THE PRAYERS,

Christmas Day, Cycle A (December 25, 2019)

As we worship the newborn Son of God, let us also pray that he may bring healing, salvation and peace to the church, the world, and all its people.

A brief silence

O Word made flesh, who dwells among us, bless the Church with a glimpse of your glory. Conform its worship to the adoration of the angels, the bliss of Mother Mary, the quiet goodness of Joseph, and the faithful reverence of the shepherds. Give it words to proclaim your glory and your love, especially to those who do not know you, so that through its witness, the whole world may join the song first sung at your birth: “Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth!”

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You are higher than every angel, and yet you are pleased to dwell in our midst. Bless this congregation, therefore, with joyful hearts, fervent worship, eager witness, loving service, and kindly fellowship, so that in all we say and do, we bear witness to you, our Savior and our God.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Prince of Peace, silence the taunts and break the spears of persecution against your servants, especially during this season of light. Turn their suffering for the sake of your Name into great joy. And transform their tormentors into confessors of your undeserved mercy.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Even the feet of your servants are beautiful when they speed to announce your strong saving love to those who despair of your existence, your power, or your goodness. Bless, therefore, all missionaries of the Gospel of Peace; all Christian relief organizations throughout the world; every soup kitchen, homeless shelter, and hospice; and every herald of your Kingdom who gladdens the hearts of any that sit in darkness and sorrow.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Born a Child, you are the King of all nations, and their Lord. Conform the rulers of this world to your glorious and gentle rule. Teach them to do your will; love justice and mercy; to walk humbly with you; and to be a blessing to the people entrusted to their care.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You are the heaven-born Prince of Peace. But in this sinful world, violence and warfare trouble your people even on Christmas morning. Let your holy angels shield, strengthen, and direct the words and actions of all in the military; all first responders; and anyone whose work is difficult and dangerous. Give their loved ones “tidings of comfort and joy,” and homecomings that are filled with solace, healing, and peace.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Sun of Righteousness, arise with healing in your wings and bestow the glorious light of your salvation upon all who sit in the darkness of suffering and the shadow of death. Restore them to life and hope; encourage all who care for them; and let the great good news of your birth among us adorn their suffering with unconquerable joy.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

In you, dear Jesus, we see the eternal love of your Father’s heart, and the eternal glory of his Kingdom. We thank you for drawing into that loving heart and glorious Kingdom, all those who died trusting in your goodness. Wipe away the tears from everyone whose grief runs deep. Bestow on all of us your blessed comfort, your holy and precious forgiveness, and your ever-faithful guidance. Fit us for your Kingdom; and lead us into the bright courts of heaven, and into the endless Day, where with your Father and the Holy Spirit, you reign in undisturbed joy and blessedness, now and forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Hear and mercifully grant us, dear Lord, all that we ask that conforms to your good and perfect will for us, for your Name’s sake. AMEN.

THE PRAYERS,

Christmas Eve, Cycle A (December 24, 2019)

