The Prayers of the Church, 

Palm/Passion Sunday, Cycle C (April 14, 2019)

For the Church, the world, and our poor sinful selves, let us pray to our Lord, who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

A brief silence

 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.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, 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.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

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

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

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

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, 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.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

 Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem all whose work is difficult and dangerous, including those in the military and all first responders. By their labors, establish places of safety and calm; and there draw all people to yourself.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

  Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem all who are afflicted by sin, suffering, and sorrow, especially: {List}. Use the witness of their faithful waiting, and their blessed healing, to draw all people to yourself.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, you have saved and redeemed all who have died trusting your promises. Now keep us steadfast in faith, patient in suffering, generous in service, and loving in fellowship. Through your Cross and innocent suffering for the sake of the world, draw all people to yourself, and bestow upon all the redeemed the fullness of your forgiveness, blessing, and eternal life.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

 Hear us, gracious Father, for the sake of your well-beloved Son, who intercedes for us before your throne of mercy.

Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

5^th Sunday in Lent, Cycle C (April 7, 2019)

 For the Church, the world, and our poor sinful selves, let us pray to our Lord, who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, when we contemplate your self-sacrificing love for us, we can only repeat the words of two beloved hymns: “Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a tribute far too small. Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all!” “Thousand thousand thanks are due, dearest Jesus, unto you!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant that your Church should count everything as loss, compared to the surpassing worth of knowing you as Savior, Lord, and God. Fill it with the overwhelming desire to make you known to every sinner throughout the world, until you truly are the “all in all,” for all. Especially we pray for the persecuted Church, and for missionaries and evangelists throughout the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Strengthen and guide this congregation in faithful worship, loving fellowship, generous outreach, and holy living. Make this place a true sanctuary, a place of refreshment and refuge for souls battered by sin, sorrow, and suffering.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for those preparing for Baptism at Eastertide; for everyone seeking to renew their relationship with you; and for all pastors, congregations, and ministries in the midst of transition. Be their companion and guide along their pilgrim path; refresh them with the joy of your saving help; and bless them with your lovingkindness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give peace, justice, health and safety to every nation, especially our own. Grant wisdom and integrity to all who have been entrusted with authority and power, especially our elected and appointed leaders. Teach us to love one another through deeds of mercy and words of understanding.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

There are so many people who hunger for healing and thirst for reconciliation; who long for encouragement and seek understanding; who desire forgiveness, comfort, faith, and hope. Refresh them in the wilderness of their suffering, dear Lord – especially those we lift before you now {List}.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In gratitude and hope, we entrust our beloved dead into your keeping, dear Lord. Bestow the Holy Spirit, the Comforter upon us all, especially upon all who mourn. Through the same Spirit’s power and gifts, grant that throughout our life, we may know you, O Christ, and the power of your resurrection. Give us grace to share in your suffering. Claim us as your own, clothe us with your righteousness, and, of your mercy, welcome us and all whom you have redeemed into your Father’s  everlasting Kingdom.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear us, dear Lord; and answer our prayers according to your will, to your glory and for the benefit of the people you long to save.

Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

4^th Sunday in Lent, Cycle C (March 31, 2019)

 For the Church, the world, and our poor sinful selves, let us pray to our Lord, who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

A brief silence

Dearest heavenly Father, thank you for forgiving, welcoming, and restoring us, even when we have foolishly squandered your great gifts and turned away from you! Thank you for your Holy Spirit, who brings us “to our right minds” and helps us repent. Thank you for your Son. He guides us to your embrace; he gives his Body and Blood as the homecoming feast; he clothes us with his own righteousness; and he places the signet-ring of his Sonship upon our hand. We give you thanks, Father, not as we ought, but as we are able.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make your Church faithful in proclaiming both your Law and Gospel. Make it lovely with holiness, gentle in rebuke, warmhearted in reconciliation, and generous in welcoming all whom you have led to repent.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Help this congregation to pray for, seek out, and forgive anyone who has wronged us. Give us patience, hope, graciousness, and humility. Make this a place where those who are estranged from us, and from you, may return and be reconciled.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for families torn apart by sin, squabbling, and selfishness. Heal them; return each person “to their right minds.” Deliver them from the pigsty of foolish pride and the far country of hostility. Take away whatever resentment and hurt stands in the way of healing and reunion.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Forgive those who, though entrusted with the great gifts of authority, power, and influence, have squandered them and used them foolishly. Give wisdom, integrity, and prudence to our elected and appointed leaders; to those in the military and first responders; to those entrusted with the education of our children and the welfare of our most vulnerable neighbors. And teach us to live at peace with one another, despite our differences!

