THE PRAYERS, 

11^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 16, Cycle C (August 25, 2019)

Let us pray for the Church, the world, and for one another.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, thank you for showing us what you would have us do, even when it is hard. Give us strength and grace to worship you in the beauty of holiness, and to share your love, justice, and mercy to those who need it most. Thank you for establishing for us a kingdom that can never be shaken.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We humbly pray that you would discipline the Church you love. Set it in the narrow way of peace, holiness, and truth. Make it a trustworthy, open gate to your healing and purifying love, so that many may enter to offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving for the salvation you have granted in Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Touch the hearts of the people gathered here with your beauty and goodness. Make our words gracious and our deeds lovely. Make of us a kingdom of priests, holy in your sight; and a family of servants, faithfully doing your will.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Join the sufferings of your persecuted Church to those of Christ. Give it a gracious word of testimony, truth, and forgiveness, so that its tormentors may repent and be saved.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bring to fruition Isaiah’s vision that all nations shall serve and worship you. Give leaders the desire and the means to accomplish your will for peace, righteousness, and justice for all people – especially the poor and those devastated by human malice or natural disaster. Help all of us to be true friends and good neighbors to one another.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

The school year fast approaches, to the dread of students and delight of parents. Give them joy in learning and diligence in study. Help their teachers and aides to convey true love of their subject matter. Make them gentle disciplinarians, inspiring mentors, and worthy examples to their students.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant healing, hope and strength to everyone who is wounded in body, soul or mind. Especially we remember before you the needs of: {List}. In their suffering, assure them of your loving presence; and give them all they need to enter into your gates with thanksgiving and into your courts with praise.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy and gracious Father, receive into your Kingdom our beloved dead. Keep us faithful and true, holy and steadfast, as we walk the narrow Way established by your dear Son. Give us healing, hope, and joy along that way; and help us to encourage and help one another. Bring us safely into that Kingdom which you have promised to all whom you redeem by the sufferings of Christ. And there let us see you face to face, and experience the unspeakable joy of abiding in your love forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear our prayers, gracious Father, offered through the power of the Spirit; and for the sake of your dear Son, grant us all that is in accordance with your merciful will, to your glory and for the good of your people. AMEN.

THE PRAYERS, 

10^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 15, Cycle C (August 18, 2019)

Let us pray for the Church, the world, and for one another.

A brief silence

Father, sometimes your word dismays and unsettles us! We don’t like to hear about divine fire, judgment, and division. Make us courageous and steadfast in our faith. Give us ears to rightly hear, and hearts to rightly repent. And give us grace to show the fruits of repentant faith, to your glory and for the nourishment of your people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make your Church a faithful witness to your Word of Law and Gospel. When it must speak of fire, judgment, or sin, let it do so humbly and lovingly, but also honestly and fearlessly. Help it always point to Jesus, the merciful pioneer and perfector of faith, and the Salvation for whom the world languishes.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Renew the faith, increase the zeal, and strengthen the deeds of everyone in this congregation. Cast the purifying fire of your Holy Spirit in our midst, so that all we say and do is in accordance with your Word and so that through us, your will is accomplished in the lives of many people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We are surrounded by a cloud of faithful witnesses, including Christians who are persecuted throughout the world in this age of “tolerance and diversity.” Help us to be strengthened and encouraged by their example. Give them patience and steadfast hearts; and through their witness, burn away the sin and purify the hearts of those who hate them – and you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Establish your peace among the nations, tribes, clans, sects, and communities of this world. No plan or project of ours can heal the seeds of wickedness and violence in our hearts. Thus we plead: heal, purify, guide and direct the people and the leaders of every human endeavor, in accordance with your will and for our common good.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Until your peace is established, good men and women must risk grave dangers to protect lives and liberty. We pray for all of them. Purify their minds and hearts, and direct their decisions and deeds, so that even places of chaos and violence may begin to know a measure of your peace. Bring them safely home to their loved ones, and bless their hearts and lives with that same peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for everyone who is afflicted by the powers of sin, evil, and death. Most especially we remember before you: {List}.  Be their sure hope and strong deliverer. Strengthen their faith in times of trial. Bring them safely into the fellowship of those who love them and into closer communion with you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, we humbly commend our departed loved ones into your care. Renew to us the promise you made to all the faithful who have gone before us: that “when through fiery trials your pathway shall lie, my grace, all-sufficient, shall be your supply.” Keep our faith steadfast and firm in your excellent Word, until that day when you bear us in your bosom into your everlasting Kingdom, and make us stand before you with all whom you have upheld by your righteous, omnipotent hand.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear our prayers, gracious Father, offered through the power of the Spirit; and for the sake of your dear Son, grant us all that is in accordance with your merciful will, to your glory and for the good of your people. AMEN.

