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

A brief silence

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

Lord, in your mercy,
please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

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

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

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

A brief silence

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

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

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

A brief silence

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

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

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

A brief silence

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

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

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

A brief silence

Thank you, Father, for Jesus. Thank you for making him our doorway into
your heart. Thank you for making him your dear Lamb, the sacrifice for our sin.
Thank you for making him the light of the world, and of our lives.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord, cause your Church to always preach as John the Baptist did,
constantly pointing to Jesus and proclaiming, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes
away the sin of the world.” Prune
away every program or teaching that does not serve that end. Use the Church to
be the means by which Jesus draws new disciples to himself, and shapes them
into his likeness.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make disciples of everyone in
this congregation. Give us willing and trust-filled hearts. Help us to use our
spiritual gifts to glorify you and build up our community of faith. Make us
bold to tell others, “We have found him of whom the Scriptures speak; come and
see that this is the Son of God who takes away the sins of the world!”

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

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

A brief silence

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, we adore you! Blessed
Father, Glorious Son, most Holy Spirit, you reveal your heart to us in the
Baptism of Jesus. By the Spirit’s power, unite us to Christ so completely that
we may hear the Father say to each of us, “You are my beloved son, my beloved daughter;
in you I am well pleased.”

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Fill the Church throughout the world with your Spirit; bind it to your
Son; and give it your Word of truth. Make it lovely with your goodness, radiant
with your truth, and fruitful in its humble discipleship to your Son. Use it to
lead many people to the waters of Baptism, there to be transformed into your
beloved children.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Be enthroned, O Lord, not only
high in your heaven but also in the midst of this congregation. Overwhelm us
with your majesty and mercy. Fill our worship with the beauty of holiness.
Strengthen us to do your will. Conform us to the heart and mind of Jesus. Bestow
on us the blessing of peace.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Do not quench the spirit or break the hearts of your persecuted servants, O
Lord; nor let them grow discouraged or faint when they suffer on account Christ.
Give them such patience and gentleness that their tormentors turn to you and
repent. For missionaries throughout the world; for all who wonder if they are
called to be pastors; for all our seminarians, professors, pastors, bishops,
and other ministers, we also lift our hearts and voices in fervent
supplication.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless everyone who is baptized this day; and
everyone remembering and giving thanks for their Baptism. Thank you for adopting us as
your children – brothers and sisters of your dear Son! – and for filling us
with the same Spirit that descended upon him. Make us radiant with his holiness
and lovely with his compassion; and grant that we may glorify you in all we say
and do.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Put your Spirit upon the leaders of this and every
nation, that they may faithfully bring forth and establish justice throughout
the world. Give them the wisdom and the will to rightly protect and provide for
their people, especially those who are like “bruised reeds and faintly burning
wicks.” Make them prefer mercy over might; righteousness over renown; and
integrity over influence.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Take the hand and keep in your care all who take up arms in defense of
liberty and justice for all. Give them a spirit of wisdom and understanding,
counsel and might, so that all they do is in accordance with your will. Bring
them safely home, and speed the day when your presence and your peace makes deeds
of war unnecessary.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

We beseech you on behalf of everyone afflicted by pain,
sorrow, loneliness, or despair, and especially on behalf of those who have
asked for our prayers, including: {List}. Bring them out of the dungeon of
suffering and the prison of darkness, and lead them into the brightness of your
presence and the company of all who love them.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal: we praise
and adore you for the powerful mercy you have shown to your servants who have
died to us but are alive eternally to you. Grant that we, who have passed
through the waters of Baptism, may walk the bent and broken pathways of this
mortal life, refreshed by your Spirit, and conformed to your Son. And, by that
same powerful mercy, bring us through the floodwaters of death into your
presence, where with all your redeemed children we may worship and adore you in
the beauty of your holiness forever.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

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

A brief silence

Heavenly
Father, thank you for the Light of the World, your dear Son Jesus! Thank you
that in him, you reveal your mercy and loving-kindness to all people. Thank you
that in him, you reveal yourself as Lord and God of every kindred, nation, and
tribe, until the world ends and Christ is all in all.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make your Church a faithful steward of the
mysteries of Christ. Raise up faithful pastors and teachers of your Word and
holy Sacraments. May the Church’s worship, fellowship, and acts of charity be
as frankincense, gold, and myrrh offered to her infant Redeemer.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make this congregation a place
where even sinners, strangers, and Gentiles encounter the living Christ. Shape
us into “magi” who eagerly seek, study, and worship Jesus. And send us home “by a different way” – as his
disciples and his sisters and brothers.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

