PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, December 23, 2018: 4^th Sunday in Advent

For the Church, the world, for one another, and for the sake of all people, let us pray to the Lord.

A brief silence

Dear heavenly Father, our hearts are filled with the joyous expectation of Christmas! And they are also filled with a deep and restless yearning for your peace and justice, mercy and righteousness, to shine on our broken world and heal all our sad divisions. You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, come quickly to save and heal us! Let us gaze upon the face of your dear Son, and know that your love shines there to bless, heal, redeem and save us all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Restore your Church, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that she may be saved. Fill her with your most Holy Spirit, so that through her witness, your Son’s self-offering may reach and redeem all people. Grant that those who have been fed the bread of tears because they bless the name of Jesus, may be filled with good things. Cast down their tormentors. Humble them, and lead them to repent of their evil.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless our children, O God, and let your face shine, that they may be saved. Help us share with them a childlike wonder and delight in the gifts of peace, mercy and joy that you give us in your Son.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Restore our congregation, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved. Grant that through words of Law and Gospel, and deeds of compassion and mercy, we may cause many hearts to leap with joy at the close approach of their Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Restore your world, O God; let your face shine, that it may be saved. Cast down the haughty and selfish from places of power, and raise up rulers who rejoice in doing your will. Grant that all they do should be in accord with your will. Shield all who stand in harm’s way on our behalf from harm to body, mind or soul. Fill every heart with humility and compassion, so that the poor and hungry may be filled with good things. Remember your promise of mercy, and establish your peace among all nations, kindred, families and tribes upon earth.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Restore all who are afflicted by pain, grief, fear or despair, O God; let your face shine, that they might be saved.  We pray especially for {List}. Remove the cup of tears from their lips, and remember unto them your promise of mercy.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have let your face shine upon our beloved dead, O God, and have bestowed on them the fullness of your salvation. With gratitude and affection, we commend them into your care. Grant comfort to those who still eat the bread and drink the cup of tears. Feed them, and all of us, with those good things given by your beloved Son – the Bread of Life and the Cup of Blessing. Grant that, as we approach the celebration of Jesus’ birth, we may be filled with heavenly joy and peace, until that day when, with cherubim and seraphim, with the hosts of heaven, with the blessed Mother of our Lord and with the countless throngs of prophets, apostles, martyrs, saints, and the whole of your new creation, we may sing our praises gaze upon the blessed light of His face forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all these things; for all we lift before you in the silence of our hearts; and for everything that you know we need, we pray in the name and power of our Lord Jesus Christ, and commend into your mighty and merciful hands.

Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, December 16, 2018: 3^rd Sunday in Advent

For the Church, the world, for one another, and for the sake of all people, let us pray to the Lord.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, thank you for the joy, righteousness, peace, and love you lavish upon us through the gift of your dear Son! Thank you for every instance of healing, forgiveness, reconciliation, and hope that happens in this sin-damaged and death-shadowed world. Thank you for your peace that passes human understanding and endures past human malice. Whatever our circumstances, give us hearts filled with lasting joy and imperishable hope, so we may thank and bless you for Jesus, and lead others to experience the blessed joy of knowing him.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make your Church resplendent with faithfulness, holiness, and joy, so that many hearts are gladdened as they turn to Jesus in faith. Comfort your persecuted Church, and let them rejoice in knowing you are near. Let their gentleness be known to everyone, even their tormentors. And guard their minds and hearts in Christ Jesus their Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We remember before you those whom it is easy to ignore: prisoners, refugees, and people in mental institutions, nursing homes, or homeless shelters. Help us to shed the light of your love upon them – and also the light of simple human kindness. Help us to speak your word of peace, forgiveness, and salvation to them – and also a word of understanding, sympathy, and friendship.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give your dearest blessing to the people and ministries of this congregation. Let us be a people in whom your Word is fulfilled: “Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other. He will speak peace to his people, to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts.”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make the leaders of every nation acknowledge your justice, and govern in obedience to it. Let faithfulness spring up from every human heart, and your righteousness look down from the sky. Strengthen, protect and guide those who serve and protect others, defend liberty, and establish justice and safety here and abroad. Show them your steadfast love; direct their deeds in righteous pathways; and restore them to their loved ones when their task is done.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Teach all who suffer in body, mind or spirit, to turn to the One who made the deaf hear, the blind see, and the lame walk. We especially pray for: {List}. Give them such confidence in you that they truly do not worry about anything, but lift their needs to you by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. Grant your peace to them and all who love them, and guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, as we await the coming of your Son in glory, we also await a joyful reunion with our departed oved ones. Help us to comfort and cheer those whose hearts are heavy with grief. Make us gentle, faithful, joyful and steadfast in love. Fulfill the promise made to your prophet: that you will rejoice over your people with gladness; renew us in your love; and exult over us with loud singing as on a day of festival. Remove from us the disaster of sin, evil, and death, so that we will not bear reproach for it.  And bring us, with all who have been redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus, into your everlasting home, where we shall rejoice in your goodness forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all these things; for all we lift before you in the silence of our hearts; and for everything that you know we need, we pray in the name and power of our Lord Jesus Christ, and commend into your mighty and merciful hands.

Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, December 9, 2018: 2^nd Sunday in Advent

For the Church, the world, for one another, and for the sake of all people, let us pray to the Lord.

A brief silence

Dear Father, at times we experience your love as a refiner’s fire. You burn away our sins and purify our bodies, hearts, minds, and spirits to perfectly love you and our neighbor. Though we tremble beneath your chastening touch, we thank and praise you for not abandoning us to our sins. In your tender compassion, let your Sun of Righteousness dawn upon us, to make our lives bright with holiness and joy, righteousness and peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bring to completion that good work which you have begun in the Church. Refine its words and purify its deeds. Make its pastors and bishops your heralds of Messiah’s close approach. Produce a harvest of righteousness, repentance, and faith in its people. Purify the hearts of your persecuted servants. Let their suffering be a fragrant offering to you; and let their witness shine like gold before their tormentors.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We ask your blessing upon all who give gifts to the poor, especially to children. Grant joy in the giving and delight in the receiving. And let each gift become a small token of your lavish gift of salvation and forgiveness, bestowed in your own beloved Son Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give the people of this congregation hearts overflowing with love, and minds filled with wisdom and sound judgment. Bless all who participate in ministries of service, comfort, and care; so that those to whom they minister experience the blessing of Christ himself.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our elected and appointed leaders. Grant that, unlike Herod, they heed the words of John the Baptist, acknowledge you as their sovereign Lord, and govern with wisdom. Teach all of us to be honest, generous and humble stewards of your gifts. Give us that peace which is the hallmark of your Kingdom in our midst.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

John spoke wise words to soldiers who came to him for baptism. Grant integrity, courage and competence to all who take up arms in defense of life and liberty, especially {List}. Use them to restore safety and justice in dangerous places. Spare them from death; heal them in mind and body; strengthen their families; and bring them home swiftly when their task is done.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Remove the burden of pain, fear, and sorrow from the backs of all who suffer in any way. Most especially we lift before you the needs of {List}. Bring them into a broad and spacious place where they may rejoice in your goodness and give thanks for their deliverance.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Merciful Father, we entrust into your never-failing care our beloved dead, especially: {List}. Ease the sorrow of those whose grief runs deep. Revive our spirits, direct our days and our deeds in your peace, and make us abound in love and in every good work. Strengthen our hearts with the gift of your Spirit, so that we may be blameless at the coming of Jesus. And gather us, with all the redeemed, into your eternal Kingdom, where we shall rejoice in your goodness and righteousness forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all these things; for all we lift before you in the silence of our hearts; and for everything that you know we need, we pray in the name and power of our Lord Jesus Christ, and commend into your mighty and merciful hands.

Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, December 2, 2018: 1^st Sunday of Advent

For the Church, the world, for one another, and for the sake of all people, let us pray to the Lord.

