Prayers of the Church, 5^th Sunday after Pentecost – July 5, 2020

Let us lift our hearts, hands, and voices in prayer to God on behalf of all people.

A brief silence is kept.

Dear Father, thank you for Jesus, our friend and yokefellow. Thank you for soul’s refreshment and heart’s ease; for mind’s nourishment and body’s rest. Thank you for faith, family, and freedom; for liberty and justice; for the countless blessings we so often take for granted.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Grant that your Church should always be as gentle and lowly of heart as its Savior. Use it to draw people who are heavy-laden by the world, the devil, and their own sinfulness, to the One who will give them rest. Let the Church’s high calling – of faith toward you and fervent love toward others – be a light and joyous burden to bear.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Give refreshment, rest, and respite to your suffering Church throughout the world. Help us, who are richly supplied with your good gifts, to share generously with them; to pray for them; and to speak and act on their behalf before their tormentors.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Thank you for the people of this congregation. Help us to see one another with the eyes of Jesus. Some are carrying heavy burdens, known only to them and to you. Ease their load; and give each of us such gentle hearts and words that we, too, refresh their spirits. Shape all our words and works, so that many  may find encouragement, forgiveness, hope, and renewed joy in loving and serving you.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Thank you for this beautiful world, over which you have set us as your stewards. Give us a double measure of your Holy Spirit, so that we may be wise, responsible, and compassionate as we tend the land and its creatures. Help us to enjoy the loveliness of creation, finding in it refreshment for our souls and relaxation for our bodies.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless, purify, and guide this nation. Let the words of the song be our prayer on its behalf. “America, America, God mend thine every flaw; confirm thy soul in self-control, thy liberty in law!” Grant to the people of every nation favorable weather, peaceful times, and respite from the burdens of sickness, poverty, and violence. Teach us all to eagerly seek and share your mercy, guidance, and blessings.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Ease the heavy burdens borne by all who risk their lives to keep us healthy, safe, just, and free.

Grant success to all they do in accordance with your will. Heal those wounded in body, mind, or spirit. Comfort and strengthen their loved ones. May their service be honored and their skills re-purposed when their duties are finished.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Give rest and refreshment, respite and healing to everyone who are weighed down by sin, sorrow, or suffering. Especially we pray for: {List}. Ease also the heavy load of care and worry that their loved ones shoulder; and give to us all the joy of your saving help.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Thank you, dear Father, for the life, love, and labor of your faithful departed servants. Until we are reunited with them and with your children of every time and place, bless us with your steadfast mercy and loving-kindness. Yoked to our Savior, and guided by his Spirit, let us help one another in bearing the necessary burdens of this life. Lead us into the eternal rest and unending joy which you have promised to everyone whom you have redeemed through the merits of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Receive and graciously answer our prayer, heavenly Father, for the sake of your dear Son; and by the power of your Holy Spirit, give us the strength and will to accomplish whatever you call us to do. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, 4^th Sunday after Pentecost – June 28, 2020

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

A brief silence is kept.

Father, you pay us the dubious compliment of revealing stern, high, difficult truths to us. You expect us to see the world honestly, and to value your truth above even earthly peace. You speak to us of sin and death, cross bearing and persecution, suffering and service. Give us a double measure of your Spirit as we seek to be disciples of Jesus, because, dear Lord, we’re going to need it!

