THE PRAYERS, 

Reformation Sunday (October 27, 2019)

Let us pray in the name of Jesus to our heavenly Father for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Thank you, dear Father, for all who love your Church and who have faithfully sought to purify and reform it when it has lost its way. Thank you for constantly raising up prophets, apostles, martyrs, theologians, and ordinary saints who treasure your holy Word and love your Church, even when she stumbles and sins. Thank you for Jesus, who makes the Church his dear Bride, and who even now is making her lovely with holiness, charity, and righteousness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Pour out your Holy Spirit upon your Church.  Make it your holy habitation; keep it steadfast in your Word; strengthen it in the face of temptation; defend it from evil; reform and purify it from sin and error; and bestow on it your saving peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Graciously protect and guide the people of this congregation, O Lord, our Help and our Redeemer. Gladden our hearts with the joy of your saving love. Cause us to brim over with the gifts of your Holy Spirit, so that we may refresh, nourish, instruct and invite our neighbors into your presence.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be the refuge and strength of Christians throughout the world when they are persecuted for confessing Jesus as Lord; and cause the enemies of the Gospel to repent of their sinfulness, that they may turn to you and live.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Exalt yourself among the nations, and speak your holy word to your world, especially to the leaders of our country. Give us a measure of your own wisdom and a portion of your own Spirit, so that we, and all in positions of authority and trust, desire to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly before you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless the work of faithful theologians and teachers who establish dialog, clarify doctrine, correct misunderstandings, and strive to heal the fractures within your Church. Direct their labors with your Spirit’s promptings. Give them charity in service of witnessing to the truth of your Word.  Keep them grounded in the Gospel of your Son, Jesus Christ, crucified and resurrected to forgive sins and grant life and salvation to all who will receive him.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We lift before you the needs of all whose lives are shaken and troubled by suffering of mind, body or spirit. Especially we pray for: {List}. Be in their midst; let them not be overthrown; bring them your saving help; say to them, ‘be still, and know that I am God;’ and restore them all to health and hope, that they may proclaim the awesome things you have done.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy Lord, we give you thanks for the lives of all whom you have claimed as your own and have redeemed through the precious blood of your dear Son. Grant that we may humbly follow in their footsteps; boldly trust in your promises; faithfully live in your Word; and cheerfully serve in your Name. And bring us, through the merits of our Savior, into your eternal home, where with all the redeemed, we shall glorify you in the power of your most holy Spirit forever and ever and unto the ages of ages.

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, 

19^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 24, Cycle C (October 20, 2019)

Let us pray in the name of Jesus to our heavenly Father for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, sometimes our ears itch because we desire plausible, convenient untruths. Sometimes we wrestle with your holy Word and come away hobbling and sore. Oh, Father, sometimes it’s hard to love, trust, and obey you! Thank you for constantly hearing our prayers. Thank you for touching us with healing and blessing, not just rebuke and warning. Thank you for uniting us with Jesus, who is Truth and Blessing, Word and Love incarnate.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant such faithfulness to your Church throughout the world that it may always confess and preach that all Scripture is inspired, useful for teaching and reproof. Fill it with your Holy Spirit, so that it may penetrate itching ears with the pure doctrine of Christ, crucified and raised from the dead for the forgiveness of sin unto life everlasting.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep everyone in this congregation in your merciful care. Conform our hearts to your will. Help us to pray with bold faith and persistent hope. In all things, grant that we glorify you, bear witness to your holy and gracious Word for their lives; and live lives worthy of our high calling as your children.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Do not slumber or sleep, O Lord, while your suffering Church prays to you for help. Hear their cries and come to their aid. Soften the hearts of their unjust judges and persecutors to repent of their evil and do what is right in your sight. Grant faith, courage, persistence, and compassion to all who preach the Gospel to those who have not heard the name of Christ aright.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless this war-torn world with your peace. Give it wise leaders who do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly in your sight. Look with kindness upon the humble and destitute, the widow and orphan; and all to whom justice has been denied. Keep us mindful of their cries; and move us to act with compassion and with tangible help, so that together we may enjoy the gifts you have bestowed on all your people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for lawyers, judges, magistrates, and for all who make or interpret laws and administer justice in this country and throughout the world. Give them uprightness of heart, and a passion for truth. Make them wise, fair, and impartial in their decisions; and through their work, grant that a measure of your own holy and gracious will may be accomplished in our midst.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear the cries of all who are afflicted, dear Lord, especially those we name before you – including: {List}. Bring them safely through their travails; reunite them with all who love them; and give them an unconquerable faith in your gracious care.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We thank you, merciful Father, for our loved ones who have died and are asleep in your arms. Until we are reunited with them and with all whom you have redeemed, keep us steadfast in faith, persistent in prayer, and attentive to your true and holy Word. Grant that we may enter into your presence in the company of all the saints, and forever worship, praise, bless and adore you for the love you have shown us through Christ Jesus our Savior.