THE PRAYERS, 

9^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 14, Cycle C (August 11, 2019)

Let us pray for the Church, the world, and for one another.

A brief silence

Thank you, dear Father, for the beauty of earth, sea, and sky. Thank you for blessings without number, and for your great faithfulness. Increase our faith and gratitude, and give us joy amidst suffering and comfort in sadness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Adorn your Church with faith as lovely as the lilies of the field, and as steadfast as Abraham. Make it a storehouse for all the treasures of heaven – and make it generous and gracious in sharing those divine treasures with everyone.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless this congregation with deep faith, untroubled hearts, generous spirits, and self-forgetful deeds. Remind us that our treasures are not found in buildings, bank accounts, programs, or progress. Give us eyes to see our treasure in the hearts and souls of those whom you have loved, forgiven and redeemed.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless the church bodies gathered in convocation this week in Milwaukee and Indianapolis. Fix their eyes firmly on the treasures of heaven which you have stored up for those who love you. Give them firm faith and radiant righteousness, so that through their ministry, many people learn to trust in your promises.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Send your Spirit abroad in the world, so that people in every land may say, “Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord; he is our strength and shield.” Help us to find our treasure not in possessions and power, but in faith toward you and in fervent love toward one another.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be the strength and shield of all who risk their life in defense of others. Help them act with wisdom, integrity, and competence. When their work is done, let their homecomings be joyful, their bodies and minds be healed and refreshed, their service be honored, and their skills be used in new ways.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant healing, hope, and faith to all who are afflicted pain or sorrow. Especially we lift before you the needs of: {List}.  Let the love, mercy and goodness of bless all who suffer. Give gentle hands and patient hearts to those who care for them; and restore them to fellowship with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Gracious Father, we thank you for receiving, as treasures and as your dear children, all who have died trusting in you. Keep our hearts firmly fixed on your mercy and loving-kindness toward us. Help us to encourage, support and help one another along our earthly pilgrimage. Remind us of the treasures of eternal life and salvation that you have stored up for us through the merits of your dear Son. Bring us into your Kingdom, where, with all of your treasured people, we may enjoy those treasures and delight in your goodness forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear our prayers, gracious Father, offered through the power of the Spirit; and for the sake of your dear Son, grant us all that is in accordance with your merciful will, to your glory and for the good of your people. AMEN.

THE PRAYERS, 

8^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 13, Cycle C (August 4, 2019)