As we worship the newborn Son of God, let us also pray that he may bring healing, salvation and peace to the church, the world, and all its people.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus Christ, we come to your cradle with joy and wonder! We adore you for your loving-kindness. We thank you for making yourself small and meek, that we might approach you gladly and without fear. Thank you, dear Jesus; accept our hearts as our best and loving gift.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make the Church your manger and your throne. Bless it with your dear presence, your great goodness, and your holy love. Like herald angels, let it constantly announce your mercy and favor to all who will receive you into their hearts and lives.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make this congregation into a welcoming Bethlehem stable. Give us joyful souls, eager to adore and proclaim your precious Name. Give us generous hearts, so that we see and welcome you in the unexpected people touching our lives. Give us tireless hands and feet, so we may hurry to share your great love with those who need it most.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Prince of Peace, silence the taunts and break the spears of persecution against your servants, especially during this season of light. Turn their suffering for the sake of your Name into great joy. And transform their tormentors into confessors of your undeserved mercy.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Little Lord Jesus, bless all the dear children who most need your tender care. Kindle faith in their hearts, and keep them safe from every danger. And give childlike and humble faith to everyone who doubts your existence or despairs of your forgiveness, and give them peace.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Born a Child, you are the King of all nations, and their Lord. Conform the rulers of this world to your glorious and gentle rule. Teach them to do your will; to love justice and mercy; to walk humbly with you; and to be a blessing to the people entrusted to their care.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Angels sang of peace and good will at your birth. In this sinful world, violence troubles your people even on this holy night. Let your holy angels shield, strengthen, and direct the words and actions of all in the military; all first responders; and anyone whose work is difficult and dangerous, this night and in the coming days. Bring justice and mercy to places of discord and chaos; and bestow the blessings of your peace upon us all.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Sun of Righteousness, arise with healing in your wings and bestow the light of your salvation upon all who sit in the darkness of suffering and the shadow of death. Restore them to life and hope; encourage all who care for them; and let the good news of your birth among us adorn their suffering with unconquerable joy.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, you have come to save us from evil, from our sins, and from death. Deal mercifully with the tears and sorrow of those whose grief is raw and deep. Stay near us, Lord Jesus, and love us and guide us throughout our lives. Bless us with your love, so we may be a blessing to others. And bring all your dear children to heaven, to live with you forever in the holy light of your love, which you have shared eternally with your Father and the Holy Spirit, for with them you are one God, now and unto the ages of ages.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Hear and mercifully answer our prayers, dear Lord, according to the favor you bear for your people. Amen.

THE PRAYERS,

Advent 4, Cycle A (December 22, 2019)

As we await the coming of Christ in mercy and majesty, let us pray for the Church, the world, and for all people according to their need.

A brief silence

O come, Emmanuel, our Lord and God, our King and Brother! Come with healing and blessing, with light and life. Come and save us all from sin and evil and endless death.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Wisdom, proceeding from the mouth of the Most High, fill the Church with your Spirit. Sustain and order its worship, proclamation, and works of charity, according to your most holy will. Come, and teach us prudence.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Adonai, ruler of the House of Israel, rule also in the hearts, lives and ministries of your people in this congregation. Give us your Word and show us your glory. Look with favor upon all who seek to be your disciples in this place. Come with your outstretched arm to redeem us.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Emmanuel, the ransom of your people Israel: deliver also your persecuted Church from captivity and torment. Keep it patient, faithful and steadfast. Help us to honor their witness and provide for their needs; and turn their tormentors from their evil ways. Come; and teach them courage.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Bright and Morning Star, you gladden the hearts of those who sit in darkness. Shine upon all who are overwhelmed by despair, confusion, hatred, or unbelief. Come; and lead them into the brightness of your holy love.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O King of the nations, the ruler they long for, unite all people under your glorious and gentle reign. Teach us those things that make for peace. Come and save us all, whom you formed out of clay.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Root of Jesse, you stand as an ensign before the peoples. Guard and guide all who stand in harm’s way in defense of justice and freedom. Come quickly, and deliver them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Key of David, you open what no one can close; you close what no one can open. Free all who suffer and are imprisoned by the powers of sin, evil, and death: especially {List}. Come, and close the path to misery.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Dayspring, splendor of life everlasting, keep safe in your mighty arms all those who died trusting in your promises. Come and enlighten us, who still sit in the shadow of death, and open wide our heavenly home.

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,

Advent 3, Cycle A (December 15, 2019)

As we await the coming of Christ in mercy and majesty, let us pray for the Church, the world, and for all people according to their need.

A brief silence

How sweet the words we hear this day, dear Lord! Thank you for refreshment along our life’s often-dusty road. Thank you for hope that dawns unexpectedly in our heart’s wilderness. Thank you for Jesus, your sweetest Word of forgiveness, compassion, and life.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Grant that, in Word and Sacrament, in service and in fellowship, your Church may constantly preach the Good News of what Jesus has done: “the blind receive their sight and the lame walk; lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up; and the poor have good news preached to them.”