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, 

18^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 23, Cycle C (October 13, 2019)

Let us pray in the name of Jesus to our heavenly Father for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Dear Lord, give us faith and courage, steadfast love and heartfelt gratitude for every good gift that comes from you! We are so blessed. Tune our hearts to sing your praise. Make our feet lovely with the eagerness to run to others with tokens of your mercy and goodness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give to your Church the faithful love for you and for one another that Ruth had for Naomi. Stir up in it the thankful worship of the Samaritan leper. Grant it the bold, diligent and truthful witness of your servants Paul and Timothy. Raise up righteous pastors, bishops, deacons, elders, theologians and other leaders. And use your Church to show your graciousness and generosity toward those who fear you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for this congregation – its people, its ministries, and its mission. In all things, shape us into vessels of your generous goodness and holy healing, so that many people may receive life and salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Help us to remember, defend, assist, and walk with those Christians who are persecuted for their faith in Jesus. Grant that their faith, hope and love may be a shining witness in places of spiritual darkness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our world, broken by evil and bruised by violence. Give us teachable hearts that rejoice in your precepts – and strive to obey them. Give wisdom, fairness, and common sense to leaders in our communities, states, and nation – and to those throughout the world who take counsel for the affairs of government, commerce, education, and whatever else affects your people in their everyday lives.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be gracious and merciful to widows and widowers and to all whose hearts are embittered by loss and grief. Help others to not abandon or ignore them, but rather to walk with them in their sorrow, and to show them kindness, friendship, and understanding.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Our Lord Jesus, in his infinite compassion, healed ten lepers. We plead that he may show that compassionate healing to all whose bodies, minds, or spirits are afflicted by the powers of sin, evil, suffering, or the shadow of death. Most especially we life before you the needs of: {List}. Grant them healing, hope, and grateful hearts; and reunite them with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most Holy and blessed Father, bring your ultimate and eternal healing – your endless life – to everyone who has died trusting in your promises.  Comfort all whose grief still runs deep. Give all of us persistent faith; devoted friendship; diligent service; and hearts overflowing with gratitude for the great love you have shown us through the death and resurrection of your dear Son. By his merits, heal all of us from whatever the powers of sin, death and the devil have afflicted us with. Grant us the eternal joy of adoring and praising your goodness, and of seeing you face to face.

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, 

17^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 22, Cycle C (October 6, 2019)