As you guarded the magi from Herod’s malice, we pray that
you would protect and bless your Church wherever it suffers from the malice of
persecutors or the scorn of its despisers.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray on behalf of scholars and teachers;
scientists and philosophers; and especially seminary professors and students. Increase their numbers and
their zeal for seeking your truth! Give them grace to adore you, the source of
truth and wisdom. And give them generous hearts, to freely share their wisdom, knowledge, curiosity, and faith.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Put your Spirit upon the leaders of this and every
nation, that they may faithfully bring forth and establish justice throughout
the world. Give them the wisdom and the will to rightly protect and provide for
their people, especially those who are like “bruised reeds and faintly burning
wicks.” Make them prefer mercy over might; righteousness over renown; and
integrity over influence.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

We lift before you the men and women in the armed
forces, and those are police, first responders, and others charged with
protecting life and liberty. Grant them such integrity and courage that those
whose lives are most in danger may call on them with confidence. Bring them
safely home to their loved ones; and heal those who are wounded in body, mind
or soul.  

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bring the light of Christ to everyone who dwells in the
shadows of suffering, sin or sorrow, especially those we lift before you now,
including: {list}. Give competence, compassion, and patience to everyone
charged with their care; and grant health and hope according to your merciful
wisdom.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

We thank you for the lives of all your faithful servants
who through word and example have been stewards of your Gospel. Give to us
wisdom and devotion, so that we seek your will throughout our earthly life; and
give us the strength and the means to do it. And, in your good time, lead us
“by another way” to the eternal home and inheritance you have prepared for all
who are redeemed by your beloved Son. For there, we will adore your glorious
wisdom and delight in your merciful love in the power of your Holy Spirit
forever.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

THE PRAYERS,

1^st Sunday after Christmas, Cycle A (December 29, 2019)

With joy and confidence, let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the needs of all people throughout the world.

A brief silence

Dear Father, thank you for the gift of your Son. Thank you for making us his brothers and sisters, and for giving us the privilege of calling you Abba. Thank you for making us your family!

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Guide and protect your Church. Let it cherish and share the gifts of life, forgiveness, and union with your dear Son.  Give it grace to proclaim them boldly and faithfully; and to bestow them generously, so that the family you have created in him may grow and flourish.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Grant that your Son Jesus is always cradled in the hearts of the people in this congregation; and that we always speak and act in ways that are worthy of our calling as his sisters and brothers. We pray that more and more, we think, pray, speak, and act as your disciples, bearing the great gift of Jesus’ love to everyone we meet.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

On account of Jesus, innocent children were killed by Herod. We pray for our sisters and brothers across the world who are tortured and killed because they name Jesus as Lord. Protect them from evil. Keep their faith strong and their hearts pure. By their witness to the Babe of Bethlehem, call their tormentors to repentance and to faith.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless all who care for the poor, sick, grieving and lonely in this season of joy. Shine the light of your love upon those in nursing homes, mental institutions, and hospitals. Grant your mercy and guidance to prisoners and to all who are addicted or despairing. Be the sure hope and protector of the homeless and refugees, especially little children; and lead them to safe shelter.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Give the leaders of the nations a holy fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom. Teach them your ways of faithfulness and justice. Bring healing and hope to people overwhelmed by natural disasters or human malice. Help us all to live in peace with each other.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless and protect our military; police; first responders; and all who protect life and liberty. Grant them wisdom, integrity and courage. Let the innocent, the weak, and the vulnerable call on them confidently. Bring them safely home to their loved ones; and heal those who are wounded in body, mind or soul.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We sing of Jesus, the Sun of Righteousness, risen with healing in his wings. Let the light of his countenance shine upon everyone troubled by pain, confusion, sorrow, sin, or grief. Especially we pray for: {List}. Restore them to life, health and hope; and to all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord, keep safe those who have died trusting in your promised mercy. Comfort all whose grief runs deep during this season of joy. Keep us close to Jesus, so we know him as our wise brother as well as our mighty Savior throughout our earthly pilgrimage. You kept him, Mary and Joseph safe throughout their exile, and brought them into the Promised Land. Therefore we pray that you would bring us through the dangers and sorrows of this life into the eternal Home you have promised to those whom you name, for Jesus’ sake, your beloved children.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Hear and mercifully grant us, dear Lord, all that we ask that conforms to your good and perfect will for us, for your Name’s sake. AMEN.

THE PRAYERS,

Christmas Day, Cycle A (December 25, 2019)

As we worship the newborn Son of God, let us also pray that he may bring healing, salvation and peace to the church, the world, and all its people.

A brief silence

O Word made flesh, who dwells among us, bless the Church with a glimpse of your glory. Conform its worship to the adoration of the angels, the bliss of Mother Mary, the quiet goodness of Joseph, and the faithful reverence of the shepherds. Give it words to proclaim your glory and your love, especially to those who do not know you, so that through its witness, the whole world may join the song first sung at your birth: “Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth!”

