Prayers of the Church, St. Luke, Evangelist – October 18, 2020

In the power of the Spirit, let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the world, the Church, and one another.

A brief silence is kept.

Thank you, dear Lord, for St. Luke. Thank you for his orderly, clear, loving portrait of Jesus’ words and deeds. Thank you for his remembrance of the founding of your holy Church. Help us to treasure his words; to follow his Savior and ours; and to proclaim the Gospel of salvation to the ends of the earth.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Imprint the blessed image of your dear Son upon the Church. Conform its worship and teaching to the Gospel proclaimed to Jew and Gentile alike. Use it to lead many people to a living faith in Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for our fellow Christians who suffer persecution because they name Jesus as Lord. By their faithful witness, lead their enemies to repentance and amendment of life.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Help this congregation to render to you all honor, glory, worship, and praise. Help us to render to one another the kindness, forgiveness and compassion which is their due. And help us to render to our neighbors the love, respect, and justice which you command.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You called Luke to write his Gospel and the book of Acts. Today you call men and women to proclaim your word to a world as pagan and brutal as in Luke’s own time. We ask your blessing upon seminarians, missionaries, and all teachers, theologians, and writers who share the Good News. Make them faithful, eloquent, zealous and gracious. Let their ministry be a blessing to many.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Until your peace reigns undisturbed throughout the world, direct the thoughts, words and actions of our military personnel, police, first responders, and all who risk their lives to bring safety and justice to others. Prosper all they do that serves your will. Bring healing to the wounded, hope to their families, and honor to all who have honorably served.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

As you anointed Cyrus to accomplish your will for Israel when it was captive, we ask that you anoint the leaders of this and every nation upon earth. Equip them to do whatever accomplishes your will for all who are captives to injustice, poverty, or violence. As many of us are preparing to vote in an important national election, teach us to put our trust in you, to seek your will for the nation, and to live honorably, peaceably, and kindly with one another.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We plead on behalf of all who are afflicted by pain, sorrow, turmoil, or any other assault of the Evil One. Especially we lift before you the needs of: {List}. Come to their aid; heal all that is wounded; and restore them to wholeness of body, mind, and spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Holy Father, we entrust into your never-failing care our beloved dead. Continue in us the work, begun at our Baptism, which fashions us into the blessed likeness of your dear Son. Grant us faith, through your Holy Spirit, to commend ourselves, one another, and our whole lives to Christ our Lord. Bring us into that eternal Kingdom where we shall see him face to face, and shall behold his image, perfectly restored, in the faces of everyone whom you have redeemed by his blood.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

For Jesus’ sake, grant the fulfillment of all we ask that conforms to your holy will. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, 20^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 24 – October 18, 2020

In the power of the Spirit, let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the world, the Church, and one another.

A brief silence is kept.

Thank you, dear Lord, for creating us in the image and likeness of your beloved Son. Thank you for making us his image-bearers to a world seduced by idols, pretenders, and fakes. Give us a double portion of your Spirit, so we constantly honor and serve Jesus, and show him to everyone we meet.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Imprint the blessed image of your dear Son upon the Church. Conform its worship, teaching, fellowship and outreach to his likeness. By faithful proclamation of your Word, and through right administration your Sacraments, use your Church to lead many people from vain idols to life-giving trust in you, the true and only God.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for our fellow Christians who suffer persecution because they refuse to render to anyone or anything that true worship and love that is due to you alone. By their faithful witness, lead their enemies to repentance and amendment of life.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Help this congregation to render to you all honor, glory, worship, and praise. Help us to render to one another the kindness, forgiveness and compassion which is their due. And help us to render to our neighbors the love, respect, and justice which you command.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Sometimes we who bear Christ’s name display such a blurred, shabby, and distorted image of him that others are scandalized and dismayed. Forgive us, and sanctify us, so that Jesus’ love and mercy shine clear and bright in our lives, to his glory and for the sake of those he came to save.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Until your peace reigns undisturbed throughout the world, direct the thoughts, words and actions of our military personnel, police, first responders, and all who risk their lives to bring safety and justice to others. Prosper all they do that serves your will. Bring healing to the wounded, hope to their families, and honor to all who have honorably served.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