Let us pray in the name of Jesus to our heavenly Father for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for planting the mustard-seed of faith in us! Please water it with your Holy Spirit and make its roots delve deep into your holy Word and Sacraments. Cause that seed to blossom and come to fruition, nourishing a hungry world with your son’s forgiveness and love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We ask your protection, guidance and blessing upon your Church. Make it steadfast in faith; courageous in witness; truthful in teaching and preaching; and gracious in service to all for whom your Son gave his life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fill this congregation with your Holy Spirit, so that in our words and actions, we never seem ashamed of Christ, but instead show and share his holy and forgiving love to everyone we encounter.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bestow upon all missionaries strength to do their Master’s work faithfully and well until he comes in glory. Shield and strengthen our sisters and brothers who are persecuted on account of Jesus. Give them grace and courage to stand at their watch-post and to speak and live your Word boldly and truly. Grant that their tormentors may repent of their evil ways and turn to you, the Lord of all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant that the leaders of all nations, most especially our own, may acknowledge you as their Lord and Master; and may do the work you have entrusted to them faithfully and diligently; knowing that they must give to you an account of their actions. Remind them constantly that their decisions ought not be stumbling-blocks even to the littlest and least of their citizens; but instead, that they should strive for justice tempered with mercy, and for peace wedded to righteousness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant the watchman’s courage and faithfulness to all who protect and defend life from the ravages of evil and violence. We beseech you especially on behalf of those in our military, and all first responders. Prosper all they do that accomplishes your purposes; be their mighty fortress when they imperiled or injured; reunite them swiftly with their loved ones; and help us to honor and use their gifts to benefit our communities.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be the rock and salvation, the hope and the eternal possession of all who cry out to you in time of adversity, suffering, or sorrow. Most especially we remember before you: {List}. Give them patience; still their troubled souls; heal them of whatever afflicts them in body, mind, or spirit; and give to all who care for them tender hearts, gentle hands, compassionate service, and loving encouragement.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Dear heavenly Father, keep our beloved dead in your loving embrace. Be the rock and salvation of all whose grief runs deep. Give all of us steadfast courage and boundless hope. Make us gentle and tender-hearted with one another: forgiving when the other sins, repentant when we are in the wrong; and encouraging when our neighbor stumbles. Lead us safely through the evils and sorrows of this earthly life. Bring us into your Kingdom and into eternal fellowship with you and with all whom you have redeemed through the merits of your beloved Son.

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, 

Saint Michael and All Angels (September 29, 2019)

Let us pray in the name of Jesus to our heavenly Father for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, we praise and thank you for having ordained and constituted the ministries of angels and men in a wonderful order. Mercifully grant that, as your holy angels always serve and worship you in heaven, so by your appointment they may help and defend us on earth.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heaven and earth are filled with your glory; and angels and archangels, cherubim and seraphim adore you in unceasing chorus. Give your Church the voice and the faith to join their song. Make its worship a foretaste of heaven. Make its proclamation a strong witness to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Make its deeds of charity a countersign to the deathly powers that seek to enslave all people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless this congregation and make it rich in faith toward you and in fervent love in for one another. Remind us that your little ones – everyone for whom Christ died – have their angels pleading for them before your throne. Help us therefore not to put a stumbling-block before them, but instead to be merciful and gracious, giving and forgiving, as you have been toward us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

May your holy angels bless, strengthen and defend your little ones who endure great suffering on account of Jesus. Grant that their time of persecution may speedily end; and convict the hearts of all who torment them, so they may repent and believe in the Gospel.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

As Michael is the defender of Israel and head of the angel host, so we pray that your holy angels would bring wise counsel to the leaders of every nation, and defend your people from the malice of the Evil One. Keep us safe in your care; teach us those things which make for peace; and preserve us in harmony and righteousness until that day when you make all things new.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We lift before you all whom it would be easy to forget, but whose angels continually remember them before the Throne of Grace: the homeless, neglected and needy; the destitute, sick and aged; the mentally ill and physically or mentally challenged; those who are abused, and their abusers; unborn children, and mothers who are tempted or pressured to abort them. Shelter them with your tender care; and help us to bring them healing, hope, forgiveness and friendship, for the love of your dear Son.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray on behalf of everyone who cries out to you for help in time of trouble, suffering, distress or grief; especially: {List}. Speedily rescue them from affliction; stir up compassion in all who care for them; and let your holy angels have charge of them, that the Wicked One have no power over them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy and gracious Father, we praise you for the victory your Son has won over sin and death. We entrust into care our departed loved ones. Grant to us, who still walk as yet by faith and not by sight, the protection of your holy angels. Grant that, encouraged by their presence and by the witness of all your saints, we may give you thanks for all things; fear nothing except losing you; and lay all our cares on you, knowing that you care for us. Bring us into the blessedness of eternal life; where the hosts of heaven and the whole company of the redeemed, we shall see you face to face, and adore you 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, 

Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist (September 22, 2019)

Let us pray in the name of Jesus to our heavenly Father for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, thank you for calling us, though like Matthew we are numbered among the tax collectors and sinners. Thank you for lifting us up when we fall away from your commands, and for restoring us to positions of trust and the task of proclaiming the Gospel when we have repented.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, bless your holy Church throughout the world. Fill it with faithful teachers and preachers of your Word; kindle its worship to be a living flame of praise to you; make it wise as serpents and innocent as doves as it bears witness to Jesus in this broken and fallen world; and grant it grace to lavish the treasures of your Kingdom upon all who are in need of them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give the people of this congregation ears to hear Jesus’ gracious call to discipleship. Give us joy and generosity to invite fellow sinners to join us as we feast on Jesus in Word and Sacrament. And give us strength and clarity, so that like Matthew, we proclaim the Gospel in ways that our neighbors can understand and respond to with repentance, faith, and commitment.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give such lovingkindness and generosity to missionaries throughout the world, that in them, the poor of body, mind, or spirit may see and gladly receive your love and forgiveness. And help us to remember, pray for, defend, and assist your persecuted servants however we can. Give them grace to speak truth in love before their enemies, so that you may be glorified, and many may repent and turn to you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give wisdom, integrity, and common sense to our earthly leaders. Make them honest stewards of the power and authority granted to them; and remind them that they must give an account of their stewardship to you, their Master and King. Be the shield and defender of first responders and those in the military. Fill them with courage, integrity, and competence; and use their labors to accomplish your will in places of chaos and violence. Help us all to have a heart for the poor, and the will to assist them effectively and graciously.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless volunteers and workers, not only in this church, but throughout the world, who seek to serve you and neighbor. Multiply their gifts and talents, so that through their labors, many people receive mercy, comfort, and a clear sign of your providential care.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You raise the poor from the dust and care for all who cry out to you. Therefore with confidence and hope, we remember before you all who are afflicted in body, mind, or spirit, including: {List}. Bring them out of darkness into your glorious light; and restore them to fellowship with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Gracious and holy Father, receive into your Kingdom all the faithful departed, especially those dearest to us, including: {List}. Keep us steadfast in faith; diligent in service; truthful in word and honest in deed; and bind us together in cords of love and compassion for one another. Bring us, with all whom you have redeemed, into the fullness of your presence; and give us hearts, minds, and voices, forever to adore and glorify you, in the blessed communion you share 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, 

15^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 20, Cycle C (September 22, 2019)

Let us pray in the name of Jesus to our heavenly Father for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, thank you for your holy Word, even when it convicts us or makes us squirm. Thank you for being patient with us. Thank you for lifting us up when we fall away from your commands, and for restoring us to positions of trust and the task of proclaiming the Gospel when we have repented.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless your holy Church throughout the world. Fill it with faithful teachers and preachers of your Word; kindle its worship to be a living flame of praise to you; make it wise as serpents and innocent as doves as it bears witness to Jesus in this broken and fallen world; and grant it grace to lavish the treasures of your Kingdom upon all who are in need of them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, it may make us smile or shudder to hear the parable of the dishonest servant at a time of year when stewardship is often lifted up. Bless this congregation in its stewardship of time, talents, treasures, and testimony. Help us to be honest, eager, and ingenious as we use whatever has been entrusted to us, for the sake of your Kingdom, and for the benefit of our neighbor.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give such lovingkindness and generosity to missionaries throughout the world, that in them, the poor of body, mind, or spirit may see and gladly receive your love and forgiveness. And help us to remember, pray for, defend, and assist your persecuted servants however we can. Give them grace to speak truth in love before their enemies, so that you may be glorified, and many may repent and turn to you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give wisdom, integrity, and common sense to our earthly leaders. Make them honest stewards of the power and authority granted to them; and remind them that they must give an account of their stewardship to you, their Master and King. Be the shield and defender of first responders and those in the military. Fill them with courage, integrity, and competence; and use their labors to accomplish your will in places of chaos and violence. Help us all to have a heart for the poor, and the will to assist them effectively and graciously.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless volunteers and workers, not only in this church, but throughout the world, who seek to serve you and neighbor. Multiply their gifts and talents, so that through their labors, many people receive mercy, comfort, and a clear sign of your providential care.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You raise the poor from the dust and care for all who cry out to you. Therefore with confidence and hope, we remember before you all who are afflicted in body, mind, or spirit, including: {List}. Bring them out of darkness into your glorious light; and restore them to fellowship with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Gracious and holy Father, receive into your Kingdom all the faithful departed, especially those dearest to us, including: {List}. Keep us steadfast in faith; diligent in service; truthful in word and honest in deed; and bind us together in cords of love and compassion for one another. Bring us, with all whom you have redeemed, into the fullness of your presence; and give us hearts, minds, and voices, forever to adore and glorify you, in the blessed communion you share 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, 

