THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, 

3^rd Sunday in Lent, Cycle B (March 7, 2021)

Exodus 20:1-17 (God gives Israel the 10 Commandments)

Psalm 19 (Heavens tell the glory of God; his law is perfect, reviving the soul)

1 Corinthians 1:18-31 (Message of Cross is foolish, weak; but is God’s wisdom, strength)

John 2:13-25 (Jesus cleanses the Temple)

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

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

A brief silence

Thank you, Father, for your dear Son. Thank you for making him your living Temple. Thank you for making him our eternal “house of prayer.” Give us faith to pray together, with him, “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Cleanse and purify your Church. Make it into a house of prayer for all people. Give it pastors, bishops, and leaders who preach, preside, and teach faithfully, and whose lives adorn the Gospel with holiness. Use it to draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless your suffering Church, that it may never be overcome by bitterness or despair, but may be a beacon of your saving love in a sin-darkened world.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Give to the members of this congregation such zeal for your house, so that we may worship you joyfully; care for one another tenderly; and proclaim your Word boldly.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for fathers and mothers; foster parents; and everyone entrusted with the care and nurture of your little ones. Give them the grace and faith to they may teach their children your commandments and to bring them to your House, there to receive your gracious Word and Sacraments.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Guide the rulers of the nations to seek your will, and give them the strength to do it. Teach us all to live by your commandments; give wisdom and prudence to our elected leaders; and grant us your peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Give strength, wisdom, courage, and integrity to all who stand between us and the threatening dangers of this fallen world. We thank you for their labors and pray for their safety. Prosper all they do that helps to establish justice, health, peace, and unity.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You are the strength of all who suffer and the joy of all who are sorrowful. Be present with your merciful care to all whose need is great, especially: {List}. Give them, and all who love them, grace to trust in Christ Jesus. He alone is their life, health, hope, and salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Gracious heavenly Father, we entrust into your merciful care all our departed loved ones. Comfort all who grieve. Keep our feet in the path of your commandments; our hearts firmly fixed on your forgiving love; and our eyes forever focused on the Cross of Christ Jesus, until you bring us safely into your welcoming embrace and eternal home.

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.

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, 

2^nd Sunday in Lent, Cycle B (February 28, 2021)

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

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

A brief silence

Holy Father, thank you for Peter and all the apostles, saints, and martyrs who boldly confessed Jesus as Lord and God. Thank you for pastors and seminary professors, mentors and spiritual guides, who help us do the same.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Inspire your Church to boldly and faithfully acclaim Jesus to the world as your only Son, and as its only Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Your Son did not shrink from suffering and death. Grant grace to all who are persecuted for Jesus’ sake, so that they glory in his Cross, and rejoice in his resurrection.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Teach the people of this congregation to follow Jesus in humble service and cross-bearing. Let our worship, words and lives, glorify you and build up the Body of Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give courage and joy to our college students and to all seminarians. Keep their faith strong and true. Help them dedicate their energy, creativity and talents to caring for other people and glorifying your holy Name.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Through your covenant with Abraham and Sarah, you blessed all nations. Grant to all people the blessings of peace, freedom, and righteousness, which apart from you cannot flourish. Direct and guide our nation, that our words and deeds may please and glorify you, the Lord of the whole earth.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Look with favor on all who stand in harm’s way on behalf of others. Give them wisdom, courage, and competence; protect them in times of danger; strengthen their loved ones; and when their task is done, bring them home swiftly and safely.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We lift before you the needs and prayers of all who cry out to you for help, especially: {List}. Grant to them the joy of your saving help; bless all who care for them; and restore them to health and hope.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy Father, we thank you for fulfilling your promises to those who have died and are at rest in you. Wipe away the tears of those whose grief runs deep. Keep us calm and fearless, ever trusting your love which shines from Jesus’ Cross and lights our path throughout our earthly pilgrimage. Bring us, and those of every nation whom you have redeemed, to the final fulfillment of your blessing, won for us by Abraham’s glorious offspring, your Son, Christ Jesus our Lord.

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.

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

1^st Sunday in Lent, Cycle B (February 21, 2021)

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

A brief silence

Thank you, dear Father, for the examples of Abraham and of your dear Son. Thank you for their steadfast faith. Thank you for the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit, who kindles our faith and strengthens us in whatever trials and temptations we endure.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Purify your holy Church. When it is tempted by power, success, or convenience, turn its eyes to the Cross of your dear Son.  By the power of your Spirit, keep it faithful in its proclamation of repentance, forgiveness, and the close approach of your Kingdom.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Purify and strengthen your persecuted people. Shield them from the temptation to forsake your Word. Keep them steadfast in faith and gentle in spirit. Help us, in our far smaller times of trial, to go and do likewise.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Purify and guide the people of this congregation. When we focus on peripheral matters, turn our eyes to Christ. Give us grace to prefer nothing whatsoever to him.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Purify and defend our youth. Strengthen them to resist the allure of popularity, dangerous pleasures, and anything that draws them away from loving and trusting you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Purify and heal our sin-shadowed world. Let us not be seduced by promises or agendas that do not proceed from your holy will. Teach our earthly rulers that neither they nor their people can live on the bread of this world alone; they need the living Word that proceeds from you, the Lord of all nations.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Purify all first responders, and all medical and military personnel. Turn their eyes to you, their strength and their redeemer. Keep them faithful and honorable in all they do.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Purify and heal all who suffer and cry to you for help —especially: {List}. When they are tempted to despair, turn their eyes to the Cross, on which was hung the life and salvation of the whole world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy Father, we commend into your keeping the lives of all who died trusting in your mercy. When we are tempted by doubt, confusion, fear, or pleasure, fix our eyes on Jesus, our hope and heart’s desire. Fill us with your Spirit, and keep us safely on the path that leads to your eternal home and welcoming embrace.

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.

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

Ash Wednesday, Cycle B (February 17, 2021)

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

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

A brief silence

Father, thank you for being full of mercy, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Thank you for Jesus, the remedy for our sin and brokenness. Thank you for the Holy Spirit, who stirs up faith, hope, and love in our hearts.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy on your Church. Cleanse it from false teaching, feigned holiness, and fake discipleship. Form it in the likeness of your dear Son, fill it with your Holy Spirit, and 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 or thirst for revenge. Form them into the likeness of your dear Son, fill them with your Holy Spirit, and 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, inattention, and contention. Form us into the likeness of your dear Son, fill us with your Holy Spirit, and 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 dear Son, fill them with your Holy Spirit, and bless them with faith in you.

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 deceit. Form them into the likeness of your dear Son, fill them with your Holy Spirit, and use them to bring your blessings of peace, prosperity, and concord to all people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy upon all who protect our health, safety, and freedom. Cleanse them from wrong judgment or base motives. Form them into the likeness of your dear Son, fill them with your Holy Spirit, and use them to do your will in this broken world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy on all whose lives are shadowed by any kind of evil. Cleanse them from all that troubles them and prevents them from turning to you, their Strength and their Redeemer. Form them into the likeness of your dear Son, fill them with your Holy Spirit, and 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 our beloved dead. We who are ashes and dust beseech you to be merciful to us as well. Cleanse us from every sin which 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.

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

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

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

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

his glory, shown in the face of Christ)

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

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

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

A brief silence

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

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

A brief silence

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

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

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

listen to him alone)

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

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

eating food offered to idols)

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

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

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

A brief silence

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

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

A brief silence

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

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

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

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

you knew me in the womb)

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

for the Holy Spirit)

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

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

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

A brief silence

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

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

Genesis 1:1-5 (God creates light)

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

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

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

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

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

A brief silence

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

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