As you anointed Cyrus to accomplish your will for Israel when it was captive, we ask that you anoint the leaders of this and every nation upon earth. Equip them to do whatever accomplishes your will for all who are captives to injustice, poverty, or violence. As many of us are preparing to vote in an important national election, teach us to put our trust in you, to seek your will for the nation, and to live honorably, peaceably, and kindly with one another.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We plead on behalf of all who are afflicted by pain, sorrow, turmoil, or any other assault of the Evil One. Especially we lift before you the needs of: {List}. Come to their aid; heal all that is wounded; and restore them to wholeness of body, mind, and spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Holy Father, we entrust into your never-failing care our beloved dead. Continue in us the work, begun at our Baptism, which fashions us into the blessed likeness of your dear Son. Grant us faith, through your Holy Spirit, to commend ourselves, one another, and our whole lives to Christ our Lord. Bring us into that eternal Kingdom where we shall see him face to face, and shall behold his image, perfectly restored, in the faces of everyone whom you have redeemed by his blood.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

For Jesus’ sake, grant the fulfillment of all we ask that conforms to your holy will. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, 19^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 23 – October 11, 2020

In the power of the Spirit, let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the world, the Church, and one another.

A brief silence is kept.

Dear Father, you promise to throw a splendid and never-ending wedding feast for all whom you redeem through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Sometimes we act like it’s no big deal. Sometimes we look forward to the entertainment, so to speak, more than being joined to our heavenly Bridegroom in an eternal embrace of love and life. Thank you for your patience and kindness. Open our eyes and hearts to the rapturous joy you have set before us. Keep us forever centered in Jesus, our Savior and our true love.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You have made the Church the bride of your beloved Son. Make it radiant with faithfulness and lovely with holiness. Adorn its words and deeds with such grace, that through them, many people may hear your invitation and gladly partake of your wedding-banquet of salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Prepare a table for your persecuted people in the presence of their enemies. Feed them with patience, perseverance and humble trust in you. Anoint them with the oil of mercy, and heal their hearts, minds, and bodies. By their faithful witness, soften the hearts of those who trouble them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless the people and ministries of this congregation. Help us to rejoice in your strong saving love; to speak gently and act with humility; to think on those things which are good, honorable and pleasing to you; and to encourage our family, friends, and neighbors to do the same.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for couples who are preparing for marriage, for newlyweds, and for all husbands and wives. Ground their love for each other in Christ, the true and faithful Bridegroom. Lavish upon them those gifts of your Holy Spirit that will sustain their marriage in difficult times, and bear rich fruit for their home life, for their community, and for your Kingdom.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Until your peace reigns undisturbed throughout the world, direct the thoughts, words and actions of our military personnel, police, first responders, and all who risk their lives to bring safety and justice to others. Prosper all they do that serves your will. Bring healing to the wounded, hope to their families, and honor to all who have honorably served.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Save our world and its people from natural disasters and from human malice. Take away the reproach of our sins and the death-shrouds of the evils that beset us. Give us leaders who are wise, honorable, just, and excellent; and give to each of us the blessing of your peace.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We remember before you all who walk through the valley death’s dark shadows, and all who are troubled by sorrow, anxiety, or despair. Especially we pray for: {List}. Teach them the truth of Paul’s words, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Revive their souls; restore their bodies; and refresh the hearts of all who care for them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for the lives of your faithful servants who have entered the banquet-hall of eternal life with you. Keep us steadfast in faith as well. Give us grace and strength to live in ways which are good, true, lovely, pure, honorable, and praiseworthy. Grant us the joy of sitting with all your wedding-guests at the table you have prepared for those whom you have wedded to Christ forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

For Jesus’ sake, grant the fulfillment of all we ask that conforms to your holy will. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, 18^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 22 – October 4, 2020

In the power of the Spirit, let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the world, the Church, and one another.

A brief silence is kept.