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Give the Church courage to speak your truth, even when that seems to bring not peace but a sword. Keep it faithful to the testimony of apostles and martyrs, saints, and doctors of your one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church throughout all time and space. Grant that it should prefer nothing whatsoever to Christ; and that it should count as its greatest honor the bearing of his Cross in this sin-shadowed world.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Preserve the lives of your persecuted servants from those who despise your Law. When they must bear a bitter cross, keep them faithful, firmly fixed on the joy set before them. Give us courage to defend and assist them. Give us grace to faithfully serve the Lord for whom they are willing to die.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless the people and ministries of this congregation. In these strange and difficult days, give us fresh ways of being nourished in your Word and strengthened in our fellowship. We ask a special blessing upon all Vacation Bible School programs, especially as their leaders strive to create fellowship and fun even while socially distancing.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Even in the lazy days of summer, you call us to be Jesus’ apprentices in the art and craft of healing souls, enlightening minds, and softening hearts to receive your great gifts. Bless and guide everyone learning to be disciples of Jesus, walking with him as he seeks the hurting and lost.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for our own nation, and for our elected and appointed leaders. Yet we do not pray only for our nation, but for the leaders and people of every nation upon earth. Bless our world with peace, and with freedom from every evil which besets it. Teach us all to live together as your children, and to work together for the prospering of all.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Keep safe those in the military, and all on the front lines of chaos, danger and disease. Prosper all they do that is in accordance with your will. Give them clear heads, capable hands, and upright spirits. Bring them safely home when their task is done, and heal those who are injured in any way.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray on behalf of your servants who suffer in body, mind, spirit, or circumstance, and for all who crave your mercy and blessing, especially: {List}. Restore them to health, wholeness, and hope. Help us to give even a cup of cold water for the sake of our Lord and his love for them. Bless all caregivers, doctors, nurses, technicians, and therapists with compassionate expertise and cheerful service.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

With reverence and affection, we remember before you our beloved dead. Comfort all who grieve. Help us care for each other for Jesus’ sake: forgiving, helping, chiding, or encouraging, as there is need. Help us speak hard truths with humility and love. Give us grace to take up our cross and follow Jesus, knowing that he will lead us through danger, evil, and death, and will bring us home to you forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

All this we ask, dear Father, in the power of your Spirit. Receive our prayers and grant all that is in accordance with your will, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, 3^rd Sunday after Pentecost – June 21, 2020 (Fathers’ Day)

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

A brief silence is kept.

 Thank you, dear Father, for Jesus, whom we may trust, body and soul, even when he brings not peace but a sword. Thank you for the severe mercy of death and resurrection, Law and Gospel, repentance and forgiveness. Thank you for entrusting your Kingdom and your living Word to us, even though we often feel unequal to that trust!

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You established your Church as a school for mission to the world. Rekindle that missionary zeal in the hearts of all pastors, theologians, and leaders in the Church.  Help them form all Christians into eager witnesses to the love of Jesus. Free the Church from worldly preoccupations, and free it to announce and share the glorious inheritance which belongs to all whom Christ has redeemed.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Strengthen the hearts and the faith of everyone who is persecuted for naming Jesus as Lord. Keep them from repaying evil with evil, but instead, by their gentleness, patience, and steadfastness, turn the hearts of their tormentors to repentant faith in you.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Fashion this congregation into a missionary outpost; a school for discipleship; a hotbed of generous service; and a temple resounding with your praise. Teach us simple ways of sharing your love with everyone we meet; and give us the strength and will to do them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Because Jesus called you Abba, Father, we, too, may call you Father. Be the model for every father, and all who act with a father’s care. Give them strength with gentleness, firmness with patience, authority with self-sacrificing love. Help us to honor and thank them, even though they are not perfect. Be the sure protector of all who do not have a loving father in their lives.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Fill the leaders of nations, and everyone in positions of authority, with righteousness, wisdom, and integrity. Help us to live, insofar as it’s up to us, at peace with our neighbors, even when we’re annoyed with them. Help us to care for the poor, hungry, homeless and abused, even when we’re stressed out and stretched thin. And help us to forgive each other, even when that seems hard.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Deliver from evil all who risk their lives in defense of life and liberty. Guide them in pathways of integrity, valor, and justice. Heal them when they fall in the accomplishment of their duties, and restore them in honor to their families and communities.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bring health and gladness to all whose lives are shadowed by pain, suffering or sorrow – especially: {List}. Be their light and life, their guide and joy. Raise them up from the dark valleys in which they wander. Give compassion, gentleness, and patience to all who care for them. Shelter them always with your love.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Father, we entrust our beloved dead into your care. Hold them in the palm of your hand. Keep us firm in faith and constant in affection. Deliver us from temptation, sin, and suffering. Command your holy angels to shield us from the Evil One’s flaming darts. By the Cross of your beloved Son, lead us safely into your presence. There, with all whom you have redeemed and raised up, grant that we may delight in praising your goodness and mercy forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

All this we ask, dear Father, in the power of your Spirit. Receive our prayers and grant all that is in accordance with your will, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, 2^nd Sunday after Pentecost – June 14, 2020

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

A brief silence is kept.