14^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 19, Cycle C (September 15, 2019)

(May be used for Holy Cross, Transferred)

Let us pray in the name of Jesus to our heavenly Father for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Holy God, thank you for Jesus! Thank you for making him our good Shepherd. Thank you for loving us so much that we are granted forgiveness, life, fellowship with you – and love beyond all telling – in your Son, crucified, raised, and ascended to your right hand for our salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, give your Church the grace and desire to faithfully follow the Good Shepherd, your Son Jesus. Give it leaders who rightly proclaim your Word of Law and Gospel. And, as Jesus ate with sinners and tax collectors so they might feast on his grace and forgiveness, make the Church into a place of welcome, forgiveness, and transformation for every sinner who enters it.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant forgiveness and grace to this congregation. We do not like being compared to sheep, especially ones who head-butt and distress your flock. And yet we confess that sometimes we do those things. Teach us humility; and help us to acknowledge and repent of thoughtless words, self-centered actions, and anything else that may prevent one of your dear children from loving and trusting you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless and direct the work of our national church body, and prosper its proclamation of the Gospel and works of Christlike charity. Save the lives of all who are persecuted because of their faith in Jesus. Convict with your strong word of Law all evildoers and enemies of the Gospel. Soften their hearts and turn them towards you in repentance, humility, and faith.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Our nation continues to struggle with enemies within and beyond its borders; with discord, suspicion and violence; and with a raucous political campaign that sometimes threatens to bring out the worst rather than the best in us. Shepherd us through these troubled times. Bring healing to our hearts, homes, and communities. Anoint our eyes to see one another as fellow citizens and as beloved children of the same heavenly Father. And bring a measure of your peace to this weary world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

This weekend, we reflect upon the Holy Cross of Jesus our Savior. Fulfill his promise that, as he is lifted up, he will draw all people to himself. Give us grace, in words and deeds, to “lift high the Cross, the love of Christ proclaim ‘til all the world adore his sacred name.”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be merciful to all who are hurting, weak, abused, hungry, or grieving; or who in any way need the abundance of your grace. Especially we lift before you: {List}. Be their Good Shepherd, and bring them healing and hope. Help us all to be gentle, gracious, compassionate and kind to them, so that together, we may praise your goodness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Dear heavenly Father, we entrust into the care of Jesus our Good Shepherd, all our beloved dead. Comfort all who mourn; and fill us with your Holy Spirit’s wisdom and grace. Teach us to love each other tenderly and care for one another diligently; and keep us ever in Christ’s care. Of your goodness, grant that he should heal us from every sin and infirmity, and lead us into your Kingdom; so that as one flock we may praise, adore, and glorify our Good Shepherd 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, 

13^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 18, Cycle C (September 8, 2019)