Most holy Father, thank you for making us your beloved vineyard. Thank you for grafting us into your pleasant planting, your people Israel; and for uniting us with your true and precious Vine, your dear Son Jesus. Make us abound in the fruits of the Holy Spirit, to your glory and for the nourishment of a world starved for your love.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Uproot from your Church all malice, strife, false teaching, and unrighteousness. Defend it from those who would destroy it from within, or ravage it from without.  Make Jesus, the strong Son of Man who sits at your right hand, its life and salvation. By Word and Sacrament, draw all people to the foot of the Cross; there to glorify your most holy Name.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Give persecuted Christians the righteousness that depends on faith, so they may know Jesus and the power of his resurrection; may share his sufferings; and through him may attain the resurrection from the dead. Turn the hearts of their enemies toward you in repentance and humble faith.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Thank you for making this congregation your own, through Jesus Christ. Help us to count everything else – even the many gifts with which you have blessed us – as rubbish compared with the surpassing worth of knowing him as our Lord and Savior. Make us true disciples, sharing Jesus’ love with everyone whom we meet, and encouraging them to accompany us as we follow in the way of the Cross.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for all those who toil at “dirty jobs” that are unpleasant, dangerous, and poorly paid. Help us to honor their labor and to ease their burden. Give them a glimpse of the surpassing loveliness of your dear Son. By your Spirit, shape their faithful work into “something beautiful for Jesus.”

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Raise up for yourself pastors, evangelists, missionaries, theologians, and other servants of your Word. Prosper the work of seminaries and church schools. The world hungers for the fruit of your living Vine, dear Lord; equip your servants to nurture and share it with starving souls.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Give everyone entrusted with worldly power and authority a hunger for justice and a thirst for righteousness. Make them swift to build bridges of respect and concord, and slow to brandish weapons of war. Fill them with wisdom, patience, fairness, and kindness. Spread these virtues among all people, so that bloodshed and injustice cease, and all people live in peace and call upon your name with joy.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Restore the lives of all who cry out to you in their distress of body, mind, and spirit, especially: {List}. Shine the light of your countenance upon them, that they may be saved.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

With gratitude and affection, we entrust our faithful departed into your care. Comfort all whose grief runs deep. Help and guide us, so that we may help one another through the sorrows and dangers of this life. Unite us with your dear Son, so that with all whom you have redeemed by his Cross and Resurrection, we may be welcomed into your pleasant planting, your beloved vineyard; and may rejoice in your presence forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

For Jesus’ sake, grant the fulfillment of all we ask that conforms to your holy will. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, 17^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 21 – September 27, 2020

Let us approach the throne of grace on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence is kept.

Most holy Father, thank you for making us your children. Thank you for your patience with us when we speak and act in ways that grieve and displease you. Thank you for your Son Jesus, who perfectly says and does your will. Make us to be like him, so we are your heart’s delight and your blessing to the world.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Conform the Church throughout the world to the mind of your dear Son. Conform its proclamation and teaching to his own. Conform its works to his self-sacrificing love. Fashion the Church into the image and likeness of Christ – into his very body; so that the light of his love shines into the world, and many turn to him and live.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Grant strength, perseverance, and charity to our brethren who experience bitter persecution throughout the world. Stir up our hearts to defend and assist them. Soften the hearts of their tormentors, so that repentance and true faith in you may grow.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Put the mind of Christ into this congregation. Let his humility and self-giving love shape and direct our words, worship, service, and fellowship. Give us such willing hearts that we gladly speak and act in obedience to your will, to your glory and for the building up of your people.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless all parents, step-parents, and foster parents. Give them your Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear of the Lord, and joy in your presence. Forgive their errors; relieve their fears; and grant them the joy of seeing their children grow into healthy, loving adults.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make the world’s leaders – not only of nations, but also of local government, and of all useful fields of human endeavor – into your wise and willing offspring. Teach them your will for guiding those for whom they are responsible. Make all of us honest, wise, and kind. Help us to care for our neighbor; to work for opportunity and harmony in our neighborhood and nation; and to live at peace with each other.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Keep in your special care those in the military, and all who risk their lives for the sake of others. Inform their minds; strengthen their bodies; purify their hearts; shape their actions; and prosper all they do that is in accord with your will. Bring them home safely and soon; and shield their loved ones with your love.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bring the joy of your saving help to everyone in distress, sorrow, danger or need – including: {List}. Lead them through the things that afflict and endanger them, into the light of your blessed presence; and into the joy of restored health, hope, and fellowship with those who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Thank you, dear Father, for the lives of your faithful servants who have been gathered into your eternal Kingdom. Especially we bless you for our departed loved ones. Wipe away the tears of those whose grief is raw and deep. Give courage and compassion, wisdom and energy, faithfulness and hope, to each of us as we walk our pilgrim’s pathway through this life. And bring us safely into your spacious house, where you have made ample room for everyone whom you have redeemed through the obedient and loving sacrifice of your Son; and where we will delight in praising your goodness forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Conform our prayers to the heart of Jesus, hear them through the interceding of your Holy Spirit, and grant them in accordance with your gracious will. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist, Transferred – September 20, 2020

Let us approach the throne of grace on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence is kept.

