THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

April 3, 2022: 5^th Sunday in Lent

Isaiah 43:16-21(God announces his new work; the wilderness shall be a place of refreshment)

Psalm 126 (God restored fortunes of Zion; those who sowed with weeping shall harvest with joy)

 Philippians 3:4b-14 (All is rubbish, compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ my God)

 Luke 20:9-20 (Parable of the wicked tenants of the vineyard)

            ELW/RCL: John 12:1-8 (Mary, Lazarus’s sister, anoints Jesus with oil)

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For the Church, the world, and our poor sinful selves, let us pray to our Lord, who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, when we think on your love for us, we can only repeat the words of two beloved hymns: “Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a tribute far too small. Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all!” “Thousand thousand thanks are due, dearest Jesus, unto you!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let your Church count everything as loss, compared to the surpassing worth of knowing you as Savior. Fill it with the longing to make you known to every sinner in the world, until you truly are the “all in all,” for all. Especially we pray for the persecuted Church, and for seminarians, pastors, and missionaries.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Strengthen this congregation in faithful worship, loving fellowship, generous outreach, and holy living. Make this place a place of refreshment and refuge for souls battered by sin, sorrow, and suffering.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for those preparing for Baptism at Eastertide; for everyone seeking to renew their relationship with you; and for pastors and congregations experiencing transition or turmoil. Guide them along their pilgrim path; refresh them with the joy of your saving help; and bless them with your lovingkindness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give peace, justice, health, and safety to every nation, especially our own. Grant wisdom and integrity to all who have been entrusted with authority and power, especially our elected and appointed leaders. Teach us to love one another through deeds of mercy and words of understanding.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

So many people hunger for healing and thirst for reconciliation. They long for encouragement and seek understanding.  They desire forgiveness, comfort, faith, and hope. Refresh them in the wilderness of their suffering, dear Lord – especially those we lift before you now {List}.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In gratitude and hope, we entrust our beloved dead into your keeping, dear Lord. Bestow the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, upon all who mourn. Through the same Spirit, grant that we truly know you, O Christ, and the power of your resurrection. Give us grace to share in your suffering. Claim us as your own, and clothe us with your righteousness. In your mercy, welcome us and all whom you have redeemed into your Father’s everlasting Kingdom.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear us, dear Lord; and answer our prayers according to your will, to your glory and for the benefit of the people you long to save.

Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

March 27, 2022: 4th Sunday in Lent

Isaiah 12:1-6 (With joy you will draw from waters of salvation and praise the Lord)

     ELW/RCL: Joshua 5:9-12 (After circumcision, Israelites keep first Passover in Promised Land)

Psalm 32 (happy are they whose transgression is forgiven; accept his instruction and live)

2 Corinthians 5:16-21 (God has given us the ministry of reconciliation in Christ)

Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 (Parable of the Prodigal Son)

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For the Church, the world, and our poor sinful selves, let us pray to our Lord, who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

A brief silence

Dearest Father, thank you for forgiving, welcoming, and restoring us, even when we squander your gifts and turn away from you! Thank you for your Holy Spirit, who brings us “to our right minds” and helps us repent. Thank you for your Son, who guides us to your embrace. He gives his Body and Blood as your homecoming feast; he clothes us with his own righteousness; and he places the signet-ring of his Sonship upon our hand. We give you thanks, Father, not as we ought, but as we are able.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make your Church faithful in proclaiming both your Law and Gospel. Make it lovely with holiness, gentle in rebuke, warmhearted in reconciliation, and generous in welcoming all whom you have led to repent.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Help this congregation to pray for, seek out, and forgive those who have wronged us. Give us patience, graciousness, and humility. Make this a place where those who are estranged from us, and from you, may return and be reconciled.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for families torn apart by sin, squabbling, and selfishness. Heal them, and return each person “to their right minds.” Deliver them from the pigsty of foolish pride and the far country of hostility. Take away whatever resentment and hurt stands in the way of healing and reunion.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Forgive those who, though entrusted with authority, power, and influence, have squandered these gifts, and used them foolishly. Give wisdom, integrity, and prudence to our elected and appointed leaders; to those in the military and first responders; and to those entrusted with educating our children or caring for the vulnerable. And teach us to live at peace with one another, despite our differences!