Let us pray for the Church, the world, and for one another.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, you greatly bless us even when we think we have very little! You give us life and breath. Each new day gives us a chance to repent, forgive, and share Jesus’ love with another person. Help us to thank you for these things, to enjoy them rightly; and to share them generously.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Clothe your Church with the lovely holiness of your dear Son. Put away from it all evil thoughts, desires, words, and actions. Fill it with your Holy Spirit, so abounds in every good gift, overflows with new life in Christ, and leads many to faith in Jesus Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fill the people of this congregation with wisdom and humility. Help us remember that everything is done for you, not for ourselves, and that we must one day render an accounting of our stewardship of your blessings. Make us faithful, generous, kindly, and holy, and use us to draw many people into your fatherly embrace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep your persecuted Church in your care, and bless their faithful witness. Help us to provide for our suffering sisters and brothers from the storehouses of our spiritual and material abundance.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for your blessing upon our nation – and for all nations. Guide our leaders with your Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might. Remind them that they must give to you an account of how they have used the power and authority entrusted to them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, we know that all people – even Christians –are sometimes selfish, oblivious, irresponsible, and foolish. Teach us those virtues that are often unpopular: responsibility, accountability, and self-sacrifice, grounded in faith toward you and fervent love for one another.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We lift before you the suffering and sorrow of your people, especially those near to us whom we now name: {List}. Anoint them with the oil of gladness. Heal wounds to body, mind, and soul. Grant that, with those who love them, they may enter your gates with thanksgiving, and go into your courts with praise.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, keep our beloved dead close to your heart.  Wipe away the tears of all whose grief runs deep. By the power of your Spirit, turn our hearts away from the folly of sin. Give us grace to focus on Jesus and his great love for us. Make us channels of his forgiveness and grace to reach everyone who needs it. And, by your mercy, bring us into the bright courts of your heavenly Kingdom, where with all whom you have redeemed, we delight in praising your goodness, power, and love forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear our prayers, gracious Father, offered through the power of the Spirit; and for the sake of your dear Son, grant us all that is in accordance with your merciful will, to your glory and for the good of your people. AMEN.

Photo by Michael Bourgault on Unsplash

THE PRAYERS, 

7^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 12, Cycle C (July 28, 2019)

By the power of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to God our Father in the name of Christ Jesus our Lord, making intercession for the Church, the world, and for all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Father, we have grown so used to praying to you that sometimes we forget what a privilege and grace it is! Forgive us when we become careless, forgetful, or presumptuous in our prayer life. By your Spirit’s leading, make us eager to stand with Jesus’ arm around our shoulders, confidently and lovingly calling you “Abba, Father,” and talking with you about everything.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep your Church firmly rooted and grounded in Christ, its Head. Make it dead to sin and alive to righteousness. Give it the faith and the words to pray continually for the needs of all people, and for their salvation. Give it the strength and will to act in accordance with your will.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Draw the people of this congregation into a life of conversation and prayer with you. Help us to boldly ask for your mercy; to constantly seek your guidance; and to persistently knock at the door of your heart. Give us the courage and love to invite family, friends and neighbors into a closer walk with you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Deliver your persecuted servants from the evil that afflicts them.  Help them to forgive and to pray for their enemies. Help us to pray for them and with them. And guide and strengthen all missionaries. Help them find and use every means possible for introducing unbelievers to your dear Son, until all hearts are tuned to your praise.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep this country in your care. Guide our leaders in pathways of righteousness, justice and wisdom. Help us to cherish, preserve, and extend the blessings of liberty and opportunity for all. Grant a measure of health, safety and peace to the people of every nation; and establish your Kingdom among us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We plead on behalf of our enemies; for those who are estranged from us; for those who mock us and who would work to harm us; and for all whose hearts are full of bitterness, malice, perversion and every other evil impulse. Cleanse, heal, and transform them, until they are conformed to your will. Help us to forgive them as you have forgiven us. And heal the hearts of all who have been wounded by them, so that we may all reflect the holiness and mercy of your dear Son.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear the prayers of those who ask for healing; who seek for comfort; and who knock on doors that they fear are shut to them. We especially lift before you the needs of: {List}. Graciously hear their cries; and answer them from the abundant wellsprings of your mercy and steadfast love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Father, keep in your care those who have died clinging to those promises which have their Yes in Christ. Be gracious to those who mourn. Give each of us the daily bread we need throughout our earthly pilgrimage. Help us to readily give and humbly ask for forgiveness. Strengthen us when we are tempted to turn aside from your good will; and deliver us from the snares of the Evil One. Bring us into the Kingdom that you have prepared for all whom you have redeemed through the merits of your dear Son, so that in the power of the Holy Spirit, we may praise, adore and bless you forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In the power of the Holy Spirit, we entrust our prayers and petitions into your hands, gracious Father, for the sake of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