Heavenly Father, we are astonished by your kindness and grace. You call us your treasured people. You send your Son to forgive and redeem us, even while we are ungodly and estranged from you. Even more, Jesus calls us to share your gracious love with other ungodly sinners, whom you long to make beloved, treasured members of your family. Thank you. Help us to do, say, and be all you envision and will for us.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Your dear Son called and sent the Apostles to proclaim the Good News, forgive sins, and heal those sorely wounded by the powers of sin, evil and death. Strengthen and equip your Church to follow in their footsteps, and to lead the ungodly to the One who died that they might live.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We plead on behalf of our persecuted sisters and brothers. Help us to speak in their defense; aid them by prayers and material support; and live lives worthy of our mutual calling in Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make this congregation lovely with holiness, faithfulness, generosity, and joy. Fill us with your Spirit, so that we serve you with gladness and thanksgiving. Let our lives show the love of Jesus to those who need him the most.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Churches everywhere are beginning to gather, worship, and serve in Jesus’ name once again. Help us to be prudent and diligent, but also bold and fearless. Make us so radiant with love for you and for your people, that our actions encourage, comfort, and strengthen people most afflicted by illness, stress, fear, and hardship.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You are Lord and King over all nations. Cause our leaders to acknowledge your sovereignty and to do your will for the sake of the people entrusted to them. Grant that in this election year, candidates and voters desire and work for the good of all, not just the favored few.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for all who protect, serve, and care for others in difficult and dangerous situations. Make them competent, compassionate, brave, and wise. Bring healing and hope to them and to their loved ones when they need them most. Help us to honor their service; but speed the day when they may stand down from their duties and enjoy the blessings of health and peace.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Be gracious and merciful to all who are afflicted in body, mind, or spirit. We pray for families stressed to the breaking point; business owners facing foreclosure or bankruptcy; farmers, fishers, ranchers, and truckers; caregivers to special needs persons; and especially for those whom we name before you now, including: {List}. Bring to all the joy of your saving help.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Most holy Father, thank you for the lives of your faithful people who have gone before us, especially those dearest to us. Keep their memories bright. Keep us steadfast in the faith they passed on to us. Keep the Cross of Jesus ever before us; and keep us true to our calling as his disciples. By his merits, bring us into your blessed Kingdom, where with all whom you have redeemed, we will praise, adore, and glorify you in the power of the Holy Spirit forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

All this we ask, dear Father, in the power of your Spirit. Receive our prayers and grant all that is in accordance with your will, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayers for a Time of Turmoil

Galatians 5: 13-26: For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another. Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. For what the flesh desires is opposed to the Spirit, and what the Spirit desires is opposed to the flesh; for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the law. Now the works of the flesh are obvious: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. I am warning you, as I warned you before: those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, competing against one another, envying one another.

Let us pray for the Church, our nation and communities, and all people throughout the world according to their need.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, we confess to You our sin. We lay before the Cross of Your dear Son Jesus all our brokenness, anger and anguish. We lay before His wounded hands and feet all our fear and despair, our hatred and suspicion of one another, our insistence upon taking law and punishment, protest and retribution, into our own clenched fists. We lay before His pierced heart all our hardness of heart and wanton self-centeredness. We lay before His thorn-crowned head all our prideful notions, stupid and hurtful words, and evil intentions. We are poor, wretched, sinful creatures. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

We confess that we are slaves to sin, to self-centered, self-righteous, self-indulgent words and actions. We are not slaves to each other, anxiously seeking Your good for our neighbor.

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

We confess that in small ways and great, we bite and devour one another: with hateful actions or apathetic refusal to act; with inflammatory words, or refusal to speak Your truth in love.

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

We confess that the “works of the flesh” tempt, debase, and destroy our lives and communities, but we are afraid even to name them amongst ourselves lest we offend someone. Yet when we speak and act according to those works of the flesh, we truly offend You and the people you love and long to heal, save and redeem.

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

We confess that our lives, communities, public institutions, and cultural habits are desperately in need of repentance, transformation, healing, and renewal through Your Holy Spirit. Where You desire love, there is hatred, suspicion, prejudice, and contempt. Where You intend joy, there is despair. Where You counsel patience, we are reactive and impulsive. Where You desire kindness, there is callousness. Where You ask us to respond to Your goodness and to human need with generosity, we are too often selfish. Where You command faithfulness, we shy away from commitment and loyalty. Where You seek gentleness, we act with harshness. Where You counsel self-control, we “express ourselves” in hurtful, dangerous ways.

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

We confess that we deserve from You the very things we have inflicted upon ourselves and one another. But for the sake of your crucified, risen, and ascended Son, who did not refuse the title Friend of sinners, have mercy on us. Pour out Your Spirit upon all of us. Pour out His healing unction, wisdom, purity, and holy love. Pour Your Spirit upon everyone – black, white, brown; male, female, and those who aren’t sure; poor, wealthy, or in-between; progressives, conservatives, independents; Christians, Jews, Muslims, other people of faith, and those who profess none, and upon every other sort and category of person we could imagine. We so desperately need the Spirit’s gentle balm, like oil and wine on our wounded hearts!

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

With humble, hopeful hearts, with empty hands lifted in supplication, we plead: Holy Father, Holy Son, Holy Spirit, thrice holy, mighty, immortal God, come speedily, and turn not away from our plight. Enlighten our minds. Purify our wills. Cheer our hearts. Speed our feet and strengthen our hands to serve our neighbors. Open our lips to declare Your praise – and to speak, in word and deed, Your Word of Law and Gospel to people whose hearts are starved and whose lives cry out for You.

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, Holy Trinity, Cycle A (June 7, 2020)

In the power of the Spirit, let us pray to God the Father, that through his dear Son, he would accomplish his will for the Church, the world, and all people for whom we pray.

A brief silence

We adore you, O Lord, and confess you are one God in three Persons. With God the Son, in the power of God the Spirit, we are bold to pray to God the Father as “Our Father!” We do not deserve, and can barely comprehend, such a wonder. All we can do is bless your holy Name and proclaim your goodness and grace to the world.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Grant that your Church may always worship your Triune nature in unity; and confess that your unity is that of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Give the Church such wisdom and faith that it may rightly proclaim your Name to the world. And give it such humility and grace that, through it, many come to know, trust, and love you, the Lord and Savior of the world.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You commanded the Church to go into all nations, making disciples, baptizing in your Name, and teaching others to observe all you have commanded. Keep your persecuted servants faithful to that Great Commission, even when it would be easier to fall away. Purify, strengthen and correct the words and lives of us who are NOT persecuted, so we are not a scandal to their witness, nor a stumbling-block to those who do not yet believe.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make this congregation a temple fit for your most holy presence. Use our committees, Bible studies, choirs, and other ministries to glorify your Name in our midst; to bind us together in your love; and to draw those who are far from you into your loving and saving embrace.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You created this world and blessed it and called it good; and you entrust it to us as your stewards. We are called to be the very face of God to creation! Grant that we may use the bounties of the sea, land and air with wisdom and prudence. Give gentle and loving hearts to all who care for animals. Bless farmers, ranchers, fisher-folk, and all who keep an anxious eye on weather, pollution, and everything that affects this beautiful planet.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Remind leaders of the nations that they are your stewards of authority and power. Remind captains of industry and commerce that they are stewards of the world’s resources. Remind the healthy and wealthy, the educated and influential, the popular and powerful, that they, too, are stewards of your lavish gifts. Remind all of us that we are stewards of your bounty. You command us to use them in accordance with your will; and your will is for all people and all creatures to enjoy their rightful portion of your gifts.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Shield and guide our military, first responders, and all who are charged with defending life and liberty. Give them wisdom, valor and integrity. Use their skills to establish safety and justice. Heal their bodies, minds and spirits from the shadows of violence and destruction.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless, heal, and comfort all who are beset by heartache, despair, pain, confusion, shame or sorrow. Especially we pray for: {List}. Raise them up from the dark valleys in which they wander; be their light and life, their guide and joy. And return them to the fellowship of all who love and pray for them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal: we praise, bless and adore you for showing your mercy to those who have died trusting in your promises. Visit us with your wisdom, love, and forgiveness. Teach us the moves and graces of your triune fellowship. Help us to practice them with one another, for our mutual edification. Bring us into your presence, so that we may sit at table with you and with the whole company of the redeemed. Let us gaze upon your blessed countenance and adore you most joyfully as our Lord and God, O Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and forever and unto the ages of ages.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Hear our prayers, O Father, for the sake of Jesus your Son; and by the power of your Holy Spirit, bring what is pleasing in your sight to fruition in our lives. Amen.

 Prayers of the Church, Day of Pentecost, Cycle A (May 31, 2020)

In the power of the Spirit, let us pray to God the Father, that through his dear Son, he would accomplish his will for the Church, the world, and all people for whom we pray.

A brief silence

Abba, Father! It is only for Jesus’ sake, in the power of the Holy Spirit, that we may call you Father so trustfully and joyfully. Thank you for giving us the same Spirit that filled your beloved Son. Thank you for the gifts of that same Spirit, given so we may bless and praise you, and proclaim your love to those who need it most.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Most holy Father, pour out your Spirit upon the Church. Kindle in it the flame of truth, holiness, faithfulness and kindliness. Make it steadfast in suffering; faithful in witness; generous in service; and ardent in worship. In all things conform it to Christ your Son, so that, through your Spirit, many people may be drawn to faith in Him.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You filled prophets, apostles and martyrs with your Holy Spirit. When they were persecuted, their joyful faith softened stony hearts. Do this also for your servants who still suffer on account of Christ. Sustain them with your life-giving Spirit. Keep them steadfast, never returning evil for evil. Let their faithful suffering bear rich fruit, with which many people may be nourished.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray that your Spirit will renew the hearts, minds, worship, and life of this congregation. Make us lovely and loving; joyful and kind; faithful and forgiving; generous and patient; humble and valiant. Make us trully look like Jesus; and use us to draw others into his nearer presence.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Through your Spirit, you gave the apostles words to proclaim your saving truth to pilgrims from many nations. We pray for translators, editors, commentators, authors, and narrators; for speech therapists; for teachers, tutors, and theologians; and for all of us. Let us use words wisely and well. Give us a passion for speaking truth in love. By that same Spirit, discipline our tongues to refrain: from words that hurt our neighbor, from telling convenient lies, and from rhetoric that inflames base passions. And to those who cannot speak, impart your Spirit which searches the heart and intercedes before you with sighs too deep for words.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Instruct the leaders of the nations in your ways, O Lord. Give them the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear of you, their Lord; so that they, and the people in their care, may have joy in your presence. Teach all of us the things that make for peace; and give us a spirit willing to them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Clothe those in the military, and all first responders, with your whole armor of righteousness, faithfulness and truth. Equip them principally with weapons of the Spirit; for our principal enemies are not other human beings, but sin, evil and death. Shield them with your mighty arm; return them in safety to their loved ones; and bring healing and hope to those who fall in the line of duty.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bring healing and hope also to everyone who has been afflicted by suffering, sorrow, sin or grief, and who needs the unction of your life-giving Spirit. Especially we remember before you: {List}. Your Spirit brings renewed life to all creation; and so we pray that you would grant that renewal to your servants, and to all who care for them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Thank you, heavenly Father, for receiving our beloved dead into your arms. Thank you for the life, death and resurrection of your dear Son, who has bestowed the Spirit of life upon all who trust in him. Breathe that Spirit into our lives, and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Raise us up in the power of the Spirit and in union with our dear Savior, so that with the whole redeemed and renewed creation, we may forever adore and worship you, the Lord of heaven and earth.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Hear our prayers, O Father, for the sake of Jesus your Son; and by the power of your Holy Spirit, bring what is pleasing in your sight to fruition in our lives. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, 7^th Sunday of Easter or Ascension (Transferred), Cycle A (May 24, 2020)

With joyful confidence, let us approach our Lord’s throne of grace, there to pray on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

O God beyond all praising, we worship you and adore you. You have revealed your glory through your Son, who has risen and ascended and who reigns at your right hand forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make your Church abide in Jesus, as he abides in you. Cause it to preach the Gospel of salvation and celebrate the Sacraments in accordance with that Gospel. Let it proclaim to the whole world your blessings without number and your mercy without end.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Grant to your persecuted people a firm confidence in the hope that has been 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, please hear our prayer.

Unite our hearts with fellow disciples of your Son, and with missionaries of your Gospel. Let us all be so united to your beloved Son and with one another, that in everything, we glorify your Name and spread the bounties of your mercy throughout the world.

Lord, in your mercy, please 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, please hear our prayer.

On this Memorial Day weekend, we lovingly commend into your care all our beloved dead, especially those who gave their life in service of their country. Keep their memories fresh and bright. Spur us to deeds of faithfulness, generosity, and self-sacrifice. And hasten the day when wars shall cease; evil is vanquished; every tear is wiped away; and you are truly all in all.

Lord, in your mercy, please 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, please hear our prayer.

Keep in your care all who stand in harm’s way to right wrongs, establish safety, and protect life and liberty. Prosper all they do that serves your will. Bring them home safely and soon; heal those who are wounded. Help us value their skills and insights when they return to civilian life.

Lord, in your mercy, please 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, please hear our prayer.

O Lord, those who have died trusting in your promises now see their Beautiful Savior face to face. Thank you for bestowing this blessing upon them. Continue to show to us your love. Though we are your unworthy servants, bless us with such good gifts as will sustain us and others in this life. Bring us into that endless life and light you share with all whom you have redeemed. Grant that into eternity we always sing, “Glory and honor, praise, adoration, now and forevermore be thine!”

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We praise and magnify you, most holy Father; we entrust our prayers and petitions to you in the strong name and for the dear sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, 6^th Sunday of Easter, Cycle A (May 17, 2020)

Let us pray to our risen Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Thank you, Jesus, for your faithful servants who have openly proclaimed what otherwise would have been hidden to us: that you are true God and true man, crucified and Raised from the dead for the forgiveness of sin unto eternal life. Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to teach, comfort and guide us in your Way forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Grant that your Church always worships and proclaims you as the Redeemer of the world. Fill it with your Spirit, so it is always ready to make a defense to anyone who questions the hope that is in it. Cause it to speak and act with gentleness and respect. Above all, kindle in the Church such love for you that it beautifully keeps your commandments and draws many to faith in you.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Come to the aid of your persecuted disciples throughout the world. Fill them with such faith, hope and charity, that, when they are slandered, those who revile their good behavior in you may be put to shame.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Give a double portion of your Spirit to missionaries of the Gospel. Use them to bring many to faith in you. Guide and direct discipleship coaches, spiritual directors, and all who teach the faith to the next generation of believers. Bless all they do that glorifies your name.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Give the members of this congregation the observant eye and quick wit of St. Paul, who proclaimed your Gospel to skeptical Greek philosophers. Though we may not speak with his eloquence, help us to relate to people around us with words and stories that resonate with them. Help us to share the hope that is in us, and the love you bear for them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Graduation approaches for many of our young people – and for many who have returned to school later in life. Give them wisdom as well as knowledge; focus as well as confidence; and righteousness as well as competency in their chosen fields. Use their skills to better this world, and keep their eyes fixed on the world to come.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

The nations do not know you, dear Lord; and they suffer because they are starving for your Word of life, truth, forgiveness and salvation. Unleash your Holy Spirit throughout the world, so that our leaders seek to obey your Father’s will; and all those who blindly serve “an unknown god” may learn to love and serve you, their Redeemer and Lord. Teach all of us to seek peace, do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly in your sight.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Deal gently with all who are afflicted by pain, confusion, sorrow, remorse, or despair. Heal every hurt they have sustained. Especially we pray for: {List}. Attend to the voice of our prayer for them .Bring them into a place of refreshment, health and hope. Give compassion, wisdom and patience to everyone who cares for them; and sustain them with your gracious Spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Most holy Savior, we bless and adore you. You have promised life and salvation to all who trust in you. We commend to your care our beloved dead. Do not leave us as orphans, grieving as those who have no hope. Draw close to us, and keep us in your care. Fill us with your Spirit forever. Make us abound in faith and good works, and help us to share these gifts with gentleness and respect. Gather us with all your saints into your mighty arms. And lead us into the life, light, and love you share with your Father and the Holy Spirit forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We praise and magnify you, dear Jesus. Accept our prayers and lay them at the feet of your Father, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns gloriously as our Lord and our God, now and forever. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, 5^th Sunday of Easter, Cycle A (May 10, 2020)

Let us pray to our risen Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Thank you, Jesus, for being the Way to your Father’s house, the Truth that sets us free, and the Life which raises us out of sin and death. We bless and adore you for being, above all, the Love that will never let us go. Give us grace to share your love with everyone we meet, especially those who have lost their way, strayed from the truth, and are haunted by death.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make the whole Church on earth into your house of living stones: holy, precious, your prized possession and beloved Body. Cause its words and deeds to proclaim the excellence of your salvation. Use it to call many people out of darkness into your marvelous light.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Like Stephen, there are many even today who are persecuted and tortured for proclaiming you as Lord. Give them the grace and strength that you gave Stephen: to fearlessly speak your truth in love; to forgive and pray for their enemies; and to remain faithful to the end.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord, we want to be your disciples, but are dismayed at the prospect of ridicule, rejection, or persecution. Give us grace to be like Stephen, always praying for others to repent and believe in you. Let us always build up faith in you alone, our Head and Cornerstone.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We thank you for calling to your service everyone in this congregation who supports the ministry of Word and Sacrament through their faithful work. Fill them with your Holy Spirit; prosper all they do to further the proclamation of the Gospel and the care of your people; and give them joy in serving you and your people.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You care tenderly for your people, especially the littlest who are laid in your arms. We therefore ask your blessing upon mothers, foster mothers, and all who act with a mother’s love. Give them your own patience, steadfastness, tenderness and wisdom. Share your deep gentleness and strong love as they care for their children.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Remind the rulers of the nations that you alone are King of the nations. Humble them. Teach them to use the authority and power you give them: to care for the poor and needy, the widows and orphans, the imprisoned and oppressed, the hungry, blind, and homeless. Make us all beautiful with your righteousness and compassion; and frustrate the way of the wicked.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Guide, protect, and strengthen all who defend life and liberty here and abroad. Prosper all their works that make for safety and justice. When they are wounded, bring healing, hope, and peace to them and to their loved ones. When their task is done, bring them home in honor, and help us to benefit from their knowledge, skills and experience.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless, heal, comfort and sustain everyone who cries out to you for help – especially: {List}. With the Psalmist, cause them to say, “Happy are they who have the God of Jacob for their help; whose hope is in the LORD their God; who keeps his promise forever.”

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, we hear your promise at funerals: “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”  Therefore we entrust into your keeping our beloved dead. Give us grace to believe your promise; to grow in holiness; and to encourage, correct, serve and support one another throughout our earthly life. Be for us, and for all whom you love, the Way to your Father’s house; the Truth which sets us free from bondage to sin, evil and death; and the Life which eternally transforms us into your likeness.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We praise and magnify you, dear Jesus. Accept our prayers and lay them at the feet of your Father, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns gloriously as our Lord and our God, now and forever. Amen.