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Establish this congregation, O Lord, in words and deeds of patience, mercy, and gentleness. Give us grace to refresh the heavy-hearted, and to bring healing to those wounded by sin and temptation. Help us bring light and wisdom to the innocent and the ignorant. Make this place a haven of safety and joy for all who trust in you.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless your persecuted Church, and keep it patient, faithful and steadfast. Teach us to honor their witness and provide for their needs; and turn their tormentors from their evil ways.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Deepen the faith and increase the wisdom of your apprentices and journeyman in the art of discipleship. Grant that all they learn from you may be a source of joy and enlightenment to everyone around them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Conform the hearts and minds of our earthly rulers to your holy will. Let them give justice to the oppressed, and food to the hungry. Make them set free the unjustly imprisoned, and lift up those who are bowed down.  Teach them to love the righteous; care for the stranger; sustain the orphan and widow, and frustrate the way of the wicked. Use the valor and competence of our military and first responders to accomplish your will in dangerous places; and speed the day when everyone may walk in safety, peace and joy throughout this world.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We remember before you all for whom this season of light is shadowed by sorrow or suffering, especially: {List}. Help us to bring them your mercy, comfort and kindness; to speak words of forgiveness and encouragement; and to accompany them in their wilderness, in the sure hope that you will bring us all into your everlasting joy.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Happy are those who, in this life, put their trust in you, dear Lord. Their hope has been fulfilled. Comfort all the bereaved whose grief runs deep. And we pray: Save us from folly and defend us from evil. Strengthen our faltering hands and make firm our feeble knees. Establish our hearts in steadfast patience and the spirit of encouragement. Lead us into Zion, where, with all the redeemed, we shall praise your glory; delight in your love; and see you face to face.

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,

Advent 2, Cycle A (December 8, 2019)

As we await the coming of Christ in mercy and majesty, let us pray for the Church, the world, and for all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Come quickly, Lord! Thank you for promising to deliver us from the threatening powers that seek to harm us – but even so, come quickly! Thank you for being our King and Savior, Healer and Redeemer – but come quickly to establish your reign, perfectly and forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Come quickly, righteous Branch from Jesse’s root. Make your Church holy, faithful, and tireless in proclaiming your sure approach. By its witness of words and deeds, lead many to repentance and faith in you.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Come quickly, King foretold by holy prophets. Rule among your servants in this place. Bestow your Spirit upon us. Help us to show mercy and kindness to one another, and to live in harmony as your people.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Come quickly, righteous and faithful Savior. Vindicate those who are persecuted on account of your holy Name. Decide with equity on their behalf. Lay low the wicked who refuse to repent. And hasten the day when no one shall hurt or destroy on your holy mountain.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Come quickly, wise counsellor. Direct the thoughts and actions of everyone learning to be your faithful disciples. Grant them right judgment, godly actions, and joy in your presence. Bestow your Spirit upon them, and upon all proclaimers of the Gospel, until the whole earth is full of the knowledge of your saving mercy.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Come quickly, Ensign and signal to all peoples. Establish your glorious and gentle rule among the nations. Teach the rulers of the world to judge with righteousness, to deliberate with equity, and to care for the poor and needy in their charge. Give us grace to live in peace with one another, and to show one another mercy even when that is hard.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Come quickly, gentle Savior. Protect our little ones from every danger and harm. Keep them safe from the fangs of predators and abusers, the poison of sickness and despair, the venom of lies and hateful words, and the claws of warfare and every form of violence. Protect their innocence and help us to raise them in knowledge, fear, and joy in the Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Come quickly, King of Mercy. Banish those things which trouble your people in body, mind, heart or soul. Especially we lift before you all who crave your healing touch: {List}. Keep them safe from every evil, and restore them to health, hope, and fellowship with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Come quickly, Lord of Life. Reunite us with all the saints who from their labors rest. As we walk through life’s dark shadows and winding pathways, bestow on us your righteousness, wisdom, and mercy. Help us to withstand the bitter challenges we face, and support one another along our pilgrim road. Bring us to your holy mountain, where with all the redeemed, we shall delight in your presence and sing of your mercy and love 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.

