffer on account of Christ. Lead them in your everlasting way. By their faithful witness, turn the hearts of their tormentor to repentant faith in you.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless this congregation as we seek to do your will. Keep us steadfast in faith.  Conform us to Christ our Lord. Use us to bring the Gospel to those who need to hear it most.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We remember with gratitude the life, words, and work of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Thank you for raising him up as your servant. Help us to honor him, and to glorify you, by finding good and gracious ways to extend the blessings of liberty, justice, and equality to all people.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You know the inmost thoughts of all; none can flee your presence. Shine the light of your wisdom into the hearts of earthly leaders. Teach them your ways; take all wickedness from them; and use them to establish your will among all people. Help us to live in peace with our neighbors, striving always to outdo one another in showing honor, kindness, justice, and mercy.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for medical researchers, and for all who are stretched thin caring for the sick, administering vaccines, and helping to keep businesses, churches, schools, and communities open and safe. Strengthen, guide, and bless them. Give us prudence and patience, forbearance and kindness, in these trying times and always.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Send the power of your Holy Spirit into the hearts of all who suffer, especially {List}. Fill them with health and hope; bless all who minister to them; and let the radiance of your Son’s love gladden their hearts.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Most merciful Father, we thank you for the lives of your servants who followed you in this life and now abide in your presence. Grant that we, too, heed your gracious invitation, given through your dear Son. Make us into living temples of your Spirit. Lead us into your presence with Samuel and all the faithful people of Israel; with Nathaniel and Philip and all the apostles, martyrs, and saints of your Church. Grant that, with them, we rejoice forever in the salvation you have accomplished for us in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Graciously hear, and generously answer our prayers and petitions, dear Father, as may be best for us and to your greater glory, thorough your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Baptism of Our Lord, Cycle B (January 10, 2021)

Genesis 1:1-5 (God creates light)

Psalm 29 (the voice of the Lord upon the waters)

Acts 19:1-7 (baptism in name of Jesus);

Mark 1:4-11 (the Baptism of Jesus)

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

With gratitude for the gift of Christ, let us draw near to our heavenly Father in prayer, asking his mercy for the Church, the world, and all who need his loving-kindness.

A brief silence

Most holy God, give us ears to hear your voice thundering amid the floodwaters of this world. Give us lips to cry “Glory!” Give us hearts to love you above all things. Give us faith to trust you in all things.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Fill the Church with your glory. Make it faithful in proclaiming your promise of salvation to those who do not know you. Let it rejoice when many repent, believe, and are joined to the Body of Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Guide, guard and bless your persecuted servants throughout the world. Let your Word be found upon their lips and in their hearts. By their faithful witness, lead even their enemies to the light of your salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Let your Word thunder in this congregation. Unlock our lips to cry “Glory” and proclaim your holy Name in word and deed. Conform our lives to the image of Christ. Let the light of his holy and forgiving love shine brightly in all we say and do.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Pour your Spirit upon those who waver between doubt and faith, despair and hope, rebellion and repentance. Nudge them to take the next small step of faith, even if it feels like a giant leap. Help us to walk with them along that path.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Let your Word shape the minds, hearts and wills of our elected and appointed leaders. Fill all of us with your Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear of you, and joy in your presence. Banish those things which lead to hatred and suffering. Speak your Word of peace to us all.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Be the shield, light and safety of all who risk their lives for the sake of others. Give them such integrity and strength of character that the innocent and defenseless may always look to them for help. When their work is done, bring them home in safety to their loved ones.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Let your living Word bring health, wholeness and hope to all who suffer, especially: {LIST}. Bless all who minister to them; and let the radiance of your Son’s love gladden their hearts.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We thank you, heavenly Father, for your powerful voice that splits open the tombs of your servants, and calls them out of death into eternal life. Give comfort and strength to all who grieve. Protect and guide for each of us, until we join those who continually cry “Glory” in your blessed presence, and dwell with you in the splendor of eternal light and life that you share with your Son and the Holy Spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Graciously hear, and generously answer our prayers and petitions, dear Father, as may be best for us and to your greater glory, thorough your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE PRAYERS, 

2^nd Sunday after Christmas, Cycle B (January 3, 2021)