Heavenly Father, thank you for calling us, though like Matthew we are numbered among the tax collectors and sinners. Thank you for lifting us up when we fall away from your commands, and for restoring us to positions of trust and the task of proclaiming the Gospel when we have repented.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Fill your Church with faithful teachers and preachers of your Word. Kindle its worship to be a living flame of praise to you. Make it wise as serpents and innocent as doves as it bears witness to Jesus. Grant it grace to lavish the treasures of your Kingdom upon all who need them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Grant such lovingkindness and faith to missionaries that, through their labors, many gladly receive your forgiveness and life. Help us pray for, defend, and assist your persecuted servants however we can. Give them grace to speak truth in love to their enemies, so that they repent and believe in you.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Give the people of this congregation ears to hear Jesus’ gracious call to discipleship. Help us to invite fellow sinners to feast on Jesus in Word and Sacrament. Make us wise and winsome, so that like Matthew, we share the Gospel in ways that lead others to faith in Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for our young people, especially those considering a vocation to ministry and service in your Church. Give them delight in learning, and love for your people. Preserve them from the consequences of folly or malice. Use their energy to please you and to serve their neighbor.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Give wisdom and humility to our earthly leaders. Make them good stewards of power and authority. Remind them that they must give an account of their stewardship to you, their Master and King. Be the shield and defender all who risk their lives on behalf of others. Fill them with courage, integrity, and competence. Use their labors to accomplish your will in places of chaos and violence. Help us all to have a heart for the poor, and the will to assist them effectively and graciously.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless volunteers and workers, not only in the church, but throughout the world, who seek to serve you and neighbor. Multiply their gifts and talents, so that through their labors, many people receive mercy, comfort, and a clear sign of your providential care.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You raise the poor from the dust and care for all who cry out to you. Therefore with confidence and hope, we remember before you all who are afflicted in body, mind, or spirit, including: {List}. Bring them out of darkness into your glorious light; and restore them to fellowship with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Gracious Father, receive into your Kingdom all the faithful departed, especially those dearest to us. Keep us steadfast in faith; diligent in service; truthful in word and honest in deed. Bind us together in cords of compassion for one another. Bring us, with all whom you have redeemed, into the fullness of your presence. Give us hearts, minds, and voices, forever to adore and glorify you, in the blessed communion you share with your Son and the Holy Spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Conform our prayers to the heart of Jesus, hear them through the interceding of your Holy Spirit, and grant them in accordance with your gracious will. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, Pentecost 16, Proper 20 – September 20, 2020

Let us approach the throne of grace on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence is kept.

Thank you, Father, for calling us early, midday, and late in life, to be your disciples and workers in your Kingdom’s vineyard! Thank you for seeking us to do your work, even when nobody else thinks we’re good enough to amount to anything. Give us grace to hear your call, and strength to do your will. Thank you for the wages of everlasting life and salvation, and for your pleasure in us.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make the Church that place where all may see the fair beauty of Jesus; find shelter in his widespread arms; grow in faith and joy; and labor fruitfully to his glory and for the benefit of others.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for our persecuted sisters and brothers around the world, especially in North Korea, Syria, Iraq, Sudan, and Nigeria. Give them courage to honor Christ in their body; to speak and live the Gospel with boldness and joy; and to know that they are participating in the suffering of Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Help the people of this congregation to stand firm together, of one spirit, striving to proclaim the Gospel by words and deeds. Make us willing to work at whatever task pleases you and draws others closer to you. Make us glad when latecomers join us in our labors, knowing that your grace has drawn them to serve you, even as it drew us.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for our young people, especially those considering a vocation to ministry and service in your Church. Give them delight in learning, and love for your people. Preserve them from the consequences of folly or malice. Use their energy to please you and to serve their neighbor.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Grant wisdom to our earthly leaders. Let them seek you while you may be found; call upon you while you are near; and govern in accordance with your holy will. Graciously grant patience, kindness, and humility to everyone, so that we may lead peaceable lives.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Be the light and salvation to those who stand in harm’s way to safeguard life and freedom. Amid warfare and violence, let them put their trust in you and not be afraid. Cause them to bear the fruits of justice and righteousness; and give them the fair wages of honor, health, and peace when their work is done.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Be the safe shelter and solid rock to everyone in times of trouble, and especially to: {List}. Lift them high above the things that assail them; and be the strength of their life. Give patience and compassion to all who care for them, especially those whose work is long, hard, and thankless. Restore them to the joy of fellowship with those who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We thank you, Father, for those we love who have departed this life and are now with Christ. Though we grieve, we also rejoice; for we know that “to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Give us strength to labor cheerfully in the vineyards of goodness, kindness, forgiveness, and righteousness. Make us as generous to others with those things as Jesus is to us. Make us rejoice to see how many he has redeemed and welcomed into your blessed Kingdom; and when we see him face to face.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Conform our prayers to the heart of Jesus, hear them through the interceding of your Holy Spirit, and grant them in accordance with your gracious will. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, Feast of the Holy Cross (Transferred) – September 13, 2020