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bring healing, hope, and wholeness to everyone who suffers – especially: {List}. Bring them back from the far country of pain, sorrow, or despair. Restore them to the fellowship of all who love them, and increase their joyful trust in you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Father, you have welcomed so many prodigals into your Kingdom already, including many whom we have loved in this life! Thank you for your forgiving and loving embrace. Keep our eyes firmly fixed on the road home to you. Deliver us from the pig sty of our stubborn pride. Soften our hearts to help our fellow prodigals along the way. Lavish your Holy Spirit upon us, so that we constantly strive to live in faith toward you and in fervent love for one another. And, at the last, welcome us to the homecoming feast you have prepared by the prodigality of your dear Son’s great love for us, the wayward sisters and brothers he has redeemed to live in your house forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear us, dear Lord; and answer our prayers according to your will, to your glory and for the benefit of the people you long to save.

Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

3^rd Sunday in Lent, Cycle C (March 24, 2019)

 For the Church, the world, and our poor sinful selves, let us pray to our Lord, who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us your Son, who warns us of our sin, and who provides our remedy. Thank you for your Holy Spirit, who gives us grace to repent of our sin, and who provides an escape door when we are tempted to sin. Help us in these struggles; and have mercy on us when we fall.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make the Church your sure sentinel, so that by word and deed, it helps many people to turn away from their sin and turn toward the Cross, upon which was hung their salvation. Keep your persecuted servants safe in their time of testing; and cause their tormentors to repent of their evil ways.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Help everyone in this congregation to be fruitful fig trees, abounding in righteousness, faithfulness, love, peace, and every good work that proclaims your glory and nourishes your people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for everyone who is tempted to engage in sinful acts out of fear, desperation, ignorance, or malice. Help us to speak truth in love with them – and help us to hear words of truthful warning when they are spoken to us! Give us grace to encourage and accompany those who resolve to walk in the path of righteousness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, our earthly leaders – in government, industry, education, and elsewhere – often seem blind, deaf, and dumb regarding wise words, just decisions, and righteous deeds. Lead them to repent of selfish, wrongheaded, and evil laws or decisions, and to eagerly seek the good you set before us all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We plead on behalf of everyone who suffers in body, mind, or spirit – especially: {List}. We pray for everyone who cares for hurting, lonely, grieving, and vulnerable people. Refresh them with your gracious Spirit, and give them the joy of your saving help.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy Father, thank you for the lives of your faithful servants who now rest from their labors. Keep their memories bright and their witness strong. Keep us in fellowship with them by faith, and with one another by love. Then, we pray: gather all who have been redeemed through the death and resurrection of your Son into the blessedness of your Kingdom, where with you and the Holy Spirit he reigns as Savior, Lord and God forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear us, dear Lord; and answer our prayers according to your will, to your glory and for the benefit of the people you long to save.

Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

2^nd Sunday in Lent, Cycle C (March 17, 2019)

 For the Church, the world, and our poor sinful selves, let us pray to our Lord, who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, we bless and adore you for your loving desire to gather your people beneath your wings. Your mercy covers our sins – and gives us the courage to repent of them. Grant that we may always remember your tremendous sacrifice; walk in the pathway you have set before us; and stand firm in you, our Savior, Redeemer, and God.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Purify and transform your Church into a lamp shining with the light of your love in this sin-darkened world. Draw it close to you, so that through its words and deeds, many who are afar off may also be drawn close to you, their light and their life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

There are many who suffer greatly because they name you as Lord. Hide them in the shadow of your wings. Transform their humiliation into your glory; and by their patience in suffering, cause their tormentors to repent of their evil deeds.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless this congregation with your dear presence; and make us mirror your humble, self-giving love to everyone we encounter.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, we pray for our enemies and for all who hate you. We pray for the wicked, the spiteful, the violent, the remorseless, and the cruel. Deliver them from their bondage to the Evil One. Forgive their sins. Grant them your Holy Spirit, that they might truly repent. Heal their spirits, clear their minds, and transform their hearts into thrones worthy of your presence.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Through our Baptism, we have been made citizens of your heavenly Kingdom, but we still live in this world. Therefore, we pray for our earthly leaders; for all who wield power and authority; and for all who stand in harm’s way in defense of life and liberty. Give them wisdom, integrity, humility, a hunger for justice and a thirst for mercy. And bestow your heavenly peace upon us all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Loving Savior, gather the sick, sorrowing, suffering, and dying beneath your holy wings. Grant them shelter, comfort, healing, and hope. Especially we pray for: {List}. Bless, strengthen, and encourage everyone who cares for them, and grant to them all, the fullness of your strong saving love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy Jesus, we entrust into your embrace our faithful departed, and all the innocent victims of crime, violence, and injustice – especially your precious little ones whose lives were snuffed out before birth. Shelter them all with your never-failing love. Comfort all who mourn with your never-failing compassion. Guild all who still walk through the valley of the shadow of death with your never-failing Light. And bring all whom you have redeemed through your passion, death, and resurrection, into your Kingdom, where with your Father and the Holy Spirit, you reign in never-failing joy, peace and love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear us, dear Lord; and answer our prayers according to your will, to your glory and for the benefit of the people you came to save.

Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

1^st Sunday in Lent, Cycle C (March 10, 2019)

NOTE: This is a “bidding prayer,” with announcement of topics, time for silent personal prayer,

and a brief “collect” before the  “Lord, God, hear our prayer.” You may want to print out the prayer, or explain how it is to be done!

For the Church, the world, and our poor sinful selves, let us pray to our Lord, who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

A brief silence

Let us pray for the Church throughout the world, that our Lord should purify, forgive, heal, unite, strengthen and guide it, and thereby bring many to the foot of his life-giving Cross.

Silence for individual prayer; then:

Holy Lord; holy and mighty; holy and immortal, have mercy on your Church, and bless it; for your glory and for the salvation of the whole world.

Lord God, hear our prayer.

Let us pray for all who are persecuted on account of Jesus, that they may be strengthened in their trials by his strong Word; and for our {synod/district}; our partner congregations and dioceses in {names/places}; and all missionaries throughout the world, that this same strong Word should dwell in their hearts and be confessed by their lips.

Silence for individual prayer; then:

                Holy Lord; holy and mighty; holy and immortal, have mercy on your servants, and bless them; for your glory and for the salvation of the whole world.

Lord God, hear our prayer.

Let us pray for this congregation, that God should keep us steadfast in faith, humble in service, diligent in worship, persistent in prayer, and loving in fellowship.

Silence for individual prayer; then:

                Holy Lord; holy and mighty; holy and immortal, have mercy on this congregation, and bless it, for your glory and for the salvation of the whole world.

Lord God, hear our prayer.

Let us pray for our children, that God would set his angels around them, to shield them from evil; deliver them from danger; and guide them in the way of eternal life.

Silence for individual prayer; then:

                Holy Lord; holy and mighty; holy and immortal, have mercy on our children, and bless them; for your glory and for the salvation of the whole world.

 Lord God, hear our prayer.

Let us pray for our broken world, that God should heal and transform it;  for our leaders, that he grant them wisdom, justice and compassion; and for all people, that he deliver us from evil, strengthen us in every good gift, and bestow his peace among us all.