A brief silence

How precious is your love, dear Father, and how vast your mercy! You made great and solemn promises to your people Israel – and through them, to the whole world. And in your dear son Jesus, each of your promises finds its eternal Yes. Prepare our hearts in this Advent season for his threefold coming among us: As the Babe of Bethlehem, veiled in human flesh. As the Head of the Church, veiled in word and water, bread and wine. And as the Lord and Savior, Redeemer and King of the universe, veiled only in robes of light and love and life, the glorious Yes who fulfills your ancient promises, and our eternal heart’s desire.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fill your Church with your Holy Spirit, so it may instruct sinners in your way. Strengthen it in holiness. Give it boldness to proclaim your Word that shall never pass away. Make it abound in love, especially when persecuted, so that its enemies do not exult, but instead repent and believe the Good News.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the Jews, our elder brothers and sisters in the faith and kin, in their flesh, to Jesus the righteous Branch of David. Banish persecution and hatred of them from every human heart. Unite us with them in faith toward you and fervent love for one another. Bring us together under the glorious and gentle rule of our Savior and theirs.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Adorn this congregation with faith, love, mercy, generosity, and holiness – things more beautiful and enduring than wreaths, trees, ornaments, and lights. Turn our hearts and hands to adorn all who are hurting, bitter, frightened, and needy, with these lovely gifts.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Teach us to live at peace with one another; to seek your will rather than our own; and to use whatever power and authority any of us has for the common good. Give wisdom, integrity, courage, and common sense to our elected and appointed leaders, and to all who risk their lives in defense of liberty, justice, safety, and peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We plead on behalf of everyone who is in special need of your merciful care and glorious deliverance – especially: {List}. Gladden their hearts, heal their bodies, uphold their spirits with your own Holy Spirit, and surround them with the love and care of all who hold them dear.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Merciful Father, we entrust into your never-failing care our beloved dead, especially: {List}. Ease the sorrow of those whose grief runs deep. Revive our spirits, direct our days and our deeds in your peace, and make us abound in love and in every good work. Strengthen our hearts with the gift of your Spirit, so that we may be blameless at the coming of Jesus. And gather us, with all the redeemed, into your eternal Kingdom, where we shall rejoice in your goodness and righteousness forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all these things; for all we lift before you in the silence of our hearts; and for everything that you know we need, we pray in the name and power of our Lord Jesus Christ, and commend into your mighty and merciful hands.

Amen.

THE PRAYERS, 

Christ the King Sunday, Cycle B (November 25, 2018)

In the power of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus for the world, the church, and one another.

A brief silence

Gracious Father, you have made your Son King of creation and head of your holy Church. Bind that Church to Christ with cords of love; make it unswerving in faith, radiant in holiness, and bold in witness to him. Use it to draw all people to his Cross, there to acclaim him as Lord, King, and Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have made your Son fairer than the sparkling stars on high. Let the light of his love bring joy to the hearts of all Christians who suffer because they name Jesus as Lord; and may that same light illumine and cleanse the darkness in the hearts of their tormentors. Help us to remember them in prayer, to stand with them in witness, and to provide tangible help for their physical needs.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

You have made your Son our Savior and Lord. Fill the people of this congregation with your Holy Spirit, so that in all we say and do, among all people we encounter, we acclaim Jesus Christ as Son of God and Son of man.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have made your Son fairer than sunlight and moonlight, sparkling stars or the radiant beauty of this good earth. Give to all who love the beauties of this created realm, a deep and everlasting love for the uncreated light and supernal beauty of your Son, the Word by which all worlds were made.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have made your Son Lord of the nations. By your Holy Spirit, conform the hearts of rulers and people to the heart of Christ; and let his peace reign undisturbed in every land.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have made your Son our light, joy, and crown. Grant that his strong saving love might accompany those who serve our country, here and abroad. Fill them with honor, courage, and wisdom; bring them home in safety when their task is done; heal and strengthen all who have been wounded; and help us to transition well into civilian life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have made your Son fairer than woodlands, meadows and flowers of blooming spring. Let his beauty, healing, and compassion cause all sorrowing hearts to sing. Especially this day we pray for the needs of: {List}

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most gracious Father, you have made your Son to shine more brightly than the angels of heaven itself. We thank you for the lives of the faithful departed, including {List}, who already see his glory face to face. Fill us with such faith and love that, in your good time, we shall join them in singing, “Glory and honor, praise, adoration, now and forever more be thine.”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 For Jesus’ sake, dear Father, graciously hear and generously answer our fervent petitions, to your glory and for the benefit off for whom we pray. Amen.

THE PRAYERS, 

26^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 28, Cycle B (November 18, 2018)

 In the power of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus for the world, the church, and one another.