THE PRAYERS,

Advent 1, Cycle A (December 1, 2019)

As we await the coming of Christ in mercy and majesty, let us pray for the Church, the world, and for all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Thank you, Lord, for words of warning and mercy. Thank you for your promise to visit your people with judgment and forgiveness. Thank you for Jesus, your final Word and the Yes to all your promises. Make us ready to receive him into our hearts, homes, and world.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Stir up your power, O Lord; and purify your Church. Make it a holy dwelling, fit for your Son. Make it your house, into which the nations stream. Make it the New Jerusalem, the home of all whom you have redeemed.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Stir up your power, O Lord; and cleanse the hearts of all who worship here. Fill us with love for you; affection for one another; and generosity toward our neighbors, especially those most in need of your forgiveness and kindness.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Stir up your power, O Lord; and come to the aid of your persecuted Church. Lift up their heads; strengthen their faith; and deliver them from their enemies. Set free those who hate you from bondage to sin; and give all of us grace to bear witness to Christ until he comes again in glory.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Stir up your power, O Lord, and guide all who walk the path of discipleship. Give them grace to listen, ponder, and obey your Word. In all they do, help them prepare your Way into the hearts of others, especially those who walk in the darkness of doubt or despair.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Stir up your power, O Lord, and grant your Spirit to the leaders of the nations. Teach them to work together for the common good and to put the best construction on the words and deeds of those with whom they disagree. Remind them that they must give an account of their stewardship of authority to you, the Lord of the nations and their King and God.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Stir up your power, O Lord; and banish the evils of violence, chaos, brutality and hatred from this death-shadowed world. Give your Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might to all who defend life and liberty; to all who protect our communities from danger; and to all first responders. Grant success to all they do that serves your will; heal them when they fall; restore them to their loved ones; and speed the day when they may serve you in peace.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Stir up your power, O Lord; and bring healing and hope to all whose need is great. Especially we lift before you: {List}. Deliver them from all that darkens their lives. Restore them to fellowship with all who love them. Give patience, gentleness, and respite to caregivers; and shine the light of your love upon us all.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Stir up your power, O Lord; and raise from the shadows of death all who have fallen asleep in you, especially those whose loss grieves us most. Help us to comfort those whose hearts are heavy in this season of feasting and joy. Give us grace to be children of the day, filled with the light of your love. Help us to encourage one another in steadfast faith and deeds of charity until your dear Son returns in glory. Then, by your mercy, bring us safely into your eternal Kingdom, which you have prepared for all whom you have redeemed.

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, 

Christ the King Sunday, Cycle C (November 24, 2019)

In the power of the Spirit, let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus to be our King who rules with justice and mercy, sacrificial death and resurrection life. Thank you for his glorious and gentle rule. Thank you for filling us with your Holy Spirit, so we have the faith to acclaim him as King and love him as Savior and Brother.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You are pleased to make the Church into the Body of which Christ Jesus is the head. Give to the Church your Spirit, so through its words and deeds, many may be delivered from the domain of darkness; receive forgiveness and redemption; and be transferred into the Kingdom of your beloved Son.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make this congregation your treasured possession; and form us in the image of Jesus. Use us to draw others to his Cross; to proclaim his love; and to help them adore him as King, Savior, and God.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Unite the suffering of your persecuted people to the Passion of Christ. Let their tormentors see his love in their actions, hear his words of forgiveness on their lips; and turn to him in repentance and faith.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our enemies; for criminals; evildoers and hatemongers; and for those we find it hardest to forgive. Let the words of Jesus – “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” – be on our lips, even that is hard. Let him subdue every sinful heart to his will, so that he might truly be all in all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Say to our rulers: “Be still; and know that I alone am God.” School their unruly and disobedient wills to your commands. Be the strong bulwark and mighty fortress to the poor and weak; the innocent and righteous. Cause peace, justice, health and mercy to be established in every land. Teach every heart to acclaim Jesus as King of kings and Lord of all nations; that his peace may rule undisturbed in every heart.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make war to cease in all the world; break the bow, shatter the spear, and burn the shields with fire. Hasten that day when we need not lift up prayers for those in the military, or for first responders. Until then, equip them with integrity, competence, and courage. Preserve them in safety and heal them when they falter. When they return, use them in new ways to benefit our communities and nation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Exalt yourself, O Lord; be the refuge and strength of all who are afflicted by danger, disease, disaster or despair. This day, we remember before you: {List}. Be their very present help in time of trouble; and make their hearts glad.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Dear Father, your Son promises Paradise to any who, like the repentant thief, turns in faith to him. We entrust to you our beloved dead. Help us to comfort and encourage each other to trust and follow Jesus. Teach us to pray, “Jesus, remember me, when you come into your Kingdom.” And in your mercy, fulfill his words! Grant that we shall be with him in Paradise! Let us, with all the redeemed, adore and bless him forever, who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, as Savior, Lord, King, and God.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In the power of the Holy Spirit, we entrust our prayers and petitions into your hands, gracious Father, for the sake of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  AMEN.