Silence for individual prayer; then:

                Holy Lord; holy and mighty; holy and immortal, have mercy on your world, its leaders, and its people, and bless them; for your glory and for the salvation of the whole world.

 Lord God, hear our prayer.

Let us pray for all whose work is difficult and dangerous, that God would give them cool heads, wise words, and right actions; and that he would shield, support and strengthen those who fall and those who await their loved one’s return.

Silence for individual prayer; then:

                Holy Lord; holy and mighty; holy and immortal, have mercy on these servants, and bless them; for your glory and for the salvation of the whole world.

Lord God, hear our prayer.

Let us pray for the sick and injured; the abused and their abusers; the despairing and the confused; the homeless, imprisoned, abandoned and oppressed; the dying and the bereaved, and for all who cry out for mercy, including: {List}: That God would save them from their time of trial, deliver them from evil, and bestow upon them the promise of his eternal Kingdom.

Silence for individual prayer; then:

                Holy Lord; holy and mighty; holy and immortal, have mercy on all who suffer, and bless them; for your glory and for the salvation of the whole world.

Lord God, hear our prayer.

Let us with gratitude entrust our beloved dead into our Savior’s keeping; and let us pray for ourselves, that throughout the Lenten pilgrimage of our lives, Christ Jesus would give himself as bread for our journey; forgive us and make us eager to forgive each other; strengthen us in times of trial; deliver us from the power of the Evil One; and bring us safely to his Father’s house.

Silence for individual prayer; then:

                Holy Lord; holy and mighty; holy and immortal, have mercy on us, and bless us; for your glory and for the salvation of the whole world.

Lord God, hear our prayer.

Hear us, gracious Father, for the sake of your well-beloved Son, who intercedes for us before your throne of mercy.

Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

Ash Wednesday, Cycle C (March 6, 2019)

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

A brief silence

Have mercy on this world that you created in love, though it has turned away from you, most Holy Father. Have mercy on the people who sit in the darkness of sin and the shadow of death, and whom you came to save, most Holy Son. Have mercy on this fallen and broken creation that cries out in travail for its deliverance from futility and death, most Holy Spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy on your Church, O Lord. Cleanse it from false teaching, feigned holiness, and fake discipleship. Form it in the likeness of your dear Son, fill it with your Holy Spirit, and use it to draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy on your persecuted servants, O Lord. Cleanse them from bitterness, hatred, or thirst for revenge. Form them into the likeness of your dear Son, fill them with your Holy Spirit, and use them to lead the enemies of Christ to repentance and salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy on this congregation, O Lord. Cleanse us from apathy, inattention, and contention. Form us into the likeness of your dear Son, fill us with your Holy Spirit, and use us to draw our families, friends, and communities to the foot of Jesus’ Cross.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy on all who doubt your existence or your goodness, O Lord. Cleanse them from spiritual darkness, intellectual pride, or emotional despair. Form them into the likeness of your dear Son, fill them with your Holy Spirit, and bless them with faith and trust in you, their Savior, Lord, and Friend.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy upon all who are entrusted with power and authority in this sin-shadowed world, O Lord. Cleanse them from cruelty, lust for power, and worship of self. Form them into the likeness of your dear Son, fill them with your Holy Spirit, and use them to bring your blessings of peace, prosperity, and concord to all people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy upon all who stand in harm’s way on behalf of others, O Lord. Cleanse them from wrong judgment or base motives in the execution of their duties. Form them into the likeness of your dear Son, fill them with your Holy Spirit, and use them to bring a measure of safety, justice, and freedom in places of chaos and danger.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy on all whose lives are shadowed by suffering, sorrow, or any kind of evil, O Lord. Cleanse them from all that troubles them and prevents them from turning to you, their Strength and their Redeemer. Form them into the likeness of your dear Son, fill them with your Holy Spirit, and restore them to wholeness and hope, in the company of all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy and gracious Father, we commend into your mercy all our beloved dead. We who are but ashes and dust humbly beseech you for your mercy upon us as well. Cleanse us from every sin which separates us from you and from one another. Form us into the likeness of your dear Son, fill us with your Holy Spirit, and use us to help lighten our neighbor’s burdens throughout our earthly pilgrimage. Lead us, with all whom you have redeemed by the Cross and Resurrection of Jesus, into your Kingdom, where, untroubled by sin, evil, or death, we may rejoice in your goodness and gaze upon your glory forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For these things, and for whatever else is needful, dear Father, we pray in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, Cycle C: Transfiguration of Our Lord, March 3,
2019