A brief silence

Most holy Lord, bless your Church. You have promised that, though temples made by human hands may be destroyed, your Temple of living stones shall abide forever. Purify, preserve, and provide for it through your Holy Spirit. Unite it always to your Son, its Cornerstone and Head; and make it a house of prayer for all nations.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You foretold times of persecution for those who proclaim and follow you as Lord and Savior. Shield, strengthen and bless those who endure those fiery trials. Help us to remember them in prayer, to stand with them in witness, and to provide tangible help for their physical needs.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Perfect the faith of this congregation, so that we may be bold to approach the throne of grace with our prayers and supplications, and may be conformed to your mind and your likeness. Use us to bring your forgiveness, life, and salvation to those who are estranged from you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We entrust into your loving embrace our infants and toddlers. Keep them safe, dear Lord; and help us to raise them up in the way you would have them go.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless and guide all the peoples of this world, so that they may put their trust not in any earthly ruler but in your wise governance and gracious commands. Teach us how to live at peace with one another; to care for the poor and vulnerable in our midst; and to work for the common good, in accordance with your will.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You are King of the nations and the Prince of Peace; and yet in these troubled times, good men and women must stand in harm’s way to defend life and liberty. Guide, strengthen and bless them. Let their labors be a blessing among those they serve. Bring healing and hope to those who are wounded; shelter those who fall; and comfort to their loved ones.  Lead them to joyous homecomings, and use their skills for the benefit of their communities.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Your dear Son is the Resurrection and the Life. Grant healing to all who suffer in mind, body, or spirit; and give them a foretaste of his victory over death.  Especially we pray for: {List}. Bless all caretakers with the gifts of gentleness, patience and compassion; and re-establish the bonds of affection and fellowship that have been unraveled by sickness or sorrow.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Holy God, we acclaim you as Lord of Life. We thank you for bestowing your eternal life upon all who have died trusting in you, including: {List}. We pray that you should guard and guide us safely through this earthly life, with all its troubles, trials and temptations. Fill us with confidence that we can always turn to you with all our needs and all our cares. And raise us up on the last day, with all whom you have redeemed. Let us join the chorus of adoration and praise to you: for with your Son and the Holy Spirit, you are our joy, our delight, and our eternal inheritance.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For Jesus’ sake, dear Father, graciously hear and generously answer our fervent petitions, to your glory and for the benefit of for whom we pray. Amen.

THE PRAYERS, 

25^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 27, Cycle B (November 11, 2018)

In the power of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus for the world, the church, and one another.

A brief silence

Holy Father, grant that your Church should be a place of refuge, hope and salvation for all, especially the poorest and most vulnerable of your people. Make the Church generous in sharing earthly gifts and eternal grace, for all is from your limitless and compassionate hand.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Your persecuted Church has given all that it has to live on, in order to acclaim your Son as Savior. Give them the richest blessings of faith, hope, love, and patient endurance; and use their witness to soften the hearts of those who trouble them.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Make this congregation a place of generosity, gratitude, and gentle service in your dear Son’s name. Help us to give our time, treasure and talents with joyful hope in your never-failing goodness; and thereby share the blessings of heaven and of earth with those who need them most. Bless and keep our frailest members, especially our shut-ins, in your tender care, and help us to honor and serve them with compassion and cheerfulness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Help us to notice and to care for the lonely, the widow, the widower, and the orphan. Give us listening hearts, encouraging words, and timely assistance. Help them to know that they are never bereft, because you love and care for them always; and that they have gifts that you cherish.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Guard and protect this nation; and give wisdom and right judgment to all our elected and appointed leaders. Teach all the leaders of this world to seek justice, to love mercy, to care for the least of their citizens, and to walk humbly in your sight.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for the sacrifices of all who have honorably served their country. Protect and guide those whose duties are not completed. Heal those who have been wounded, and give hope and strength to them and their loved ones. Help us to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. And bring to this troubled world a measure of peace, so that these good men and women may serve in other ways.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Comfort with the grace of your Holy Spirit all who are in sorrow or need, sickness or adversity, especially {List}. Give wholeness and hope to all who cry out to you for help. Have mercy on the dying, and comfort the grieving. And to all, grant a measure of your love, shielding them with your tender care.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Dearest Father, we thank you for all our loved ones who have entered the blessed rest you promised to them, including: {List}. When we grieve, set before us the certainty of your love, sealed by the death and resurrection of Jesus. Help us to bear one another’s burdens along life’s road, to be content no matter what our circumstances may be; and to be at peace with all. And lead us, with the Cross of Christ as our beacon and our strong defense, through the valley of deaths dark shadow, into the glorious light and joyful homecoming feast that you have prepared for all whom you have redeemed.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For Jesus’ sake, dear Father, graciously hear and generously answer our fervent petitions, to your glory and for the benefit off for whom we pray. Amen.