Let us pray in the name of Jesus to our heavenly Father for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Gracious Father, teach us what true discipleship is, and by your Holy Spirit, give us the faith and steadfastness to bear its cost. Thank you for so clearly setting before us the “way of blessing and of curse; of life and of death.” Thank you for the grace which gives us strength to choose the life you offer through the death and resurrection of your Son.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the Church around the world. Make it holy and blameless, wise and loving, fearless and compassionate in equal measure. Make it delight in your Law and proclaim your Gospel. Establish its roots in the living waters flowing from Christ its head and its life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all the people and ministries of this congregation. Help us to delight in your Law, and to meditate on it day and night. Give us grace to forgive; faithfulness to serve, and joyfulness to worship. Use us to lead many people to those streams of water in which they will find true life in Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for your missionaries in every land. Give them wise and humble hearts, so that they bring the healing and saving Gospel to those whom the world has despised and rejected.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our nation and its leaders; and for the people and leaders of every nation on earth. Help all of us to “walk not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the way of sinners; nor sit in the seat of scoffers;” but instead to delight in your Law; to meditate on your will; and to practice doing it so that we may live before you in peace and righteousness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for first responders and those in the military, for they know much about counting the cost of remaining faithful to their calling. Keep them safe; and prosper all they do that is in accordance with your will. When they are wounded in body or mind or spirit, grant healing and hope. And help us to honor their service and value their skills as they return to civilian life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the sick, lonely, imprisoned, abandoned, grieving and dying who need your mercy and loving-kindness – especially: {List}. Refresh their hearts; heal whatever is wounded; and restore them to fellowship with all who love them. As we recall Paul’s words to Philemon, we lift before you the plight of all who, even this day, are slaves; that they may be delivered from bondage and that we may acknowledge them as kindred for whom Christ has died.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy and loving Father, with gratitude and affection we entrust into your care our beloved dead. Through your Holy Spirit, strengthen us in our vocation as disciples of the Lord Jesus, so that, not counting the cost, we may bear faithful witness to his strong saving love throughout our earthly pilgrimage. And, for his sake, bring us into your presence, to be numbered with all those who serve you and who look upon your face in glory everlasting.

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, 

12^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 17, Cycle C (September 1, 2019)

Let us pray in the name of Jesus to our heavenly Father for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Gracious Father, you actually believe that, through repentant faith in Jesus, who humbled himself for our sake, we too can be humble without being doormat martyrs. You actually believe that, through the transforming power of your Holy Spirit, we can repent and joyfully show our gratitude to you by lives of gentleness and mercy toward one another. We’re not sure we can believe it! Grant us, dear Lord, your own confidence, and accomplish in us your vision of what we should be.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fill your Church with humble trust and steadfast faith. Give it pastors, bishops, theologians and lay leaders who speak your truth in love. By your Holy Spirit, inspire compassionate deeds and holy lives among all who name Jesus Christ as Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless the people of this congregation. Help us to remember that at all times, we speak, act and live in the presence of your Son, our King as well as our friend. Let the way we treat one another, and all to whom we minister, reflect his strong saving love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Calm the fears and give comfort and strength to your persecuted servants throughout the world. By their humble witness, cause their enemies to repent and to turn to you, their only King, Lord and God.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless this land with peace, justice, prosperity, concord, and integrity. Guide our leaders, and all who take counsel for the nations, so that they may always remember that they must give an account of their deliberations and deeds to you, the King of the Nations.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Your Son dignified our labor by sharing our toil. Be with your people wherever they work; make those who carry on the industries and commerce of this land responsive to your will; and give us pride in what we do. Be the strong refuge of those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of work. Help us to use our wealth and resources, so that all who are able to work may find suitable and fulfilling employment, and receive just payment for their labor.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Those who struggle with pain, sorrow, and adversity need the strength and healing that only you can give. We pray on their behalf, especially for: {List}. Quiet their fears; heal their bodies, minds and hearts; and renew their hope. Bless all who care for them, especially those who need refreshment, respite, and resources to continue their ministry of loving service.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Dear heavenly Father, we thank you for receiving as your dear children all who have died trusting in you. Quiet the souls of all who mourn. Teach us to live simply and trustfully as your dear children also; and in your good time, lead us into your  presence, where with all whom you have redeemed by the merits of your beloved Son,, we will rest in your arms, delight in your goodness, and adore you 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.