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bring healing and hope to all who suffers especially: {List}. Bring them back from the far country of pain, sorrow, or despair. Restore them to fellowship with all who love them, and increase their trust in you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Father, you’ve welcomed so many prodigals into your Kingdom already, including many whom we have loved in this life! Thank you. Keep our eyes fixed on the road home to you. Deliver us from the pig-sty of stubborn pride. Soften our hearts to help fellow prodigals along the way. Lavish your Holy Spirit upon us, so we’re constantly trying to live in faith toward you and in fervent love for one another. And, at the last, welcome us to the homecoming feast you have prepared for us, Jesus’ wayward sisters and brothers. We yearn for your prodigal love to embrace us forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear us, dear Lord; and answer our prayers according to your will, to your glory and for the benefit of the people you long to save.

Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

March 20, 2022: 3rd Sunday in Lent

Ezekiel 33:7-20 (you are a sentinel warning people to repent; if the evil repent, they live; if the righteous sin, they die; if you don’t warn, their blood is on you)

     ELW/RCL: Isaiah 55:1-9: (Listen to God, eat what is good; he makes everlasting covenant; seek him while he may be found; his Word returns fruitfully to him)

Psalm 85 (Restore us; show us your steadfast love; save us from our sin)

     ELW/RCL: Psalm 63:1-8 (My soul hungers, thirsts for you; you helped me; I sing for joy)

 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 (avoid sin; don’t test Christ; God provides escape when you are tested)

Luke 13:1-9 (tower didn’t fall because the people were worse sinners than you; but if you  do not repent, worse will happen to you. Parable of unfruitful fig tree)

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For the Church, the world, and our poor sinful selves, let us pray to our Lord, who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Son.  He diagnoses our sin, and provides our remedy. Thank you for your Holy Spirit. He opens an escape door when we are tempted, and helps us to repent when we don’t walk through. Help us in these struggles, and have mercy on us when we fall.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make the Church your sentinel. Use its words and deeds to help sinners turn from evil and turn toward the Cross, upon which was hung their salvation. Keep your persecuted servants safe in their time of testing; and cause their tormentors to repent of their sin.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Help everyone in this congregation to be fruitful fig trees, abounding in righteousness, faithfulness, love, peace, and every good work.  May our lives constantly proclaim your glory and nourish your people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for everyone who is tempted to engage in sinful acts out of fear, desperation, ignorance, or malice. Help us to speak truth in love with them. Help us to hear words of truthful warning when they are spoken to us! Help us to accompany those who resolve to walk in the path of righteousness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, our earthly leaders – in government, industry, education, and elsewhere – often seem blind, deaf, and dumb. They refuse wise words, just deliberation, and righteous deeds. Lead them to repent of selfish, wrongheaded, and evil laws or decisions. Make them eagerly seek the good you set before us all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We plead on behalf of everyone who suffers in body, mind, or spirit – especially: {List}. We pray for everyone who cares for hurting, lonely, grieving, and vulnerable people. Refresh them with your gracious Spirit, and give them the joy of your saving help.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy Father, thank you for the lives of your faithful servants who now rest from their labors. Keep their memories bright and their witness strong. Keep us in fellowship with them by faith, and with one another by love. In the fullness of time, gather all who have been redeemed through the death and resurrection of your Son into the blessedness of your Kingdom, where with you and the Holy Spirit he reigns as Savior, Lord and God forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear us, dear Lord; and answer our prayers according to your will, to your glory and for the benefit of the people you long to save.

Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

March 13, 2022: 2nd Sunday in Lent

Jeremiah 26:8-15 (Jeremiah prophesies against Zion, is marked for death; urges repentance)   

     ELW/RCL: Genesis 15:1-12, (13-16), 17-18 (God “cuts a covenant” with Abram)

Psalm 4 (The Lord sets apart his faithful; ponder, pray, offer sacrifice, be patient) 

     ELW/RCL: Psalm 27 (The Lord is my light and salvation; I desire to see the beauty of God)

 Philippians 3:17-4:1 (follow example of those who are in Christ; our citizenship is in heaven; stand firm in Christ who transforms us from humiliation to his glory)

Luke 13:31-35 (Jesus, must die in Jerusalem; longs to gather its people beneath his wings)

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For the Church, the world, and our poor sinful selves, let us pray to our Lord, who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, thank you for gathering your people beneath your wings. Your mercy covers our sins – and gives us courage to repent. Let us always remember your sacrifice, walk in the pathway you set before us, and stand firm in you, our Savior, Redeemer, and God.

Lord God, hear our prayer.

Purify and transform your Church. Make it your lamp, shining in this sin-darkened world. Draw it close to you, so that through it, many who are afar off may also be drawn close to you, their light and their life.