THE PRAYERS, 

6^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 11, Cycle C (July 21, 2019)

By the power of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to God our Father in the name of Christ Jesus our Lord, making intercession for the Church, the world, and for all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Lord, thank you for the gift of hospitality by which we may entertain angels unaware – or even Christ himself. Give us glad and generous hearts, so through our efforts, we refresh and gladden the hearts of others. And give us your Spirit, so that by faith, we discern and gratefully receive the hospitality of heaven that you give us in your well-beloved Son.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Build up your Church in mature faith, patient suffering, generous service, and gracious hospitality. Through its preaching, teaching and worship, reveal the mysteries of your strong saving love; so that many may eagerly seek your face, and live.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Help the people of this congregation – men, women, and children – to rightly balance the loving hospitality of Martha with the loving listening of Mary. Use all that we say and do to to lead many people to “the one thing needful” – the strong saving love of their Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Your servant Paul suffered for the sake of the Gospel, as do many Christians in this day. Make them desire to glorify you; to encourage one another; and to be a witness to their Savior, who suffered and prayed even on behalf of his persecutors, and theirs.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our nation; for our world; for its leaders and peoples; and for your presence to dwell with us all. Grant that we may know your will, and seek your peace. Teach us to sit at your feet; to love your Law; to display your mercy; and to share your blessings with one another.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be the strength and shield of all who stand in harm’s way to protect life and liberty. Give them courage and competence; heal their wounds of body, soul and mind; restore them swiftly to their loved ones; and help them find new ways to serve you, their communities, and their nation, when their tours of duty are ended.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be the light and salvation of all who are afflicted with pain, suffering, or sorrow – especially: {List}. Strengthen their bodies; refresh their hearts; take away their fears; and give them your peace. Bless all who care for them with kindness, gentleness, competence, and common sense.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the lives of your faithful servants whom we have known and loved, and who have received that good portion that shall never be taken from them. Help us to comfort those who mourn; to nourish those who hunger for food, fellowship, or forgiveness; and to help one another become mature in faith. Welcome us, and all your servants of every time and place, into your spacious House; where we shall no more be strangers, servants or guests, but your dear children who see you face to face, at home with you forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In the power of the Holy Spirit, we entrust our prayers and petitions into your hands, gracious Father, for the sake of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

THE PRAYERS, 

5^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 10, Cycle C (July 14, 2019)

By the power of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to God our Father in the name of Christ Jesus our Lord, making intercession for the Church, the world, and for all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Holy God, thank you for entrusting to us the ministry of extending mercy and compassion to everyone we meet. But sometimes it overwhelms us! Sometimes we get “compassion fatigue,” and we make excuses for “passing by on the other side.” Sometimes we are blinded by distractions and self-absorption. Forgive us, dear Father, and kindle your Holy Spirit within our hearts. Make us lovely signs of your love to those who need it most.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