THE PRAYERS, 

23^rd Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 28, Cycle C (November 17, 2019)

In the power of the Spirit, let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Most holy God, your promise to come with power and great glory, with judgment and healing, sometimes overwhelms and disturbs us. We pray for you to make all things right and new – but we know that you will judge each of us and we will see our sins laid out in all their ghastly glory. Cover us then, dear Lord, with your healing wings. Clothe us in the righteousness of Christ alone. Shield us with your Holy Spirit. And make us holy and whole, right and new, radiant with your light and life forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Cleanse and heal your Church throughout the world. Make it watchful and faithful in all things. Let it never grow weary in preaching the Gospel and serving the world for Jesus’ sake. Make it a shelter and place of healing for all who are wounded by the powers of sin, death, and the devil.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Sometimes it is hard for our congregation to “keep on keeping on” in worship, service, testimony, generosity, and holiness. Keep our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus and our ears alert to his Word. Amid the distractions and temptations we experience, grant that we may prefer nothing whatsoever to Christ

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Strengthen and shield everyone persecuted on account of Jesus. By their faithful endurance, turn the hearts of their tormentors to Christ in repentance, contrition, and faith.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for seminarians, and for everyone who senses that you are calling them to serve you and your Church as a pastor, chaplain, deacon, or other church worker. Fill them with your Spirit. Kindle faith, hope, and love in their hearts. Surround them by a cloud of faithful witnesses, mentors, teachers, and prayer warriors. And bless them, to be a blessing to others.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Although the form of this world is passing away, still it is our home. Bestow wisdom, prudence, integrity, and mercy upon our leaders in government, education, industry, the military, our courts of justice, and every occupation and venue in which people hold positions of influence, responsibility, and power. And grant to everyone the blessing of peace and a measure of prosperity.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep all who suffer in your special care – especially: {List}. Grant healing to body, soul, heart, and mind. Strengthen everyone who cares for them. And surround them with the protection of your holy wings.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy God, we thank you for the lives of your faithful people, especially those dearest to us, who now rest from their labors. Wipe away the tears of all who mourn their loss. Support us throughout our earthly pilgrimage with your Word and holy Sacraments. Give us strength and charity, so that we encourage and assist one another even as we follow Jesus through the darkest valleys of death’s shadow. And bring us, by his merits, into the light, life, and love of your Kingdom, where with all the redeemed, we worship and adore you in the unity you share eternally with your Son and the Holy Spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In the power of the Holy Spirit, we entrust our prayers and petitions into your hands, gracious Father, for the sake of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  AMEN.

THE PRAYERS, 

22^nd Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 27, Cycle C (November 10, 2019)

In the power of the Spirit, let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, we stand awestruck before your presence. You reveal your name in a burning bush. You reveal your heart in your crucified Son. You bestow liberty to captives, forgiveness to sinners, sight to the blind, truth to the deluded, and life to the dead! We adore you, O God and we bless you forever!