Lord God, hear our prayer.

We plead for all who suffer because they name you as Lord. Hide them in the shadow of your wings. Transform their humiliation into your glory. By their patience in suffering, cause their tormentors to repent of their evil deeds.

Lord God, hear our prayer.

Bless this congregation with your dear presence. Make us mirror your humble, self-giving love to everyone we encounter.

Lord God, hear our prayer.

We pray for our enemies and for all who hate you. We pray for the wicked, the spiteful, the violent, the remorseless, and the cruel. Deliver them from the Evil One. Forgive their sins. Give them grace to repent. Heal their spirits, clear their minds, and transform their hearts into thrones worthy of you.

Lord God, hear our prayer.

Through our Baptism, we have been made citizens of your heavenly Kingdom, but we still live in this world. Therefore, we pray for our earthly leaders; for all who wield power and authority; and for all who stand in harm’s way in defense of life and liberty. Give them wisdom, integrity, humility, a hunger for justice and a thirst for mercy. And bestow your heavenly peace upon us all.

Lord God, hear our prayer.

Loving Savior, gather the sick, sorrowing, suffering, and dying beneath your holy wings. Especially we pray for: {List}. Grant them shelter, healing, and hope. Bestow upon to them your strong saving love. Strengthen and encourage everyone who cares for them.

Lord God, hear our prayer.

Most holy Jesus, we entrust to you our faithful departed, and all the innocent victims of violence and injustice – especially your precious little ones whose lives were snuffed out before birth. Shelter them all with your never-failing love. Comfort all who mourn with your never-failing compassion. Guide all who still walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Bring all whom you have redeemed through your passion, death, and resurrection, into your Kingdom, where with your Father and the Holy Spirit, you reign in never-failing joy, peace and love.

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Lord God, hear our prayer.

Hear us, dear Lord; and answer our prayers according to your will, to your glory and for the benefit of the people you came to save.

Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

March 6, 2022: 1^st Sunday in Lent

Deuteronomy 26:1-11 (creedal confession when giving first fruit)

Psalm 91:1-13(God will shield his Righteous One; angels will bear him up)

Romans 10:8b-13 (all who believe and confess that Jesus is Lord shall be saved)

Luke 4:1-13 (Jesus tempted by Satan)

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For the Church, the world, and our poor sinful selves, let us pray to our Lord, who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

A brief silence

Lord, we sometimes forget that when Jesus was tempted by Satan, it was a real battle. We forget that he didn’t “cash in” on his divinity. We think it was easy for him, as if that excuses us when we give in to temptation. Have mercy on us. Give us faith, courage, and endurance. Set your word in our hearts and on our lips, so even in times of trial, we confess and bless our Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the Church throughout the world. Lord, purify, heal, unite, and guide it. Through it, lead many to the foot of Jesus’ life-giving Cross.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all who are persecuted on account of Jesus.  Lord, strengthen them in their trials by your strong Word. We also pray for seminarians and pastors, evangelists and missionaries, discipleship partners and spiritual guides. Let that same Word dwell in their hearts and be confessed by their lips.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for this congregation. Lord, keep us steadfast in faith, humble in service, diligent in worship, persistent in prayer, and loving in fellowship.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our children. Lord, set your angels around them. Shield them from evil, deliver them from danger, and guide them in the way of eternal life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our broken world.  Lord, heal and transform it.  We pray for our leaders. Lord, grant them wisdom, justice, and compassion. We pray for all people. Lord, deliver us from evil, strengthen us in every good gift, and bestow your peace among us all.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all whose work is difficult and dangerous. Lord, give them cool heads, wise words, and right actions. Shield, support and strengthen those who fall, and those who await their loved one’s return.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the sick and injured; the abused and their abusers; the despairing and the confused; the homeless, imprisoned, abandoned, and oppressed; the dying and the bereaved, and for all who cry out for mercy, including: {List}.  Lord, save them from their time of trial, deliver them from evil, and bestow upon them the riches of your Kingdom.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

With grateful hearts, we entrust our beloved dead into your keeping, dear Lord. Hear us now as we pray for ourselves: Throughout the Lenten pilgrimage of our lives, be the bread for our journey. Forgive us, and make us eager to forgive each other. Strengthen us in times of trial. Deliver us from the power of the Evil One.  Bring us safely into your house, prepared for all who love you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear us, gracious Father, for the sake of your well-beloved Son, who intercedes for us before your throne of mercy.

Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

Wednesday, March 2, 2022, Cycle C: Ash Wednesday

Joel 2:12-19 (return to the Lord with all your heart; sanctify a fast)

Psalm 51 (wash me from my sins; put a right spirit within me)

2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 (be reconciled with God; don’t let his grace be in vain; we have  suffered for your sake

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 (fast, pray, give alms, but don’t show them off before others)

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Let us humbly beseech God for his mercy upon the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Have mercy on this world that you created in love, though it has turned away from you, most Holy Father. Have mercy on the people who sit in the darkness of sin and the shadow of death, and whom you came to save, most Holy Son. Have mercy on this fallen creation that cries out in travail for its deliverance from futility and death, most Holy Spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy on your Church. Cleanse it from false teaching, holier-than-thou holiness, and fair-weather discipleship. Form it in the likeness of your Son. Fill it with your Spirit. Use it to draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy on your persecuted servants. Cleanse them from bitterness, hatred, or thirst for revenge. Form them into the likeness of your Son. Fill them with your Spirit. Use them to lead the enemies of Christ to repentance and salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy on this congregation. Cleanse us from apathy, contention, and stinginess. Form us into the likeness of your Son. Fill us with your Spirit. Use us to draw our families, friends, and communities to the foot of Jesus’ Cross.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy on all who doubt your existence or your goodness. Cleanse them from spiritual darkness, intellectual pride, or emotional despair. Form them into the likeness of your Son. Fill them with your Spirit. Bless them with faith and trust in you, their Savior, Lord, and Friend.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy upon all who are entrusted with power and authority in this sin-shadowed world. Cleanse them from cruelty, lust for power, and worship of self. Form them into the likeness of your Son. Fill them with your Holy Spirit. Use them to bring your blessings of justice, mercy, and peace to all people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy upon all who stand in harm’s way on behalf of others. Cleanse them from wrong judgment or base motives. Form them into the likeness of your Son. Fill them with your Spirit. Use them to bring a measure of safety and freedom in dangerous places.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy on all whose lives are shadowed by suffering, sorrow, or any kind of evil. Cleanse them from all that troubles them and prevents them from turning to you, their Rock and their Redeemer. Form them into the likeness of your Son. Fill them with your Holy Spirit. Restore them to wholeness and hope, in the company of all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy and gracious Father, we commend into your mercy all our beloved dead. We who are ashes and dust humbly beseech you for your mercy upon us as well. Cleanse us from the sins that separates us from you and from one another. Form us into the likeness of your dear Son, fill us with your Holy Spirit, and use us to help lighten our neighbor’s burdens throughout our earthly pilgrimage. Lead us, with all whom you have redeemed by the Cross and Resurrection of Jesus, into your Kingdom, where, untroubled by sin, evil, or death, we may rejoice in your goodness and gaze upon your glory forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For these things, and for whatever else is needful, dear Father, we pray in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, Cycle C: Transfiguration of Our Lord, February 27, 2022

Deuteronomy 34:1-12: (The death of Moses after God shows him the Promised Land; no one has arisen like Moses, whom God spoke to as a friend, face to face)

       RCL/ELW: Exodus 34:29-35: (The shining face of Moses)

Psalm 99: (Extol the Lord, who spoke to his servants Moses and Aaron in a pillar of cloud. You, Lord, love justice and establish equity; you forgive sin and avenge wrongdoing)

Hebrews 3:1-6: (Moses was faithful as a servant in God’s house. Jesus is faithful as the Son)

       RCL/ELW: 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2: (We look upon the Lord with unveiled faces. Being transfigured from glory unto glory, we put aside shameful practices, commend selves to everyone in the sight of God)

Luke 9:28-36: (The Transfiguration of our Lord)

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Let us draw near to the Light of Christ, offering prayer and supplication on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Father, today we kneel in adoration before the majesty your Son, revealed in his Transfiguration. But sometimes, our devotion grows cold. Sometimes our prayers and worship become half-hearted and routine. Sometimes we treat Jesus like a buddy we can call on if we need something from him. Kindle our hearts, minds, and spirits always to worship and obey him with holy fear, deep joy, and fervent love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