When your Church lies wounded and bleeding, and its leaders pass by on the other side, send your dear Son to be her Good Samaritan. Anoint her with the oil of healing and gladness. Feed her with the medicine of immortality, the Body and Blood of her Savior. And raise her up to be your “Mercy Hospital” for a hurting and hurtful world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fill the hearts of everyone in this congregation with kindness and mercy. Make us holy and humble, gentle and good, courageous and compassionate, all in equal measure. Make us into your kindly beasts of burden who bear wounded and dying souls to the healing presence of Jesus, their Good Physician.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Our persecuted sisters and brothers cry to you for help. Give them strength, hope, and courage in their suffering. Prevent us from ignoring their plight. And forgive and transform the evildoers who have so grievously wounded members of your Son’s precious Body.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give sharp eyes, wise hearts, and generous hands to our elected and appointed leaders, in government and in all walks of life where they are given authority and power. Help each of us to notice our neighbor’s distress, and give us the grace and the willingness to show them mercy.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, so much of our country has experienced dreadful weather this year! Bless the farms, businesses, and homes of those in flooded areas – and those who elsewhere are stricken by drought. Keep safe all who work to repair and strengthen bridges, roads, dams, and levees. Open wide the hands of all your people, to help provide for those whose homes and livelihoods have been washed or shriveled away.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bring the healing balm of Jesus’ grace and mercy to all who are wounded in body, mind, or spirit – especially those we name before you now. Bless all who act as a Good Samaritan to them. Grant that all that is needed for health and hope is provided, so that they may be restored to full fellowship with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for providing the fullness of healing and mercy to our beloved dead. Heal the hearts of those still wounded by grief and care. Help us to show gentleness and kindness to everyone we meet throughout our earthly pilgrimage, because we do not know the burden of suffering that they bear. Fill us with your life-giving Spirit. And, by your grace, bring us into your house of healing,  life, love, and peace, which your Son has prepared for all whom he has redeemed, and where we shall abide with you forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In the power of the Holy Spirit, we entrust our prayers and petitions into your hands, gracious Father, for the sake of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

THE PRAYERS, 

4^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 9, Cycle C (July 7, 2019)

By the power of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to God our Father in the name of Christ Jesus our Lord, making intercession for the Church, the world, and for all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, thank you for entrusting us with the mission of spreading your Word of Law and Gospel throughout the world! Thank you for the Holy Spirit, who reminds us of everything Jesus has taught. Thank you for your Son’s grace and forgiveness when we fall short. And thank you for his promise to give us his strength and authority, which is sufficient for all our needs.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Your Son sent the Seventy to announce your Kingdom’s close approach. We pray for the Church across the earth. Grant that, in the power of the Spirit, it sows your Word in many hearts. Let it correct, encourage, comfort and instruct sinners gently. May it reap a harvest of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make this congregation eager to worship, pray, and serve. Help us to endure rejection and to focus on the joy in heaven over each sinner who repents and turns to Christ in faith.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

As a mother comforts her children, we pray that you would comfort and bless your persecuted Church. Give it such a gentle and valiant faith, that the hearts of its tormentors may be stricken with repentance and remorse.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for our country, especially as we celebrate the blessings of independence, liberty, and justice for all. Guide us – especially our elected leaders – in pathways of righteousness and truth. Let us continue to be a beacon of freedom to the world. Grant the blessings of justice and peace throughout the world, so that all people may live, work, and serve you with glad and quiet hearts.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Guard and protect all who travel this summer, especially families enjoying time together on vacation. Grant them refreshment and relaxation; and renew their love for each other, for you, and for the loveliness of your creation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray that all who suffer in body, mind or spirit may know that your Kingdom has indeed drawn near to them. Especially we remember: {list}. Give wisdom and competence to their doctors, nurses, and caregivers. Grant them such healing and hope that we may join them in praising your awesome deeds.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Gracious Lord, comfort your children who mourn the death of a loved one. Turn sorrow into rejoicing, and despair into confident hope. Give to all of us such a spirit of gentleness, that through our kindness, humility, generosity, and compassion, those who have strayed may be encouraged to return to your forgiving and merciful care. Lead us into the full splendor of your Kingdom, where with all the redeemed, we shall delight in praising and worshipping you forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In the power of the Holy Spirit, we entrust our prayers and petitions into your hands, gracious Father, for the sake of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Photo by Derek Thomson on Unsplash

THE PRAYERS, 

3^rd Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 8, Cycle C (June 30, 2019)

