3^rd Sunday of Easter, Cycle B (April 18, 2021)

Acts 3:11-21 (Peter preaches: “you acted in ignorance; repent, believe in Jesus, be forgiven”)

            ELW: Acts 3:12-19)

Psalm 4 (The Lord has set apart the faithful for himself; in him, we may lie down in safety)

1 John 3:1-7 (We are God’s children now; we shall be like Jesus, for we will see  him face to face)

Luke 24:36-49 (Risen Jesus appears to disciples; opens their minds to understand Scriptures)

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 THE PRAYERS 

Let us pray to our victorious Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, we can scarcely imagine seeing you face to face. It’s even harder to imagine looking at each other, and seeing you – perfectly reflected in everyone’s face! Thank you for that promise. Give us grace, when it’s hard to see you in ourselves and each other, to cling to that promise, and to catch a glimpse of your love shining through.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make you Church in your image. In its words, let unbelievers hear your challenge, forgiveness, and invitation. In its deeds, let them see your love. In its worship, let them see your beauty. In its cross-bearing, let them see your life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give your persecuted sisters and brothers the grace to speak St. Peter’s words to their tormentors: “You act in ignorance; repent, believe in him; and be forgiven.”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make this congregation bold to proclaim you as our risen Lord. Help us to speak and act in ways that reflect your holiness and love to those around us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant to our children your dearest blessings. Teach them to trust you with all their heart, and to find happiness in sharing your love with their friends and family.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Deliver all people from the powers of sin, evil, and death. Raise up leaders who seek to do your Father’s will. Especially we pray for our elected and appointed leaders, and for the welfare of this country. Establish your people in righteousness, liberty, and peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Look with kindness upon all who tend the land and feed the nations with the fruits of their labor. Make them wise and faithful stewards of your bounty. Grant sun and rain in due measure, and preserve your good land from blight, drought, flood, wind, and fire.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray on behalf of all whose needs of body, soul and mind are great. Especially we lift before you the needs of: {List}. Change their suffering into patient endurance, and their sorrow into enduring hope.  Transform shame, guilt, and despair into hope-filled repentance, and the power of death into living joy.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, we thank you for fulfilling all your promises to those who died trusting in you. Comfort those who mourn. Walk with us throughout our life’s journey. Transform us into your blest likeness. On that great day when we see you face to face, let us with perfect clarity see you also in the faces of all whom you have redeemed.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant to us all that is in accordance with your will, dear Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

2^nd Sunday of Easter, Cycle B (April 11, 2021)

Acts 4:32-35 (The believers share their possessions)

Psalm 148 (Praise for God’s universal glory)

            ELW: Psalm 133 (The blessedness of unity)

1 John 1:1-2:2 (We declare what we have seen, heard, touched; Christ is our advocate when we confess our sins)

 John 20:19-31 (Jesus appears to disciples – and Thomas)

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THE PRAYERS 

Let us pray to our victorious Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, thank you for being so patient with your followers. Thank you for breathing your Spirit and your peace upon us. Thank you for giving us your own work of forgiving the sins of all who are humble enough to seek forgiveness and grace. Give us the faith, hope, and charity to believe, worship, and obey you always.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Breathe your Holy Spirit upon your Church, so that it may never doubt your Resurrection, but always proclaim you as the crucified and risen Savior of the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Pour your Holy Spirit into your persecuted followers, so that their faith in you is unwavering and their witness to you is both gracious and bold.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Come with your forgiveness, grace, and peace to the people of this congregation. Make us hunger for your Word and thirst for your goodness. Give us a vision of your love for each of us. Help us to serve you by serving others in your name.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Breathe your Holy Spirit upon skeptics, doubters, and all whose confidence in your grace has been shaken by tragedy. Use us to lead them gently into your house. Lift them with your wounded hands. Transform their unbelief into unshakeable faith in you, their Lord and God.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give the leaders of the nations, and all people entrusted to their care, that peace which the world cannot give. Send your Holy Spirit into the world. Let repentant faith and deeds of mercy bring the light of your saving love to hearts darkened by the powers of sin, evil and death.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

The other disciples sought out Thomas when he was grieving and in despair. Teach us to be your disciples, seeking out and walking with others even when they despair of your love. Give us grace to be gentle, winsome, patient, yet persistent as we invite them to taste and see your goodness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bring the peace of your forgiveness, the healing of your dear touch, and the joy of your salvation to all whose lives are shadowed by suffering to body, mind or soul. Especially we remember before you: {List}. Cheer their hearts, renew their faith, and restore them to fellowship with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, you have been raised from death, and you promise your resurrection life to all whom you have redeemed. We entrust into your strong arms the lives of all who have fallen asleep in you. Wipe away the tears of all who grieve. Turn our doubt into unshakeable confidence. Grant that all whom you have redeemed may see you face to face and cry out in adoration and joy, “My Lord and my God!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant to us all that is in accordance with your will, dear Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

THE PRAYERS, 

Easter Day, The Resurrection of Our Lord, Cycle B (April 4, 2021)

Let us pray to our victorious Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people.