With joy and gratitude for the gift of Christ our Savior, let us draw near to God the Father, praying on behalf of the Church, the world, and all who need his loving-kindness.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, thank you for Jesus. Thank you for your love, made flesh in his flesh. Thank you for the glorious inheritance you have prepared for all who love him.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Transform your Church into a Temple worthy of your Son. Fill bishops, pastors, theologians and deacons with wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear of the Lord, that all may have joy in your presence. Draw many through its doors to meet Jesus their Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Grant to all Christians who are persecuted a foretaste of the glorious inheritance you have stored up for them in Christ. Fill them with wisdom and faith. Let them confound and convert their tormentors. Give us grace to provide for their needs and speak in their defense.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Give the people of this congregation wisdom, faithfulness, kindness, generosity and joy. Fashion this church into a temple that is lovely with the light of Christ. Make us true sisters and brothers to our elder Brother, Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for all theologians and instructors in the faith – especially those who teach future pastors. Give them hearts centered in Christ; minds that delight in your commands; mouths that speak faithful words of your Law and Gospel; and souls that are pure and holy as they guide and shape those whom you call to be your servants.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make the world’s leaders desire wisdom. Equip them to seek the good of the people entrusted to their care. Teach them to fear and love you above all earthly power or riches. Bestow upon this death-shadowed a foretaste of your eternal life and peace. Grant that this New Year may bring hope, prosperity, health and concord to all.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We plead on behalf of all whose lives are clouded by sorrow or shadowed by suffering – especially: {List}. Bring them healing and hope. Help us to ease the burdens of those who care for loved ones day in and day out. And bless with compassion and competence all who practice the healing arts.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Dear Father, thank you for the gift of your Son, and for the salvation you give to all who call upon his Name. We entrust our beloved dead into your care. Shed the light of your love upon those who grieve. Bestow your Spirit upon all of us in this New Year. Renew us in faith, strengthen us for service, and unite us in bonds of concord and charity. Lead us, and all whom you have redeemed, into the bright courts of heaven, and into your endless day.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

THE PRAYERS, 

1^st Sunday after Christmas, Cycle B (December 27, 2020)

Or St. John, Apostle and Evangelist (add these italicized petitions)

O come, let us adore Christ our Lord, and kneel before him with our prayers and supplications.

A brief silence

Father, we praise you for your Word made flesh, Jesus Christ our Savior. {We thank you for St. John, the Beloved Disciple, who knew and loved him so well.} Let Jesus fill us with grace and truth, so that our joy may be complete.

Provide the Church with pastors, bishops, and theologians who teach and admonish your people in all wisdom. ^*17By the gift of your Spirit, let the Church’s every word and deed

be in the name of the Lord Jesus, to your glory and for the good of all whom he came to save.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for those who are persecuted for the sake of Jesus. They are your chosen ones, holy and beloved. Adorn them with compassion, meekness, and patience. Let the peace of Christ rule their hearts, so that their tormentors repent, and flee to the Savior for forgiveness.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make this congregation a company of the upright. Let us delight in, study, and proclaim your mighty works of salvation. ²Clothe us with love, binding us together in perfect harmony. Let our lives display your redeeming power. Help us to draw our neighbors, friends, and families to faith in your dear Son.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless grandparents, parents, and all who share with our children the joy of knowing you. Let them cradle little ones in your love and goodness.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Give our earthly leaders the holy fear that is the beginning of wisdom. Help them to study your works and perform your precepts. Let faithfulness and uprightness, graciousness and mercy, guide those who take counsel for the nations. Bestow upon all peoples the blessings of food, shelter, health, employment, justice, and peace.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Angels proclaimed peace and good will at Jesus’ birth. But many evils still trouble the world. Shield and guide all who risk their lives on behalf of others. Prosper all they do that conforms to your will. Give their loved ones hope and patience. Bring healing and comfort to the wounded, and redemption to the fallen. Establish your peace among us all, that weapons of war can be fashioned into instruments of your peace.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Be gracious and merciful to all whose lives are shadowed by suffering in this season of light, especially: {List}. Grant that they behold your salvation,³¹ dwell in your love, and glorify you in the company of all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Dear Father, you have bestowed on our beloved dead the fullness of your salvation, and we commend them into your care. While we walk the pilgrim-path of life, grant that your dear Son should dwell in us richly, filling us with peace, love, forgiveness, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. For these are the gifts of Christmas that shall last forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Receive our prayers, dear Father, for the sake of your dear Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

THE PRAYERS, 

Christmas Eve, Cycle B (December 24, 2020)

Christmas Day (December 25, 2020)

O come, let us adore Christ our Lord, and kneel before him with our prayers.