Let us draw near
to the Light of Christ, offering prayer and supplication on behalf of the
Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Father, today we kneel in awe and adoration before the
divine majesty your Son revealed at his Transfiguration. But sometimes, our
devotion grows cold, our prayers and worship become perfunctory, or our
attitude toward Jesus becomes “he’s my best buddy, he’s there for me if I need him.” Enlighten our mind to
always catch a glimpse of his glorious presence. And kindle our hearts and
spirits to worship and obey him with holy fear, deep joy, and fervent love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O God beyond
all praising, we worship you and adore your glory, revealed in the
transfiguration of your beloved Son. Grant that your Church may obediently
listen to his word; hold fast to him in its heavenly calling; preach him alone
as the way of salvation; and thus proclaim to the whole world his blessings
without number and his mercy without end.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant to
your persecuted people a firm confidence in the hope that has been established
through the steadfast obedience of Christ their Lord. Give them grace to triumph
through their sufferings and rise to serve you even in the presence of those
who trouble them.  Bless, we beseech you,
all missionaries of the Gospel; our sister congregations and dioceses; and {our
larger church body}.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let the
radiance of our Beautiful Savior fill the hearts and sanctify the ministries of
this congregation. Make our worship into a joyful duty, and our service into a
sacrifice of praise. Use us to lead others to Jesus, that with us, they may worship,
honor, bless and adore him.

Lord, in
your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have appointed your Son as King of
creation and Lord of the nations. Teach our leaders to praise your name; to
love justice and righteousness; and to seek those things that make for peace.
Come to the help of those whose lives are troubled by sorrow and hardship; and
draw all people into the glorious and gentle rule of Christ their Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear
our prayer.

We lift our hearts to you on behalf of all
whose lives are clouded by any sort of affliction or sorrow, including: {List}.
Let the light of Jesus’ countenance heal and cheer them. Let all who care for
them do so with tenderness and compassion; and grant that together we may
praise you for your unending mercies.

Lord, in
your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Lord, our Beautiful Savior, those who
have died trusting in your promises now see you face to face. We thank you for
bestowing this blessing upon them, especially {List}. Continue, we pray, to
show to us your amazing love; and though we are your unworthy servants, bless
us with those good gifts that will sustain us and others in this life. Bring
us, in your good time, into that endless life and light you share with all whom
you have redeemed; and give us voices there to sing unceasingly, “Glory and
honor, praise, adoration, now and forevermore be thine!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all these things, dear Father, and for
whatever else you will for us in your wisdom and compassion, we pray in the
name of Jesus, our Savior, Lord, and King. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, Cycle C: 7^th Sunday after Epiphany,
Proper 6, February 24, 2019

Let us draw near
to the Light of Christ, offering prayer and supplication on behalf of the
Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Loving Father, forgiveness is the hardest thing we must ever
do – but refusing to forgive is ultimately worse. Thank you for that great,
hard gift of forgiveness that you have bestowed upon us in Jesus. Cause the
power of that gift to work deep within us. And though it be hard, teach us how
to forgive – and to ask another for it – so that we may be restored to you, and
to those who are separated from us by their sins or our own.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make your
Church unflinching in exposing sin, humble in confessing it, and unceasing in
forgiving all who repent of it. Let it never re-brand sin as virtue, but let it
never scorn or reject those who stumble. Make it wise and faithful in
instruction, exhortation, and counsel, and make it gracious and tender in restoring
and healing all who seek to turn from their sin and toward you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless all
counselors and pastors, and others who work to repair relationships and restore
community. Help them to listen deeply and speak wisely; to seek your will for
the people in their care; and to model your love in the way they serve others.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Embrace the
people of this congregation with your holy and forgiving love. Make us eager to
seek out those estranged from us, and patient in the work of reconciliation. Let
all we say and do shine with love for Jesus, and with Jesus’ love for everyone
we meet.