A brief silence

O Lord Jesus, risen gloriously from the dead, you have snatched us from the snares of the evil one: alleluia! In you, righteousness and peace kiss one another: alleluia! In you, all God’s promises have their “yes”: alleluia! In you, we shall not die but live, and declare the glory of the Lord: alleluia!

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fill your Church with the splendor of your life, light, and love. May its words and deeds proclaim: “Alleluia, Christ is Risen, He is Risen Indeed!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Impart your deathless love to Christians who suffer persecution even on this holy day. Grant them the joy of your saving help. Purge the leaven of evil from the hearts of their tormentors. Hasten the day when together they kneel before you in adoration.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Crown this congregation with unfading joy, unfailing kindness, undaunted hope, and unceasing praise. Let everyone we meet see your goodness revealed in our words and deeds.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Graciously bless the guests and visitors among us this day. Kindle the hearts of those who do not yet believe that you have conquered sin and death. Grant them faith to know that you live to bestow health and salvation upon them forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant peace among all nations. Impart wisdom, integrity, and holy fear to our leaders. Bestow joy, hope, and healing upon all people, especially those afflicted by human malice or natural catastrophe.  Bring us into right relationship with you and each other forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be the strong and righteous arm of all who stand in harm’s way on behalf of others. Make them brave, wise and good. Shield them from the forces of evil. Heal them when they fall. Fill their loved ones with confidence in your triumph over every foe.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We plead on behalf of all who are sick, wounded, abused, imprisoned, despairing, grieving or dying, and for all who crave your mercy, including: {List}. Impart your life and love to them, so they may sing the Psalmist’s words, “I shall not die but live, and declare the works of the Lord!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy and gracious Savior, thank you for redeeming all who have fallen asleep in your arms. In your mercy, wipe away the tears of all whose grief runs deep. Feed us all with a foretaste of your Kingdom feast. Take away the shroud of sin, suffering and sorrow that troubles this broken world. Give us faith to serve one another in humble gratitude for your goodness. Bring us to stand with all the redeemed and sing, “Blessing, honor, glory and might be to God and the Lamb forever! Amen! This is the feast of victory for our God! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant to us all that is in accordance with your will, dear Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

THE PRAYERS

Easter Vigil, Cycle B (April 3, 2021)

Let us pray to our victorious Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people.

A brief silence

We adore you, O Christ, and praise you for your victory over sin, death, and the devil. Cleanse our hearts and lips to acclaim you as our glorious Savior, Redeemer, and Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fill the Church with your light. Make it resplendent with holiness and charity. Let it shed the light of your love upon all who dwell in the shadows of sin and death, so with one voice we sing, “Christ is risen, Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Shatter the hateful words and evil acts of those who persecute your people. Raise up your suffering servants. Grant them courage and joy. By their faithful witness, bring their tormentors to repentance, so together they sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Feed the people of this congregation with the milk and honey of sincerity and truth. Make us lovely with your mercy and goodness. Use us to draw many into your embrace, so together we sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Clothe the newly baptized in the robes of faith and innocence. Lead them in pathways of faith toward you and fervent love toward others. Teach them always to sing: Christ is risen! Alleluia!

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let peace and righteousness kiss; let mercy and healing overflow; and let wisdom and faith abound throughout the world. Grant that all people, in every nation, come to saving knowledge of you, their Shepherd, Savior, and Lord, so with one voice they sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep safe those who risk their lives on behalf of others. Equip them with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the sandals of peace, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. Let them accomplish your will in places of danger and injustice, and sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Raise up all who sit in the shadows of pain, despair, grief, and death. Bring comfort and forgiveness to those who cry out for mercy. Bestow your reconciling grace upon all who are estranged from you and from their loved ones. Grant them and all who love them, your perfect peace, that together we may sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Lord Jesus, those who died trusting you already experience the Easter morning that knows no end. Wipe away our tears, banish our doubts, and fill us with courage and joy. Give us loving hearts, gracious words, and tireless hands to help one another along the way. Lead us through the waters of death, as if on dry ground. By your grace, let us stand with you and with all whom you have redeemed, in your Kingdom that has no end, there to sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant all that is in accordance with your will, Lord Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, 

Good Friday, Cycle B (April 2, 2021)