O God beyond all praising, we worship you and adore your glory, revealed in the face of your beloved Son. Grant that your Church listens to his word and holds fast to him in its heavenly calling. Make it bold to preach Christ alone as the way of salvation. Let it proclaim to the whole world his blessings without number and his mercy without end.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant to your persecuted people confidence and hope, established through the steadfast obedience of Christ their Lord. Give them grace to triumph through their sufferings and rise to serve you even in the presence of those who trouble them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let the radiance of our Beautiful Savior fill the hearts and sanctify the ministries of this congregation. Make our worship into a joyful duty, and our service into a sacrifice of praise. Use us to lead others to Jesus, that with us, they may worship, honor, bless and adore him.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have appointed your Son as King of creation and Lord of the nations. Teach our leaders to praise your name; to love justice and righteousness; and to seek those things that make for peace. Come to the help of those whose lives are troubled by sorrow and hardship; and draw all people into the glorious and gentle rule of Christ their Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We lift our hearts to you on behalf of all whose lives are clouded by any sort of affliction or sorrow, including: {List}. Let the light of Jesus’ countenance heal and cheer them. Let all who care for them do so with tenderness and compassion; and grant that together we may praise you for your unending mercies.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Lord, our Beautiful Savior, those who have died trusting in you now see you face to face. Thank you for that final, best gift! Continue, we pray, to show to us your amazing love. Though we are your unworthy servants, bless us with such good gifts as will sustain us and others in this life. Bring us, in your good time, into the joy you have prepared for all whom you have redeemed. Give us voices there to sing unceasingly, “Glory and honor, praise, adoration, now and forevermore be thine!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all these things, dear Father, and for whatever else you desire for us in your wisdom and compassion, we pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior, Lord, and King. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, Cycle C: 7^th Sunday after Epiphany, Proper 6, February 20,2022

Genesis 45:3-15: (Joseph reveals himself to his brothers and forgives them)

Psalm 103:1-13: (Bless the Lord, O my soul! As far as the east is from the west, so far does God remove our sins from us)

1 Corinthians 15:21-26, 30-42: (The consequences of the Resurrection; more than hoping in human power; the resurrection of the faithful, and glorified bodies)

           RCL/ELW: 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50: (The resurrection body)

Luke 6:27-38: (Love enemies; be merciful, as Father is. Forgive and give, and you will be forgiven and will be given much!)

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Let us draw near to the Light of Christ, offering prayer and supplication on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Loving Father, forgiveness is the hardest thing we ever do – but refusing to forgive is worse. Thank you for the forgiveness that you have given us in Jesus. Let it sink in and work deep within us. Although it is so hard, teach us how to forgive, and to ask for forgiveness. Restore us to yourself, and to those who are separated from us, by their sins or by our own.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make your Church unflinching in exposing sin, humble in confessing it, and generous in forgiving all who repent of it. Do not let it re-brand sin as virtue, nor reject those who stumble. Make it wise in exhortation and counsel. Make it gracious in restoring and healing all who repent and turn to you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless counselors, pastors, and others who help repair relationships and restore community. Equip them to listen deeply and speak wisely. Let them seek your will and model your love as they serve others.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Embrace the people of this congregation with your holy and forgiving love. Make us eager to seek out those estranged from us, and patient in the work of reconciliation. Let all we say and do shine with love for Jesus, and with Jesus’ love for everyone we meet.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give rulers of nations, and all in positions of authority, a love for justice tempered with mercy. Remind us all that revenge may destroy both parties, and “strict justice” may divide, not build up communities. Teach us that mercy and forgiveness, though difficult, can bring healing and reconciliation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Restore the faith and the health of all who are burdened by suffering of body, mind, or spirit – especially {List}. Give them the joy of your saving help; and restore them to fellowship with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, we commend our beloved dead into your care, trusting your promise of mercy. Keep us, we pray, in your care as well! Help us bring your mercy to those who are lost, broken, estranged, or despairing. Sustain us with your grace, won for us in death and resurrection of your Son and given to us by your Holy Spirit. Reconcile us to yourself and to each other. And welcome us into your kingdom and reunite us with all your people. There let us praise your goodness forever and ever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all these things, dear Father, and for whatever else you desire for us in your wisdom and compassion, we pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior, Lord, and King. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, Cycle C: 6^th Sunday after Epiphany, Proper 5, February 13, 2022

Jeremiah 17:5-8: (Cursed are those who trust mortals; they are like shrub in desert. Blessed are  those who trust God; they are like tree planted by water)

Psalm 1: (Ditto! The wicked shall not withstand judgment. God preserves the righteous.)

1 Corinthians 15:1-20: (The proofs and witnesses to the Resurrection. Consequences of believing or disbelieving that Christ is raised.)

RCL/ELW: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20: (Did first half last week!)