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You are higher than every angel, and yet you are pleased to dwell in our midst. Bless this congregation, therefore, with joyful hearts, fervent worship, eager witness, loving service, and kindly fellowship, so that in all we say and do, we bear witness to you, our Savior and our God.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Prince of Peace, silence the taunts and break the spears of persecution against your servants, especially during this season of light. Turn their suffering for the sake of your Name into great joy. And transform their tormentors into confessors of your undeserved mercy.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Even the feet of your servants are beautiful when they speed to announce your strong saving love to those who despair of your existence, your power, or your goodness. Bless, therefore, all missionaries of the Gospel of Peace; all Christian relief organizations throughout the world; every soup kitchen, homeless shelter, and hospice; and every herald of your Kingdom who gladdens the hearts of any that sit in darkness and sorrow.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Born a Child, you are the King of all nations, and their Lord. Conform the rulers of this world to your glorious and gentle rule. Teach them to do your will; love justice and mercy; to walk humbly with you; and to be a blessing to the people entrusted to their care.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You are the heaven-born Prince of Peace. But in this sinful world, violence and warfare trouble your people even on Christmas morning. Let your holy angels shield, strengthen, and direct the words and actions of all in the military; all first responders; and anyone whose work is difficult and dangerous. Give their loved ones “tidings of comfort and joy,” and homecomings that are filled with solace, healing, and peace.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Sun of Righteousness, arise with healing in your wings and bestow the glorious light of your salvation upon all who sit in the darkness of suffering and the shadow of death. Restore them to life and hope; encourage all who care for them; and let the great good news of your birth among us adorn their suffering with unconquerable joy.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

In you, dear Jesus, we see the eternal love of your Father’s heart, and the eternal glory of his Kingdom. We thank you for drawing into that loving heart and glorious Kingdom, all those who died trusting in your goodness. Wipe away the tears from everyone whose grief runs deep. Bestow on all of us your blessed comfort, your holy and precious forgiveness, and your ever-faithful guidance. Fit us for your Kingdom; and lead us into the bright courts of heaven, and into the endless Day, where with your Father and the Holy Spirit, you reign in undisturbed joy and blessedness, now and forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Hear and mercifully grant us, dear Lord, all that we ask that conforms to your good and perfect will for us, for your Name’s sake. AMEN.

THE PRAYERS,

Christmas Eve, Cycle A (December 24, 2019)

As we worship the newborn Son of God, let us also pray that he may bring healing, salvation and peace to the church, the world, and all its people.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus Christ, we come to your cradle with joy and wonder! We adore you for your loving-kindness. We thank you for making yourself small and meek, that we might approach you gladly and without fear. Thank you, dear Jesus; accept our hearts as our best and loving gift.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make the Church your manger and your throne. Bless it with your dear presence, your great goodness, and your holy love. Like herald angels, let it constantly announce your mercy and favor to all who will receive you into their hearts and lives.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make this congregation into a welcoming Bethlehem stable. Give us joyful souls, eager to adore and proclaim your precious Name. Give us generous hearts, so that we see and welcome you in the unexpected people touching our lives. Give us tireless hands and feet, so we may hurry to share your great love with those who need it most.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Prince of Peace, silence the taunts and break the spears of persecution against your servants, especially during this season of light. Turn their suffering for the sake of your Name into great joy. And transform their tormentors into confessors of your undeserved mercy.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Little Lord Jesus, bless all the dear children who most need your tender care. Kindle faith in their hearts, and keep them safe from every danger. And give childlike and humble faith to everyone who doubts your existence or despairs of your forgiveness, and give them peace.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Born a Child, you are the King of all nations, and their Lord. Conform the rulers of this world to your glorious and gentle rule. Teach them to do your will; to love justice and mercy; to walk humbly with you; and to be a blessing to the people entrusted to their care.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Angels sang of peace and good will at your birth. In this sinful world, violence troubles your people even on this holy night. Let your holy angels shield, strengthen, and direct the words and actions of all in the military; all first responders; and anyone whose work is difficult and dangerous, this night and in the coming days. Bring justice and mercy to places of discord and chaos; and bestow the blessings of your peace upon us all.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Sun of Righteousness, arise with healing in your wings and bestow the light of your salvation upon all who sit in the darkness of suffering and the shadow of death. Restore them to life and hope; encourage all who care for them; and let the good news of your birth among us adorn their suffering with unconquerable joy.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, you have come to save us from evil, from our sins, and from death. Deal mercifully with the tears and sorrow of those whose grief is raw and deep. Stay near us, Lord Jesus, and love us and guide us throughout our lives. Bless us with your love, so we may be a blessing to others. And bring all your dear children to heaven, to live with you forever in the holy light of your love, which you have shared eternally with your Father and the Holy Spirit, for with them you are one God, now and unto the ages of ages.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Hear and mercifully answer our prayers, dear Lord, according to the favor you bear for your people. Amen.