Let us approach the throne of grace on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence is kept.

When we survey the wondrous Cross on which the Prince of Glory died, our richest gains we count as loss, and pour contempt on all our pride. Forbid it, Lord, that we should boast, save in the death of Christ our God. All the vain things that charm us most, we sacrifice them to his blood.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Father, conform your Church to the Cross of your Son, lifted up for the sake of the world. Through its preaching, teaching, and acts of charity, draw all people to him.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Conform your persecuted people into the Cross of your Son, a stumbling block to your enemies, but healing and comfort to all who repent of their evil ways.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Conform the people of this congregation into the Cross of your Son, so that all we do and say leads people to him.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Conform all seminarians, theologians, missionaries and ministers to the Cross of your Son. Grant that they preach Christ alone, and him crucified and risen, for the forgiveness of sin unto life everlasting.

Conform all Christian hospitals and hospices, social and relief agencies, chaplaincies, and other ministries of charity and healing, to the Cross of your Son. May all whom they serve look to him for the fulness of healing and abundance of life.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Conform our earthly leaders – in government, industry, research, education, public health and safety, and the military – to the Cross of your Son. Teach them to prefer nothing above accomplishing your will for the good of the people entrusted to their care.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Conform everyone seeking to be Jesus’ disciples to the Cross of your Son. Help them to rightly and wisely share your Son’s costly grace, even with people who are obnoxious, obstinate, or oblivious.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Conform all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit to the Cross of your Son. Especially we plead on behalf of: {List}. Heal all their infirmities; and crown them with your mercy and loving-kindness.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Most holy Father, you show goodness and mercy toward those who die trusting in you. Thank you for redeeming their lives by the Holy Cross of Jesus. Lead us with his life-giving Cross; take away our sin; and teach us to forgive one another. Grant that whether we live or die, we know that we are yours. Raise us to that perfect and glorious life which you bestow upon all whom you have redeemed.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Conform our prayers to the heart of Jesus, hear them through the interceding of your Holy Spirit, and grant them in accordance with your gracious will. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, 15^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 19 – September 13, 2020

Let us approach the throne of grace on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence is kept.

We are your debtors in so many ways, heavenly Father! We sometimes forget how even our trifling sins can, if unrepented and unforgiven, run up a soul-crushing “tab.” Thank you for being so willing to cancel our debt. Keep us ever mindful of the costly generosity of your beloved Son. Give us his grace and strength, to willingly forgive the debts of those who have wronged us.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Teach your Church how to be a school for forgiveness and an outpost of your “Mercy Hospital.” Give it leaders who explain and practice forgiving. Make its worship an encounter with your forgiveness. Equip its members to pray for and share the forgiveness you give through the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

How difficult it must be for your people to forgive when they are being tortured simply for believing in Jesus, who prayed for his enemies even from the Cross! Give them a double portion of his Spirit, so that they may bless and not curse; forgive and not revile. Let persecutors repent from their evil and ask forgiveness from those they have wronged.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make the people of this congregation rich in mercy, abounding in kindness, tireless in good works, and joyful in praising you, the source of all mercy.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless our schools, colleges, seminaries, and home schools as they embark on a strange and difficult journey this fall. We don’t know how COVID will affect students, teachers, and families. We do know that children need to be in school, but we want them to be safe. Guide and protect us all, and help us to make prudent decisions, even though sometimes we will make mistakes.