Luke 6:17-26: (Jesus heals; blessings and woes from Sermon on the Plain)

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Let us draw near to the Light of Christ, offering prayer and supplication on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, thank you for grafting us to Christ, the Tree of life rich with abundant fruit. Thank you for immersing us in the streams of living water: the Spirit flowing from your Son’s pierced side. Thank you for raising us to new life in him.  May our lives delight in him, meditate on him day and night, and produces the sweet fruit of repentance and righteousness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Plant your Church amidst those streams of living water. Let its worship, teaching, fellowship, and charity bring life and healing to many people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Father, we pray, as you have commanded, for our enemies and for everyone hostile to your Word. Soften their hearts and forgive their sins. Heal their souls, and lead them to the foot of your Son’s Cross. Give us the grace to welcome them there as sisters and brothers, fellow debtors to your amazing grace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep this congregation in your care. Cause all we do to conform to your will. Help us share the mercy of Jesus with everyone we encounter, especially the people we don’t much like. Water us daily with the gifts of your Holy Spirit. Let us grow in grace and in fruits that nourish all who hunger for your goodness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Guide our earthly leaders in pathways of righteousness and integrity. Give them grace to delight in your Law. Help them use their authority to benefit all people, especially the poor. Help us all to refrain from sowing seeds of discord and violence. Instead, let us share friendship, respect, and mercy with those who need them most.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bring healing to the bodies, minds, hearts, and relationships of everyone burdened by sin, sickness, suffering, or sorrow. Especially we plead on behalf of: {List}. Cheer their spirits, renew their hope, and bless their loved ones and caregivers.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you, Father, for the lives of all your faithful people who are now at rest in you. Thank you for their witness, example, and goodness towards us. Nourish us on our pilgrimage with your Word. Refresh us with your Spirit and guide us by your Son’s Cross. Keep us constant in faith toward you and in love for one another. Bring us, we pray, into the Resurrection-life he has won for all who love him.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all these things, dear Father, and for whatever else you desire for us in your wisdom and compassion, we pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior, Lord, and King. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, Cycle C: 5^th Sunday after Epiphany, Proper 4, February 6, 2022

Isaiah 6: 1-13: (Isaiah’s vision of God and commissioning as a prophet of judgment)

Psalm 138: (All shall praise God; he is high, yet regards the lowly. Preserve and save me from my foes, and fulfil your purpose for me!)

1 Corinthians 14:12b-20: (Spiritual gifts; interpretation is greater than tongues)

            RCL/ELW: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11: (Proof and witnesses of the Resurrection)

Luke 5:1-11: (Jesus calls his first disciples; “Depart from me for I am a sinful man!”)

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Let us draw near to the Light of Christ, offering prayer and supplication on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Thank you, dear Father, for seeking and sending us, even though, like Peter, we are sinners! Thank you for providing every spiritual gift, so we can follow Jesus and proclaim the Gospel to other sinners.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Do not let your dear Son depart from your Church, though it is sinful and broken. Bless, purify, forgive, and transform it. Teach it to fish for all those who do not know Jesus, and draw them to his Cross. Teach all who gather at that Cross to love Jesus with all their heart.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless every missionary and evangelist who boldly speaks your Word to those who have never heard or heeded it. Protect and strengthen all who are persecuted for sharing and living the Gospel. Soften the hearts of unbelievers, so they turn to you and live.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Your Son called Peter, James, and John to follow him. Now he calls this congregation to do likewise. Equip us with faithfulness, boldness, humility, and compassion. Keep us focused on your Word. Use our words and work to bring many to faith in Christ their Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give right judgment to the leaders of nations and captains of industry, to educators and scientists, military and emergency personnel, to medical and social workers, and to all who exercise authority and responsibility for their communities. Teach them to seek your will, and give them strength to do it. Help all of us to give generously of time and treasures when our neighbor’s need is great.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We ask your dearest blessing upon those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit, especially: {LIST}. Free them from bondage to sorrow, sin, and suffering. Raise them to health and wholeness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We commend into your care our loved ones who have died and are at rest in you. Comfort all who grieve. Help us to be so patient and kind to one another that we all pass safely through the afflictions of this mortal life. Lead us, with all whom you have redeemed by the love revealed in your Son, into your Kingdom, where faith becomes sight, hope becomes joy, and your love is our all in all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all these things, dear Father, and for whatever else you desire for us in your wisdom and compassion, we pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior, Lord, and King. Amen