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

By the power of your Spirit, give your Church such words and wisdom that your enemies may neither withstand nor contradict its witness. Keep it steadfast in faith; unwavering in endurance; diligent in service; and joyful in hope. Give it faithful pastors who announce the coming of the Son of Man, so that many repent, receive strength to stand before him, and see their redemption drawing near.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the people and the mission of this congregation. Keep us watchful, faithful, and brave. Keep our minds, hearts, lips, eyes and hands focused on speaking and doing your will. Help us to encourage the fearful and challenge the idle; to comfort the despairing and the grieving; and to lighten the loads of all who are burdened by the cares and sorrows of this broken world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Guide, protect and encourage your missionaries, so that they do not grow weary in announcing the Gospel of salvation throughout the world. Give bold words and enduring faith to Christians who are persecuted on account of the name of Jesus. Grant us grace to speak on their behalf, and to help them however we can. Cause those who despise them to repent and to seek forgiveness and redemption.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Wars and rumors of wars; persecution and injustice; and natural disasters made worse by human sinfulness afflict nations and peoples, even in this modern age. Teach your laws and statutes to the world’s rulers, so that their hearts are turned to care for their people. And help all of us to speak and act with compassion and kindness, because we do not know what burdens are borne by those around us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be merciful to everyone who has been assaulted by the powers of sin, death, and the devil, and who cry out for help. Violence and wars, famines and floods, sickness and misery, and the wickedness of the human heart, make this and every age seem like those “end times” of which Jesus speaks. Help all Christians to speak and live the Gospel so clearly, that even those most estranged from you might take heart and turn back to you, and lift up their heads to see your promised redemption.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for injured, sick and dying; of pregnant and nursing mothers; of the handicapped and addicted; and of all who have none to care for them in their times of greatest need. We pray also for first responders and those in the military who stand between us and chaotic dangers. Most especially we pray for: {List}. Grant that the Sun of Righteousness, even the Lord Jesus Christ, should rise upon them with healing in his wings; and give them the joy of his saving help.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Almighty and gracious Father, those who have died trusting in you are already singing songs of exultation and victory. We thank you for fulfilling your promises to them. Grant that even in the midst of the turmoil and heartache of this broken world, we may bear witness to your steadfast mercy, and announce your salvation to all who have hearts to hear. Bring us, with all the redeemed, into the glorious light of your dear Son’s presence. There, healed from sin and sorrow, grant us the priceless gift of rejoicing in your great love forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In the power of the Holy Spirit, we entrust our prayers and petitions into your hands, gracious Father, for the sake of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  AMEN.

THE PRAYERS, 

All Saints’ Sunday (November 3, 2019)

In the power of the Spirit, let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Thank you, dear Father, for all the sinners whom you have redeemed and are pleased to call your saints! Thank you for their example of repentance, trust, humility and obedience, even when that was hard. Help us remember them with gratitude, and give us grace to follow in their footsteps.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Preserve, guide and sanctify your one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. Array it in the garments of salvation; and conform it to the likeness of your Son. Adorn it with mercy, humility, peace, faithfulness and purity, so that it may be a blessing to many, and a sign of your Kingdom’s close approach.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Touch with your beauty and goodness the hearts of everyone in this congregation. Make our words gracious and our deeds lovely. Let the light of Jesus so shine in all our words and deeds that, when anyone sees or hears us, they get a glimpse of his great love for them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our national church body, that it may be pure of heart, filled with peace, and poor in spirit. We plead on behalf of all missionaries. Help them to feed all who hunger and thirst with your bread of righteousness – and with earthly bread. And we ask your blessing upon those who are persecuted on account of naming Jesus as Lord. Fill them with joy, peace, and gentleness. Give them a gracious word truth and forgiveness, so that their tormentors may repent and be saved.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for everyone in elected or appointed positions of authority in our community, state and nation. Give them a double portion of your Spirit, so they may act in accordance with your will and to the benefit of everyone entrusted to their care. Help all of us to set aside bitterness and hatred, and give us forbearance, graciousness, and the willingness to work for the common good.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Until your peace is established in this world, good men and women must risk their lives in defense of life, liberty, safety and justice. Bless and protect them. Shelter their families from fear; bring them home in safety; heal their wounds to body and spirit; and use their service as building blocks for a happier and safer world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Deliver from suffering and sorrow all those whose need is great, especially: {List}. Give them the hope, comfort and faith they need to weather their trials; and restore them to health and fellowship with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy and gracious Father, receive into your Kingdom our beloved dead, especially {List}. Keep us faithful and true, holy and steadfast, as we walk the narrow Way established by your dear Son. Give us joy along that way, and help us to encourage and help one another along it. Bring us safely into that Kingdom of light, life and love which you have vouchsafed to all whom you redeem by the sufferings of Christ. And there let us see you face to face, and experience the unspeakable joy of abiding in your love forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In the power of the Holy Spirit, we entrust our prayers and petitions into your hands, gracious Father, for the sake of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  AMEN.

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