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

A brief silence

Father, forgive, heal, strengthen, and guide your Church. Grant that it preaches, always and only, Christ crucified and raised from the dead, for the forgiveness of sins unto everlasting life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Forgive those who distort and dilute your holy Word of Law and Gospel. Fill them with a renewed love for you and for your Son who is the Way, Truth, and Life of the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Forgive those who deny the reality of sin, or who focus only on selected sins of others. Lift their eyes to the One who was bruised for their iniquities.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Forgive those who despise you and sneer at all who love you. Lead them to the foot of the Cross of Christ, that they may learn the joys of repentance and humble faith.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Forgive this congregation when we prefer anything whatsoever to your dear Son. Kindle our hearts with his holy love, so that when our neighbors see us, they more clearly see him.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Forgive our local, regional, and national church bodies when anything overshadows the proclamation of the Gospel. Keep their hearts firmly fixed on Jesus, their Master and their Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Forgive our earthly leaders when they seek their own ends, not your will. Give them teachable spirits, humble hearts, wise minds, and just and merciful actions.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Forgive our military, police, and all others who risk their lives on our behalf, when they overstep the limits of justice. Guide them in right pathways, and bring clarity and integrity to all they do.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Forgive and heal those who are sick, injured, angry, defiant, despairing, frightened, or grieving. Give them faith to look upon the One who bore their sickness and grief, and who carried their wounds and their sorrow, and upon whom was the chastisement that makes them whole.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Forgive us when we grieve as those without hope; when we think without wisdom, speak without mercy, and act without charity. Set before us the Cross of Christ, and so lead us through the temptations and sorrows of this life. By the merits of your beloved Son, cleanse, heal, restore, and raise us from the realm of sin and death, into the glorious light and endless joy of the Kingdom he has won for all whom he is pleased to redeem.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear and graciously answer our prayers as you deem best for us, dear Father, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God forever. Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, 

Maundy Thursday, Cycle B (April 1, 2021)

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

A brief silence

On this holy night, dear Father, grant us faith to cling to the forgiveness won for us by your dear Spon. Grant us hope, to cling to him in temptation, turmoil, and darkness. Give us love, to cling to him forever, adoring him as our Savior and Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the Church. Fill it with your Spirit, so that it might more perfectly love you and the people your Son came to redeem.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our persecuted sisters and brothers throughout the world. Fill them with your Spirit, so that they more perfectly bear witness to the holiness and love of Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We pray for our seminarians, theologians, pastors, and all missionaries of the Gospel. Fill them with your Spirit, so that they more perfectly proclaim Christ, and him crucified.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our congregation, its people, and its ministries. Fill us with your Spirit, so that we might more perfectly reflect the servant-love of Jesus to one another, and to our neighbors.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all who will be baptized into the death and resurrection of Christ during these holy days. Fill them with your Spirit, so that they may more perfectly follow in his footsteps.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our elected and appointed leaders, here and in all nations. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly accomplish your will for the people entrusted to their care.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all who risk their lives for the sake of others. Fill them with your Spirit, so that in places of danger, distrust, and disease, they more perfectly accomplish your will.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for everyone suffers in body, heart, or mind, especially: {List}. Fill them with your Spirit, so that they might more perfectly cling to Christ: their life and their salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, we share a foretaste of the feast you have set before all whom you have redeemed by the passion, death, and resurrection of your beloved Son. Fill us with your Spirit, so that we might more perfectly take up our Cross, follow Jesus wherever he leads, and encourage one another along life’s way. Bring us, through the merits of Christ, into your Kingdom, where with him and the Holy Spirit, you reign in the glory of heaven’s endless day.

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, 

Palm/Passion Sunday, Cycle B (March 28, 2021)

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

A brief silence

 Glory be to you, Lord Jesus Christ! By your Cross and precious blood you have redeemed the whole world. Hosanna in the highest!

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You were acclaimed Son of David and Son of God by the pilgrims in Jerusalem. Fill your Church with faithfulness, boldness, and compassion. Through its witness, cause many to sing, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 You were met by people crying “Hosanna,” – Lord, save! Grant your salvation to your followers who are persecuted for naming you as Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

You accepted the praises of the crowds who worshipped in Jerusalem. Fill this congregation with such love for you that we eagerly worship you, humbly do your will, and lovingly serve our neighbor in your name.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You were greeted with sweet Hosannas by little children.  We pray for our little ones, and for children throughout the world, that their mouths might be made perfect in praising your name.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You entered Jerusalem as the Prince of Peace. Fill the leaders of the nations with a hunger for peace, a thirst for justice, and a love for the people entrusted to their care. Teach us all to do your will and to long for the day when you return in glory as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 You entered Jerusalem on a donkey, not a war horse.  Fill all places of violence with your peace. Protect and bless those who stand in harm’s way. Bring them safely home to their loved ones.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You were greeted with joy as you entered the Holy City. Fill with joy the hearts of all who suffer in mind, body, or spirit, especially: {List}.  Turn their sorrow into joy; their suffering into health; and their cries for help into shouts of praise.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You open the gates of the New Jerusalem for all who die trusting in you. Thank you for receiving them into that glorious city. Bring peace and hope to all who grieve. Fill us with imperishable hope, so that we gladly follow where you lead us – until you lead us safely home.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Accept our prayers, dear Jesus, and lay them at your Father’s throne. Let all that pleases him be done, to your glory and the good of your people. Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, 