A brief silence

O Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing: enflesh yourself in your Church. Let all its words and deeds “speak you,” the Living Word. Let the Church be a star of hope, burning in the world’s darkness. By its deeds of mercy, draw many to kneel in awe and wonder before you, and there find life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O loveliest blooming rose, adorn the suffering of your persecuted followers with the beauty of your love. Be their refuge and Lord. Gladden their hearts. Shine so brightly in their lives that their tormentors turn to you in repentance and faith.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

O mighty king and gentle friend, be all that and more to this congregation. Let us know, proclaim, and share you as heaven’s gift and treasure. Caress us with your blessing. Heal our hearts. Let all our words and deeds help families, friends, and neighbors to love and praise you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Jesus, our Emmanuel, you lay your glory aside “to raise each child of earth.” Bring light and life to those who do not know you or believe that you are God, veiled in human flesh. Give them eyes to see your divine love, and hearts to enthrone you as Lord, God, and King.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Heaven-born Prince of Peace, reconcile all peoples and nations, all races and tribes, under your glorious and gentle rule. Lift up all whose forms bend low beneath life’s crushing load. Free them from all that afflicts them. Make us all, from greatest to least, children of your light, and partakers of your peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Savior of our fallen race, bestow a measure of your peace to all who stand in harm’s way, protecting others, in this death-shadowed world. Renew their courage; purify their hearts; and use their labors to bring hope and healing in communities fractured by hatred and violence.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Savior, child of Mary, you felt our human woe. Bring healing, peace, and hope to all who suffer and to all who mourn, even on this holy and joyful night. O Sun of Righteousness, rise upon them with healing in your wings!

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Savior, King of Glory, you have triumphed over our ancient foes: sin, evil, and death. Thank you for your love, which guarded, guided, and kept our loved ones in your care until their life’s end. And now, Lord Jesus, dearest friend: Bring us at length to heaven and into your endless day. With all whom you have redeemed, let us praise, adore, and delight in you; for with your Father and the Holy Spirit, you live and reign forever and ever and unto the ages of ages.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be near us, Lord Jesus; and hear when we pray. Stay by us forever and love us always. Bless all your dear children in your tender care. And fit us for heaven, to dwell with you there. AMEN.

The Lessons, Hymns, and Prayers, 4^th Sunday in Advent, Cycle B (December 20, 2020)

2 Samuel 7:1-11,16 (David won’t build God’s house; God promises David’s house will endure)

Luke 1:46b-55 (Magnificat) (ELW alternate: Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26)

Romans 16:25-27 (Mysteries long hidden now revealed; final blessing)

Luke 1:26-38 (Annunciation of Gabriel to Mary)

Opening hymn: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (LBW #34, ELW #257, LSB #357)

(if you didn’t use this the 1^st Sunday in Advent. Or, heck, even if you did!)

Hymn of the Day: My Soul Now Magnifies the Lord (LBW #180, ELW #573, LSB #934)

OR I Will Greatly Rejoice in the Lord (LSB #929, Chanted Canticle)

OR The Angel Gabriel From Heaven Came (WOV #632, ELW #265, LSB #356)

Communion Hymn #1: O Jesus So Sweet, O Jesus So Mild (LSB #546)

OR O Little Town of Bethlehem (LBW #41, LSB #361, ELW #279)

Communion Hymn #2: Lo, How A Rose E’er Growing/Blooming

(ELW #58, ELW #272, LSB #359) (ELW and LSB use the familiar words and harmonization) 

Closing Hymn: Let Our Gladness Have No End (LBW #57, ELW #291, LSB #381)

                OR My Soul Proclaims Your Greatness (ELW #251)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

THE PRAYERS

Based on the Great O-Antiphons, which are paraphrased in “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”

Let us pray to the Lord on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

O come, O come, Emmanuel, that the Church, your people Israel, and the whole world may rejoice in the splendor of your appearing.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Wisdom, proceeding from the mouth of the Most High, fill the Church with your Spirit. Sustain and order its proclamation and its works of charity, especially in the presence of its enemies, according to your most holy will. Come, and teach us prudence.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Emmanuel, the ransom of your people Israel: deliver also your persecuted Church from torment. Keep it patient, faithful, and steadfast. Help us to honor their witness and provide for their needs. Turn their tormentors from their evil ways. Come; and teach them courage.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Adonai, ruler of the House of Israel, rule also in the hearts and lives of your people in this congregation. Give us your Word and show us your glory. Come; and make our hearts glad.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Bright and Morning Star, you gladden the hearts of those who sit in darkness. Shine upon all who are overwhelmed by grief, despair, doubt, anger, confusion, hatred, or unbelief. Come; and lead them into the brightness of your holy love.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O King of the nations, the ruler they long for, unite all people under your glorious and gentle reign. Teach us those things that make for peace. Come and save us all, whom you formed out of clay.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Root of Jesse, you stand as an ensign before the peoples. Guard and guide all who stand in harm’s way in defense of justice and freedom. Come quickly, and deliver them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Key of David, you open what no one can close; you close what no one can open. Free those imprisoned by the powers of sin, evil, and death, especially {LIST}. Come, and close the path to misery.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Dayspring, splendor of life everlasting, keep safe in your mighty arms all those who died trusting in your promises. Come and enlighten us, who still sit in the shadow of death; and open wide our heavenly home.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Graciously answer our prayers for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen.