Prayers of the Church, Palm Sunday/Sunday of the Passion (April 5, 2020)

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

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood you have redeemed the whole world and drawn all people to yourself. We praise and adore you for your great sacrifice and love. We beseech you to bestow these holy gifts to all whom we lift before you now in prayer.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem your Church. Through its ministry of Word, Sacrament, fellowship and service, draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem those who suffer for the sake of your name, and those who risk danger to proclaim the Gospel to those who do not know you. By their faithful witness, draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem all who seek to walk the hard path of discipleship. Through their willingness to take up their cross and follow you, draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem this congregation, especially those seeking baptism. Through our faith toward you, and fervent love for one another, draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem our children, especially those enduring illness, poverty, abuse or violence. Through their innocent praise of your goodness, draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem the people in every land and nation. By the guidance of the Holy Spirit, establish your peace in every place; and draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem those who stand in harm’s way on our behalf. By their labors, establish places of safety and calm; and there draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem all who walk through the dark valleys of suffering, sorrow, and death. Use the witness of their faithful waiting, and their blessed healing, to draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, you have saved and redeemed those who have died trusting your promises. Now keep us steadfast in faith, patient in suffering, generous in service, and loving in fellowship, until you have drawn all people to yourself; and have bestowed upon all the redeemed the fullness of your forgiveness, blessing, and eternal life.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Hear and graciously answer our prayers, O blessed Savior, according to the mercy and favor you have for your people. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, 5^th Sunday in Lent (March 29, 2020)

Let us lift our hearts and voices to the Lord in prayer, that he would be merciful to his people.

A brief silence

Blessed Lord, we live in a valley of deathly shadows. Thank you for Jesus, who calls us by name from our tombs. Help us to firmly believe that his is our Resurrection and our Life.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Send your Holy Spirit to breathe new life into your Church. Raise it up to be the living body of your dear Son in the world. Purify and bless it, so that through Word and Sacrament, and by deeds of mercy and forgiveness, it may share your life and grace with all who are held captive to sin, evil and death.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Breathe your Holy Spirit upon your persecuted servants throughout the world. Revive their faith and knit them into an undying fellowship with Jesus and with one another. By their courageous witness and their patient suffering, glorify your Name and turn many hearts to repentant faith.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Breathe your creative Spirit into all missionaries of the Gospel, and into everyone joins Jesus on his mission. By their faithful preaching and acts of charity, grant life and salvation to those who walk in the valley of the shadow of death.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Breathe your gracious Spirit into this congregation, so that our worship, words, deliberations and deeds abound with the fruits of that Spirit. Fill us with the life of Jesus, and give us the will and the strength to share his life with everyone we meet.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Breathe your life-giving Spirit upon all to whom death draws near. Grant them serenity, faith, and reconciliation with you and their loved ones. Especially we plead on behalf of those who die alone, abandoned, unloved or unnoticed. Bless them with the mercy and grace promised by your Son to any who will receive him. And give a double portion of your Spirit to hospice workers and to all who care for the dying.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Breathe your Holy Spirit into all who lead the nations, especially our own. Fill them with wisdom and understanding; counsel and might; knowledge and fear of you, their Lord; and joy in doing your will. Help them work for the welfare of their people. Breathe your gracious Spirit into every heart, so that hatred, violence, cruelty and war ceases throughout the world.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Breathe your Spirit into all who risk their lives to defend liberty and protect others. Keep them faithful, true and bold. Shield and direct them in perilous situations; raise and heal them when they fall; and deliver them into a place of safety when their task has ended.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Breathe your Spirit of life and grace into all who all who are afflicted by sickness, sorrow or adversity – especially: {List}. As Jesus raised up Lazarus from death, we beseech you, raise up these dear ones from the power of sin, evil and death; and restore them to their loved ones.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Most holy and gracious Father, we thank you that you have called your faithful servants by name, out of death and into life in Christ. Breathe your Holy and life-giving Spirit into us, for we are still troubled by the powers of death, sin, and the devil. Give us the grace to comfort one another in times of sorrow, and to encourage and help each other along life’s road. Grant us faith to confess your Son as the Resurrection and the Life, the Christ, the One who has come into the world to bring eternal life to everyone who believes in him.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Into your hands, gracious Father, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, 4^th Sunday in Lent (March 22, 2020)

Let us lift our hearts and voices to the Lord in prayer, that he would be merciful to his people.

A brief silence

Holy Father, thank you for the light of sun and moon, stars and streetlights, candles and lamps. Thank you for these “created lights” that are the faintest glimmer shed from your true and uncreated Light, your Son, Jesus Christ. Lead us, even when eyes fail and earthly lights grow dim, to his kindly light, which no darkness can overcome.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Heal the blindness of your Church. Give it eyes to see its own sin, and to repent. Give it eyes to see the world’s sins, and to offer your forgiveness to any who will receive it. Give it eyes to see the plight of all who are afflicted by the powers of sin, death and the devil, and to proclaim your gracious redemption, bestowed through the Passion of your dear Son.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Heal the blindness of those who persecute followers of Jesus, and of all who turn a blind eye to their plight. Grant that all who suffer on account of Christ may be so faith-filled and gracious that their tormentors turn to you for healing, forgiveness, and new life.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Be gracious and merciful to your missionaries, to our seminarians and their professors, and to all who strive to be Jesus’ apprentices and disciples. Give them clear sight and strong faith, so that through their labors, many who are spiritually blind may be led to Jesus and healed.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Heal the blindness from which we, the members of this congregation, suffer. Give us new eyes to see Jesus in one another, and for his sake, to love even the person we don’t yet like. Give us eyes to see new opportunities for serving you; for sharing our faith in you; and for making this church a lamp that shines with the light of Christ’s love for everyone we encounter.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Let your healing, blessing and grace rest upon the blind and deaf; and upon those with impaired or distorted senses of touch or taste, balance or movement. We often take for granted these gifts; unless it happens to us, we can’t imagine lacking them. Give them strength and courage. Sharpen the perception of their other senses. Surround them with people whose respect and encouragement leads them to greater faith in you, their light and their life.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Heal the blindness of the nations, and all who are in positions of authority. Give them eyes to seek your will, and hearts and hands to do it. Give them eyes to see injustice, deceit and cruelty, and the strength and courage to combat them. Make each of us into children of your light, living in faith toward you and with fervent love toward one another.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

As your dear Son healed the man born blind, we pray that he would also bring healing, light, hope, and renewed faith to everyone who suffers from any affliction. Especially we lift up the needs of: {List}. Lift them up from their pain, sorrow, fear or grief. And give them the joy of your saving help, now and always.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We thank you, dear Father, for receiving into your greater light and into your eternal life, everyone who died trusting your promises. Deal mercifully with those shadowed by grief and loss. And we beg you: Lord, let us receive our sight, so that day by day, we see you more clearly; love you more dearly; and follow you more nearly. Bring us to that endless Day in which we see you face to face in the company of all who have been redeemed by the merits of your Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Into your hands, gracious Father, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, 3^rd Sunday in Lent (March 15, 2020)

Let us lift our hearts and voices to the Lord in prayer, that he would be merciful to his people.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, thank you for Jesus, your living water given to quench our deepest thirst. Sometimes we don’t realize how thirsty we are. Sometimes what we drink makes us even thirstier. Thank you that Jesus provides exactly what we need most – your goodness, love, forgiveness, and life – in the most spiritually digestible form: Himself.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make your Church a place where your living water flows. In it, quench the thirst, heal the hearts, and cleanse the souls of people perishing from the powers of sin, evil and death. Inspire all pastors, deacons, theologians and teachers to share your holy Word so that many may hear, and come to believe, that your Son is the Savior of the world.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray on behalf of our sisters and brothers who, in remaining faithful to you, have endured suffering we cannot comprehend. Fulfill in them the Apostle’s words: that suffering produces endurance; endurance produces character; character produces hope; and hope does not put them to shame, because God’s love has been poured into their hearts through the Holy Spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Jesus said the fields are ripe for the harvest. Therefore we pray: send, guide, and strengthen missionaries to preach the Good News. We also ask that you make each of us disciples “on a mission with you” to eagerly share the Living Water with thirsty souls in our communities.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Have mercy on this congregation, dear Lord; do not let it become a place of grumbling or quarreling, but rather a place to worship you in spirit and in truth; to care for one another with gentle hearts; and to share the living water of your Son with everyone we know or meet.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Thank you for the people and organizations that make clean drinking water available throughout the world. Thank you: for water pumps and purification units; for sanitation and irrigation instruction; for desalinization and chlorination; and for the simple joys of a glass of cold water or a hot shower. Grant that all who benefit from the pure and refreshing waters of this life may also be drawn to the Living Water of eternal life, Jesus Christ your Son.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Have mercy on our nation, its elected and appointed leaders, its people, and the people of every land. Although we are all ungodly and rebellious, save us, we pray, from our folly. Give us hearts and minds that delight in your law, and wills set to obey it. Remove from us, and from every nation, the spirit of discord and strife; and crown us with the blessing of your peace.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Refresh and heal with your Living Water everyone troubled by pain, grief, despair, fear, guilt or confusion. Especially we pray for :{ List}. Give them renewed strength; deep peace; unshakeable hope; and abiding faith in your gracious compassion.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

With reverence and affection, we entrust our beloved dead into your unfailing care, dear Father. Wipe away the tears of those whose grief runs deep. Refresh us with your Word and Sacraments as we pass through the dark valleys and desert places of this life. Help us to encourage one another; to rejoice even though suffering; to honor and cultivate good character; to live in hope; and to lean on your never-failing promises. Speed the day when, in Spirit and in truth, the whole company of the redeemed will worship you, and acclaim your beloved Son as the Savior of the world, our Lord and our God.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Into your hands, gracious Father, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, 2^nd Sunday in Lent (March 8, 2020)

Let us lift our hearts and voices to the Lord in prayer, that he would be merciful to his people.

A brief silence

Dearest heavenly Father, we know the “Gospel in miniature” by heart. Thank you for its truth. You so loved the world! You gave your only Son! We may have everlasting life, not death! We praise and adore you for your love. By your Spirit, let every thought, word, and action reflect that love – to you, and to people who don’t yet know your love or believe your Word.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Let the wind of your Spirit blow through your Church. Use it impart your divine life and holy love to all who will receive them. Grant new and heavenly life to congregations wounded and dying from the assaults of the world, the devil, and their own sinful selves. Make them into “wounded healers,” able to draw broken and sinful people to Jesus, their Life and true Love.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Keep watch over our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world when they cry to you for help. Preserve them from every evil; and grant repentance, forgiveness, and new life to their tormentors.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Nicodemus, a teacher in Israel, needed the challenge, wisdom, and words of life that only Jesus could give. Grant that all who seek to be pastors, teachers, and theologians in your Church should constantly sit at Jesus’ feet. There, let them drink in his love, wisdom, and Spirit, so they can be truth-filled teachers and trustworthy guides to everyone in their care.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Fill this congregation with the Holy Spirit, so that day by day, our hearts, minds, words and ministries are reborn as instruments of your will. Use us to bring your redeeming love to those who need it most.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Be gracious to travelers, immigrants, refugees, and all who have left their homes by choice or necessity. Give them safety and refreshment, hopefulness and faith upon their way. Set before their eyes the example of Abram and Sarai, so that their journey is sheltered by your watchful presence and finds its end in your loving embrace.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Give teachable minds and humble hearts to the leaders of nations, especially our own. Help them prefer integrity and wisdom to the allure of power or popularity. Make them watchful and protective toward those entrusted to their care. Guide them in paths of justice and righteousness, so that they may also guide their citizens in those paths.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Be the guard, guide and shield of those in our military, and to first responders. Do not let their foot be moved; deliver them from evil; and use their labors to bring safety and aid. Restore them to their loved ones when their task is done. Grant honor to the fallen, healing to the wounded; and peace to all.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Watch over everyone who endures pain, sorrow, fear, doubt, loneliness or despair, especially: {List}. Be that blessed shade and shelter from all that afflicts them; give hope to their hearts, health to their bodies, calm confidence to their minds; and unshakable faith to their souls.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, thank you for fulfilling your promise of eternal life to all who have died trusting in you. Keep us steadfast in the faith you granted to Abraham and Sarah; to Paul and all the apostles, martyrs and saints of your Church; and to all of your redeemed people from every time and place, every kindred, tribe and nation. Guide us through this “barren land;” feed us with the Bread of Heaven; be our strength and shield; and bring us safely through the Jordan into your blessed presence, where we may forever sing your praises and delight in your love forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Into your hands, gracious Father, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, 1^st Sunday in Lent (March 1, 2020)

Let us lift our hearts and voices to the Lord in prayer, that he would be merciful to his people.

A brief silence

Father, thank you for Jesus. He didn’t rely on more-than-human powers as he fasted in the wilderness. He didn’t face Satan clothed only in the power of divinity. He was tempted just as we are when we’re at our weakest! Thank you that he stands with us, and for us, and dwells in us, through the worst temptations and struggles we face.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord, forgive your Church when it falls into lukewarm worship, wayward teaching, fractured fellowship, stingy charity, and halfhearted witness. Forgive it when it condemns certain sinners, but re-brands its favorite sins as virtue. Help it to stand firm in your Holy Word when it is tempted by these sins of faithlessness.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Forgive our persecuted brethren throughout the world when their anguish curdles into bitterness, retribution, or loss of faith. Strengthen and heal them, so by their witness, you lead their tormentors to repentance and true faith.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Forgive missionaries and all who seek to be your disciples when their passion for the Gospel cools, or when they become impatient or distracted. Kindle the fire of your most Holy Spirit within them, so that they glorify you in all they say and do.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Forgive this congregation when we focus on the speck in another’s eye, ignoring the log in our own. Forgive us when we seek our own will, not yours. Forgive us when we boast of ourselves, not the Cross of Christ. Fashion us into the image of Jesus, so others, seeing our good works, glorify you alone.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord, have mercy on us when we are tempted to sin. Warn and rebuke us, so we resist and repent. Guide us, so we feed on your Word and commit ourselves into your care. Humble us, so we rely only our Savior, who was in all things tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Forgive the nations and leaders of the world, especially our own. Forgive the arrogance and ambition that drive decisions. Forgive the cruelty, suspicion and hatred that fuel wars. Forgive the apathy and prejudice that fuel neglect and injustice. Create new hearts within us; and grant us that peace which only you can give.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Forgive those in our military, and all first responders when their hearts become hardened by vengeance or hatred. Heal, guide and strengthen them to act in accordance with your will.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord, have mercy on all who are sick, injured, or handicapped; addicted, abused, or abandoned; despairing, frightened, or ashamed; frightened, grieving or dying. Especially we pray for: {List}. Deliver them from the powers of sin, death and the devil. Restore them to health, hope, and fellowship with all who love them. Renew their faith in you, their Savior and Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Father, thank you for showing mercy to all who have died trusting in your promises. Keep us steadfast in faith. Forgive us when we succumb to temptations. When the long Lent of this life is complete and the hour of death draws near, let the Cross of Christ sustain us in faith and hope. By his glorious Resurrection, raises us from our tombs. Through the Holy Spirit, breathe your life and love into us forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Into your hands, gracious Father, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, Ash Wednesday (February 26, 2020)

Let us lift our hearts and voices to the Lord in prayer on behalf of all his people.

A brief silence

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us. As you are holy, make us pure and holy. As you are mighty, give us strength to turn from sin to live for you alone. As you are immortal, by the death and resurrection of our Savior Christ, lead us out of death to life.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Have mercy upon your church. Purge it of all faithlessness, false teaching, uncharitable words, and unholy actions. Fill it with your Holy Spirit, and use it to grant the joy of your saving help to all repentant sinners.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Have mercy upon all who are persecuted on account of your beloved Son. Keep them steadfast in faith, patient in suffering, persistent in prayer, and gracious in forgiving their enemies. Soften the hearts of all who despise Christ, and grant them repentance and true faith.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Have mercy on our seminary and church college professors, on Christian school and preschool teachers and aides, and upon everyone seeking to be a disciple of Jesus and to join him in mission, whether abroad or in their everyday lives. Give wisdom to their minds, eloquence to their tongues, and deep love to their souls, for you and for all they serve.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Have mercy on this congregation. Cleanse it from everything that obscures your strong saving love for us, and for those to whom we minister. Grant that we may prefer nothing whatsoever to Jesus Christ, and to sharing his forgiveness and salvation with others.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Have mercy upon all converts, all who are preparing for baptism at Easter, and for all whose faith wavers and dims because of doubts or despair.  Give them a double portion of your Spirit, and bring them into your loving embrace.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Have mercy upon the nations of the world and their rulers. Especially we pray for our own elected and appointed leaders. Lead them in the paths of righteousness, justice, and mercy. Help us all to work with one another according to your will. Never let us forget the needs of the poor, the widow, and the orphan; the dispossessed and unemployed; the sick and forgotten; the abused and the unjustly imprisoned. Give us the means and the will to ease their burden.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Have mercy on all who stand in harm’s way in defense of life and liberty. Strengthen them in every virtue that increases concord, establishes safety, and protects innocent lives. Reunite them with loved ones; and help them use their skills to serve their community in new ways.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Have mercy on all who suffer in body, mind, heart or soul – especially those who crave our prayers, including: {List}. Refresh their spirits, renew their hope, and restore their joy.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, keep in your special care our beloved dead. Wipe away the tears of those whose grief runs deep. Help us to help and encourage one another throughout this troubled life. Keep us steadfast in faith, constant in hope, and ardent in love. Lead us from death into the life and love you have prepared for all whom you have redeemed through the passion of your Son, the Savior and Redeemer of the world.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Into your hands, gracious Father, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Celebrating the Sanctity of Life,

Please add one or more of these petitions to your intercessory prayers.

Gracious Father, through you all parenthood is blessed. You were pleased to incarnate your Son through the consent and the flesh of a woman, the Virgin Mary. You entrusted the care of the holy Child to his foster father, St. Joseph. Bless, protect, guide, and strengthen all parents – biological, adoptive, and foster. Especially when parenting is difficult, give them joy and satisfaction in their holy task. Grant them a double portion of your Spirit, so that their children may flourish in faith toward you, in honor toward their parents, and in love for all your children.

We pray for those who struggle to have children and cannot. We pray for those who have lost a child they deeply loved. We pray for those who struggle to love their children even when that is desperately difficult. We pray for those who do not want the child they have conceived or borne. Have mercy on them all.  They face such terrible demons of grief, shame, regret, fear, and anger. Often, we can only stand and weep with them, and pray for them. Help us to do those things, and to walk with them through their dark valleys. Help us to share our confidence that you will lead them safely through.

Have mercy on women who seek, or who have endured, and abortion – and upon the father of their unborn child. As you visited Joseph in a dream, touch their spirits with your presence. Help them understand your love for them, and their unborn child. Where forgiveness is needed, grant it freely and lavishly. Help them to turn to you. Give them the strength to choose life, not death, if they are pregnant. Give them the grace to repent, to forgive themselves and each other, and to be healed in body and soul, if they have already had an abortion.

There are so many “disposable people,” dear Lord! They range from the unborn, to the handicapped, to the frail elderly, to people whose lives seem so “out of bounds” that we can’t really comprehend, much less respond to them helpfully or graciously. Loving, respecting, and caring for “disposable people” is so hard! We can feel overwhelmed, angry, frustrated, cheated, or hopeless. And we’re ashamed even to admit that sometimes even we wish they’d just go away.  Forgive us, dear Lord. Give us grace to see them through Jesus’ eyes: as people he loves so much that he gave his life for them. Give us grace to see his presence in them. Give us grace to share even a cup of cold water with them, for Christ has claimed them as his sisters and brothers.

We pray for everyone who cares for the most vulnerable people in our midst. Their work is often hard and usually under-appreciated. Thank you for their goodness and dedication. Deepen their compassion, integrity, and wisdom. Protect and strengthen them when others want them to act against their faith, their principles, and their dedication to cherish life and promote genuine well-being.

Father, there are any who think that humanity is a matter of achievement. If someone isn’t smart enough, healthy enough, independent enough, or even wanted enough, they don’t “deserve” to be treated as fully human persons. Don’t let us fall into that horrible mindset. Give us the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear of the Lord, and joy in your presence – not just for our own good, but so that we are equipped to combat those sinful and death-filled notions. Help us to share, in word and by example, what you have always revealed: that we are persons because you have made us in your divine image. No matter how distorted or disabled or debased that image has become through accident, malice or the cussedness of the universe, help us all to see, acknowledge, and pray for that image to be perfectly restored in Christ Jesus our Savior.

THE PRAYERS,

Transfiguration of Our Lord, Cycle A (February 23, 2020)

Let us pray that the light of Christ may shine upon the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Holy Lord, Holy and Mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us! In the transfiguration of Jesus, we see your glory. And we see what a human being, immersed in you, will look like. Thank you for this “doubled vision.” Thank you for showing us that Jesus truly is all in all. Thank you for his suffering and death, which transfigures our own. Thank you for the vision of his holy glory, which he so lovingly pours upon all who cling to him in faith.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Transfigure your Church. Make it a lamp, radiating the splendor of your beloved Son’s light and life. Make it a place where poor sinful mortals may eat and drink in your presence, and live. Make it a place where cleverly devised myths are confounded by the glorious truth of the Gospel. Make it a place where all may come, and be fashioned into the very image and likeness of Christ Jesus our Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Transfigure this congregation: its people and programs; its decisions and vision; its worship, service, and fellowship. Make our every word and action like clear crystal, through which the radiance of Jesus’ love shines unimpeded upon everyone we meet.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Transfigure the suffering of your persecuted Church, by uniting it to the death and resurrection of Jesus. Give it grace to speak truth and offer forgiveness to its enemies. Transfigure the ministries of seminaries, missionaries, and sister congregations and synods, that all they say and do points to Jesus and his strong saving love.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 Transfigure this world, so that the sacrifices of those who stand in harm’s way to protect us may not be in vain. Let their actions shine with valor and honor; and grant them healing when they fall, and joy when they return home.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Transfigure this death-shadowed world; its people; and its leaders. Enlighten minds to seek your truth, and purify hearts to delight in doing your will. Turn us from being enemies of you, of one another, and of our own eternal good. Transfigure us into your loyal subjects, sisters and brothers to one another, wise stewards of creation, and lovers of your Beloved.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Transfigure the lives of all who sit in the shadows of suffering and sorrow – especially: {List}. Grant that Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, may rise upon them with healing in his wings. Let sorrow be turned to joy; fear into hope; and despair into faith in your love.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, we entrust our beloved dead into your care, knowing that you have transfigured their death into life, their sin and brokenness into holiness, and their limits into unbounded delight in your infinite wisdom and goodness. We humbly beseech you to transfigure each of us into the likeness of Christ. Speed the coming of that day when he shall be all in all. Grant that when we look upon the face of any whom you have redeemed through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we see his love alone, shining in their eyes.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

All these things, and whatever else you see that we need, grant to us, dear Father, for the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

THE PRAYERS,

6^th Sunday after Epiphany, Proper 6, Cycle A (February 16, 2020)

Let us pray that the light of Christ may shine upon the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Dear Father, you set a high bar before us! You want us to look, act, and be like Jesus. Thank you for promising us that, in our Baptism, we are joined to him. Thank you that he has “cleared the bar” – and help us to not dangle lazy arms or drag objecting feet, as he carries us over that bar with him! By your Spirit, grant that all that Jesus has done for us is made manifest in us, to your glory and for the benefit of your people.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Build the Church into a holy temple, filled with your Spirit, with Christ as the cornerstone. Give it faithful pastors, bishops, theologians, teachers, and other leaders.  Help them plant and water the seed of faith, to which you alone give growth. Make the Church set before the world the way of life; and grant that many should choose it.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Cause quarrels, angry words, and hurt feelings to cease in this congregation. Unite us in a common purpose: planting and tending the seed of faith in one another, in our children and grandchildren, and in our friends, neighbors, and community.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Jesus spoke hard words about anger, adultery and divorce. Help us take them to heart. Bring your forgiveness and healing to those wounded by hurtful words and deeds. Give each of us wisdom and grace to comfort, challenge, and encourage loved ones who strive to remain faithful; who struggle to repent of offenses they have caused; and who agonize over how to forgive those who have betrayed their trust.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for our sisters and brothers in the faith who suffer persecution and death on account of Jesus. Set before us their example of faithful obedience to your Word. Help us to assist and defend them. Turn their tormentors from the paths of death and toward your light and life.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Set before the rulers of nations the path of life and of death; and give them the desire and the strength to choose life for themselves and for the people in their care. Conform each of us to your will, so that we may rightly and peacefully live together as your people.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We lift before you the needs of everyone who is afflicted by suffering, sin, or sorrow, especially: {List}. Deliver them from evil; grant them refreshment, hope and healing; and restore them to fellowship with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Dear Father, keep in your tender care all who have died trusting in your promises, especially those whose loss we grieve most deeply. Give us grace to comfort one another; to abound in gentleness, forbearance, self-control, faithfulness and compassion; and to choose those good things which you mean for our eternal life. Grant us the joy of joining the whole company of the redeemed in praising, worshipping, glorifying and adoring you forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

All these things, and whatever else you see that we need, grant to us, dear Father, for the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.