5^th Sunday in Lent, Cycle B (March 21, 2021)

Jeremiah 31:31-34 (God promises to put his law in his peoples’ hearts)

Psalm 119:9-16 (I will delight in your statutes and meditate on your Word)

            ELW: Psalm 11:9-16 or Psalm 51:1-12, (Have mercy on me; create in me a clean heart)

Hebrews 5:1-10 (Jesus, as High Priest knows our weakness; he learned obedience through suffering and became the salvation of all who obey him)

Mark 10:32-45 (Passion prediction; “can you drink from my cup?”; those who wish to be greatest must become least; Son of man came not to be served but to serve, give his life as ransom for many)

                        ELW: John 12:20-33 (We wish to see Jesus; My hour has come; when I am lifted up I will draw all people to myself)

 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, give us a new heart. Take away our heart of stone. Give us the only heart that can beat in us forever – the heart of your dear Son Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Put a new and right heart within your Church. Make it cling in perfect faith to Jesus, and do your will. Cleanse it from wrongful teaching and shameful deeds. By the power of your Holy Spirit, make it shine with your Son’s forgiveness, compassion and mercy.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Put a new and faithful heart in your people when they are persecuted for Jesus’ sake. Give them the joy of knowing that they indeed drink with Jesus from his cup.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Put a new and joyful heart within this congregation. By the power of your Holy Spirit, unite us to Jesus’ death and rising. Cause us to bear much fruit in his name. And use us to draw others to his cross.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Put a new and patient heart within all who care for family members with special needs. Give them compassion, strength, and the joy of knowing that what they do for their loved one, they do for you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Put a new and wise heart within our earthly leaders, so they do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly before you. Give to all of us a desire to help our neighbors, especially those who are struggling in these difficult times. Teach us to live together in peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Put a new and steadfast heart into all who serve our country, here and abroad. Give them courage, wisdom, and competence in all they do. Strengthen and shield their loved ones. Bring them home in safety when their work is done.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Put a new and trustful heart into all who cry to you for help; especially: {List}. Give them the joy of your saving help; and give to all who care for them the comfort and guidance of your Holy Spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Dear Father, we commend into your care all our beloved dead.  Put a new and faith-filled heart into each of us, who still walk the troubled pathways of this life. Give us grace to firmly believe that, as we have been buried with Christ, we shall also be raised with him. Bring us, with all whom you have redeemed, into the joy of your kingdom.

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, 

4^th Sunday in Lent, Cycle B (March 14, 2021)

Numbers 21:4-9 (The bronze serpent; look upon it and live)

Psalm 107:1-9 (Wanderers in desert wastes cry to the Lord; he delivers them

from their trouble)

Ephesians 2:1-10 (Dead in sin, now made alive in Christ by the grace of God)

John 3:14-21 (As Moses lifted up the serpent, so Son of Man is lifted up)

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

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

A brief silence

 Dear Father, we know the words by heart: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son.” Kindle your Holy Spirit in us, so these words burn bright and pure therein. Let them shine through all our thoughts, words, and deeds.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant that through the Church’s faithful witness to your beloved Son, many people may know of your great love for them; believe in you; and receive everlasting life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give hope and healing when your Church experiences persecution. Lift it up as a sign of your saving love in a sin-darkened world.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We ask for your blessing upon the people of this congregation. Center our hearts in your love, shown for us in Christ Jesus, and help us to share that love with others.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We fervently pray that you will raise up pastors, teachers, missionaries, and evangelists whose hearts burn with the desire to share the Gospel of your strong saving love with those who do not know you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Teach the leaders of the nations the ways of wisdom, integrity, and humility. Keep them from being seduced by power and praise. Fill them with a hunger for justice; a love of mercy; and a desire to work for peace among all people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Ease the burden of those who toil to keep your people healthy, safe, and free. Make them wise and brave, honest and good. We also pray that you would give prudence, common sense, and a dash of humility to each of us, to make their jobs a little easier.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

As the Israelites looked upon the bronze serpent and were healed, grant that all who suffer may look upon the Cross of Christ and find healing, comfort, forgiveness, hope and life. Especially we pray for {List}. Restore them to our fellowship; and bestow upon us all the joy of your salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We praise you, heavenly Father, for receiving into eternal life those who believed on Jesus Christ in their mortal life. Keep also our minds and hearts firmly fixed on Jesus, so that we may journey safely through the wilderness of this world into the blessedness and joy of your Promised Land.

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, 

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.