By the power of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to God our Father in the name of Christ Jesus our Lord, making intercession for the Church, the world, and for all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Dear Father, thank you for promising to keep a faithful remnant to do your will! Number us, we pray, in that company. Fill us with your Spirit, so that we may live fruitful lives, glorifying you and nourishing and helping those who are starving for your good Word.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for your Church. Give it ears to hear your still small voice; integrity of heart, that it may not bend the knee to modern-day Baals; boldness of spirit, to proclaim your Word to a world that is often hostile; and a double portion of your Spirit, that it may abound in grace and charity.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the people and mission of this congregation. Keep us focused on doing your will, not acting on our own desires, fears, and opinions.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all who are persecuted on account of Christ and his Cross. Help us to defend them before those who scorn the name of Jesus. Use us to provide for their needs. Strengthen us to do our small part in being a faithful witness to you, even when we are misunderstood or mocked.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our nation. Bless it with freedom, justice, peace, and opportunity. Give wisdom, integrity, and competence to our leaders in government, commerce, research, education, manufacturing, and medicine. Grant to those leaders, and their counterparts in other countries, the desire to seek your will, and the strength to do it.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our military, and all first responders. Give them courage and competence to do their work in accordance with your will. Bring healing to bodies and minds wounded in war; give patience and hope to their loved ones; and speed the day when the arts of war need no longer be practiced among us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all whose need is great, especially: {List.}. Grant them health, wholeness, and hope. Give them the grace and comfort of your Holy Spirit; and restore them to fellowship with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Holy God, you promise that your holy ones shall not see the pit of death. You sealed that promise in the death and resurrection of Jesus. Therefore we commend into your safe keeping our beloved dead. Grant to us, especially those whose grief runs deep, a sure and confident hope in your promises. Help us look not to the past, or to the fears, sorrows, doubts and regrets that beset us. Instead, give us grace to do what pleases you in this life. Give us faith to press toward the eternal joys you have prepared for all whom you have redeemed.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In the power of the Holy Spirit, we entrust our prayers and petitions into your hands, gracious Father, for the sake of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Photo by Sarah Phillips on Unsplash

THE PRAYERS, 

2^nd Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 7, Cycle C (June 23, 2019)

By the power of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to God our Father in the name of Christ Jesus our Lord, making intercession for the Church, the world, and for all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, thank you for your word of Law, our teacher and disciplinarian. Thank you for your Gospel word of gracious forgiveness and freedom in Jesus. Thank you for your Holy Spirit, who gives us ears of faith to hear and do both words rightly.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Preserve your Church as your faithful remnant in the world, so that it may be a blessing to many. Shape it into the image of your Son. Use its words and deeds to draw many to faith in Jesus Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless this congregation, its people and its work. Cause all things to be done to your glory and for the benefit of your people. Clothe us in the loveliness of Christ, for the sake of the people he loves.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless your missionaries, so that through their preaching, many may receive the Gospel of forgiveness, peace, and life. Be the shield and glory of all who suffer on account of Jesus’ name. Sustain them in their suffering; deliver them from their enemies; and turn the hearts of evil-doers to repentance and faith.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You stretch out your arms to nations who do not know your name. Bless all the nations of the world with a longing to know your goodness and to do your will. Fill our leaders with wisdom, humility, and integrity, so that they may rightly use the authority entrusted to them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Defend and shield all who stand in harm’s way in defense of life and liberty. Let all they do be according to your will; and crown their labors with the blessings of peace and safety. Restore them safely to their loved ones when their work is done; and bring healing to those wounded in body, mind, or spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Sustain the lives and cheer the hearts of all who cry to you for help, especially: {List}. Especially we pray for all who suffer from mental illness, post-traumatic shock, or addiction, and for their families. Help them find clarity and calm; restore them to their right mind; and heal relationships wounded by their affliction. Bless and strengthen those entrusted with their care; and let your saving help bring joy to all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you, holy and gracious Father, for the deliverance you have accomplished through your beloved Son for all who have died trusting in your promises. Who still await that fulfillment pray: keep us steadfast in faith, clothed in Christ, filled with your Spirit, always eager to turn to you and cry “Abba, Father.” Accomplish your promised salvation among us. Even when death claims us, lift up our heads; so that with all whom you have redeemed, we may forever glorify your name and rejoice in your love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In the power of the Holy Spirit, we entrust our prayers and petitions into your hands, gracious Father, for the sake of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.