We pray for all who are crushed beneath a load of debt. They can do foolish or dangerous things to seek relief. Help them to ask for help, forgiveness, and a wise solution. Help those to whom they are indebted to move beyond anger and self-interest, into the uncharted yet blessed waters of mercy. Remind them how indebted they are to you, for you forgive their debts of sin.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Be merciful to this poor broken world. Help our leaders to rule with justice tempered with mercy and compassion. Bestow on all of us a spirit of patience, forbearance, humility, and kindness. Teach us to outdo one another in showing mercy and righteousness.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for everyone seeking to be Jesus’ disciples, especially as he teaches them the hard path of forgiveness and self-sacrifice. Fill them with your Spirit. Help them to rightly and wisely share your Son’s costly grace, even with people who are obnoxious, obstinate, or oblivious.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Renew the life and health of all who are afflicted in any way by the powers of sin, evil, sickness, or death. Especially we plead on behalf of: {List}. Heal all their infirmities, dear Lord; and crown them with your mercy and loving-kindness.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Most holy Father, you show goodness and mercy toward those who die trusting in you. Thank you for redeeming their lives from the grave. Make your ways known also to us; renew our strength; and take away our sin. Lead us in the pathways of your loving-kindness, and teach us to forgive rather than to pass judgment upon one another. Grant that whether we live or die, we know that we are yours. Raise us to that perfect and glorious life which you bestow upon all whom you have redeemed.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Conform our prayers to the heart of Jesus, hear them through the interceding of your Holy Spirit, and grant them in accordance with your gracious will. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, 14^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 18 – September 6, 2020

Let us approach the throne of grace on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence is kept.

O dear Lord, why do we always get these hard readings on a holiday weekend? We want to take a break from talk of sin and reconciliation, discipline and hard conversations. Please help us to thank you for the guidance and promise your Son gives us, even in such awkward encounters. And fill us with your Spirit, so we are equipped to put into practice what Jesus has given us for such times.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make your Church courageous in warning people of their sinfulness, and humble in confessing its own sin. Help it to graciously offer forgiveness to any who turn to you. Give it the lovely righteousness of your Son, and make it his dwelling-place, and an outpost of your Kingdom.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Hear the prayers of your faithful people who suffer persecution, torture and even death because of Christ. Do not let the waters of hatred overwhelm them; and grant them grace to persevere in faithfulness.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless this congregation with humility, gentleness, and wisdom. Help us to speak even hard truth with such love, that others seek the forgiveness, mercy, reconciliation and life that comes from Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord, there are families, congregations, and communities in which people have hurt one another badly. They struggle with betrayal; anger; and hatred. They need encouragement to confess and repent when they have done wrong. They need courage to forgive when they have been wronged. They need help to relearn trust and concord. Refresh them with your Spirit; nourish them with your Word; and bestow on them such grace and mercy in Jesus Christ that they may accomplish those things that are needful, to your glory and for the sake of their fellowship.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You have given great honor to those entrusted with worldly power and authority. Give them also the wisdom to know that they must give an account of their stewardship to you, the King and Lord of all nations. And give them the desire and the strength to accomplish your will for the good of all people entrusted to their care. Teach us how to settle differences peacefully; and to act honorably, speak respectfully, and live justly.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Sin can distort Paul’s words about how those who bear the sword carry out your wrath against wrongdoers. Guide, strengthen and bless those in the military and law enforcement, to be worthy instruments of your will. Help them to bring safety, freedom, and justice to those who suffer at the hands of evildoers. Heal their bodies, minds, and spirits when they are victims of evil. By their labors, lay the groundwork for peace to grow and flourish.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

There are so many people whose lives are shadowed by suffering! We lift their names before you, especially {List}. Grant them health, hope, guidance, and the joy of your presence in their lives. Fill all who care for them with compassion; and bestow your salvation upon them all.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for your “little ones” who, though they have died to this world, live eternally in your embrace. Give us the grace to live as your little ones, too.  Help us to trust and obey you. Help us to aid, warn, and forgive each other. Give us your mercy, and for Jesus’ sake, lead us into your Kingdom. Grant us the joy of seeing your face and of worshipping you in the company of all you have redeemed.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Conform our prayers to the heart of Jesus, hear them through the interceding of your Holy Spirit, and grant them in accordance with your gracious will. Amen.