Lord, in
your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give rulers of nations, and all in
positions of authority, a love for justice tempered with mercy. Remind us all
that revenge may destroy both parties; that “strict justice” can divide rather
than build up communities, and that mercy and forgiveness, though difficult,
can bring healing and reconciliation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear
our prayer.

Restore the faith and the health of all
who are burdened by suffering of body, mind, or spirit – especially {List}. Give
them the joy of your saving help; and restore them to fellowship with all who
love them.

Lord, in
your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, we commend our beloved
dead into your care, trusting your promise of mercy. Keep us, we pray, in your
care as well! Help us to seek and to bring your mercy to the lost, the broken,
the estranged, and the despairing. Sustain us with your never-failing grace, so
won for us by the death and resurrection of your dear Son and lavished upon us
by the indwelling of your Holy Spirit. Reconcile us, through Christ, to you and
to each other, until we are welcomed into your eternal Kingdom and reunited
with all your people, there to praise your goodness forever and ever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all these things, dear Father, and for
whatever else you will for us in your wisdom and compassion, we pray in the
name of Jesus, our Savior, Lord, and King. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, Cycle C: 6^th Sunday after Epiphany,
Proper 5, February 17, 2019

Let us draw near
to the Light of Christ, offering prayer and supplication on behalf of the
Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, thank you for grafting us in our Baptism to
Christ, the Tree of life rich with abundant fruit. Thank you for immersing us
in the streams of living water, the Spirit flowing from your Son’s pierced
side. Thank you for raising us to new life in him – a life that delights in
him, meditates on him day and night, and produces the sweet fruit of
repentance, mercy, and goodness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Plant your
Church amidst those streams of living water, so that its proclamation, worship,
teaching, fellowship and charity may bring life and healing to many people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Father, we
pray, as you have commanded, for our enemies, and for everyone hostile to your
Word. Soften their hearts, forgive their sins, heal their souls, and lead them
in repentance, humility, and faith, to the foot of your Son’s Cross. Give us
the grace to welcome them there as our sisters and brothers, fellow debtors to
your lavish and amazing grace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep this
congregation in your care, and cause all that we do to be in conformity to your
will. Use us to share the forgiveness and mercy of Jesus with everyone we
encounter, especially the people we don’t much like. Water us daily with the
gifts of your Holy Spirit, so that we grow in grace and in fruits that nourish
all who hunger for your goodness.

Lord, in
your mercy, hear our prayer.

Guide all our earthly leaders in pathways
of godliness, righteousness, and integrity. Give them grace to delight in your
Law, and to use their authority and power for the benefit of the lives
entrusted to their care. And help us all to refrain from scornful, inflammatory
words and actions that sow the bitter seeds of discord and violence.

Lord, in your mercy, hear
our prayer.

Bring healing to the bodies, minds,
hearts, and relationships of everyone who is burdened by sin, sickness,
suffering, or sorrow. Especially we plead on behalf of: {List}. Cheer their
spirits, renew their hope, and encourage and sustain their loved ones and
caregivers.

Lord, in
your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you, Father, for the lives of all
your faithful people who are now at rest in you. Thank you for their witness,
example, and goodness towards us. Nourish us on our pilgrimage with your Word;
refresh us with your Spirit; guide us by your Son’s Cross; and keep us constant
in faith toward you and in love for one another. Bring us, in your good time, into
the Resurrection-life he has won for all whom you have redeemed by his blood.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all these things, dear Father, and for
whatever else you will for us in your wisdom and compassion, we pray in the
name of Jesus, our Savior, Lord, and King. Amen.