THE PRAYERS, 

All Saints’ Sunday, Cycle B (November 4, 2018)

In the power of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus for the world, the church, and one another.

A brief silence

Almighty God, save and defend your Church, purchased with the blood of Christ. Give it righteous pastors and bishops. Defend it when it is attacked; and purify and heal it when it sins. Make it perfect in love and good works. Keep it steadfast in the faith once delivered to the saints, so that one holy Church may bear witness to you, the creator and redeemer of all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant to your persecuted Church the blessings promised by Jesus. Let it rejoice greatly that it is united to his Passion; and give it the peace that passes human understanding. Grant repentance and faith to all who hate the name of Jesus, and use them for good instead of evil: to bind up the wounds they have inflicted upon the Body of Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Draw to yourself the hearts of this congregation’s members. Guide our minds; fill our imaginations; control our wills, so that we may be wholly yours. Use us as you will, always to your glory and the welfare of your people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant strength and compassion to those among us caring for a parent or other family member with special needs; help us to honor their service and to lighten their load.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We commend all nations into your merciful care, so that everyone may live in peace and be guided by your providence. Give all in authority the wisdom to know your will and the strength to do it. Grant to them – and to all of us! – a double portion of your Spirit, so that justice, righteousness, and peace may prevail.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Take under your special protection those whose work is difficult or dangerous, especially those in our military; our police and firefighters; and all who are charged with maintaining safety, justice and peace in times and places of danger and violence. Preserve them in justice, honor and integrity throughout the time of their service; and return them safely to their families.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Comfort with the grace of your Holy Spirit all who are in sorrow or need, sickness or adversity, especially {List}. Give wholeness and hope to all who cry out to you for help. Have mercy on the dying, and comfort the grieving. And to all, grant a measure of your love, shielding them with your tender care.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Gracious heavenly Father, we give you thanks for all of our blessed dead who rest now in your care—especially: {List}. Raise them to the glorious and eternal life you have promised to all whom you have redeemed by the Cross and Resurrection of your dear Son. Grant that we, who walk as yet by faith and not by sight, may in the power of your Holy Spirit continue our course on earth with steadfast hope, constant love, and unquenchable joy. Gather us, with all of your people of every time and place, every kindred, tribe and tongue, at that eternal high feast that celebrates your victory over sin and death, won for us in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For Jesus’ sake, dear Father, graciously hear and generously answer our fervent petitions, to your glory and for the benefit off for whom we pray. Amen.

THE PRAYERS, 

Reformation Sunday, Cycle B (October 28, 2018)

Let us intercede before the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the sake of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Gracious Father, 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. 

Be the refuge and strength of Christians throughout the world when they are persecuted for confessing Jesus as Lord. If it is your will, grant them the strength to endure even to the giving of their life’s blood, as a faithful witness to the Lordship and love of Jesus. And give us the courage and will to defend their witness, provide for their needs, and boldly confess the faith and the hope we share in Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Be with the people of this congregation as our help and our redeemer. Gladden our hearts with the joy of your saving love; and empower us to gladly share our joy, and your love, with those who do not know either.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Pour out your Spirit upon the teachers and theologians of the Church, that they might hand on as of first importance what they have received as life and truth and salvation. Bless all church schools and colleges, seminaries and conferences, that they might write your words upon the hearts of many.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Exalt yourself among the nations, and speak your holy word to the leaders of the world. Establish among all peoples that peace which the world cannot give; and teach us to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly before you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We long for you to break the bow, shatter the spear, and make war to cease throughout the world Until that day, we pray that you would strengthen, protect and guide all who take up arms in defense of life and liberty. Be their very present help in times of trouble and places of danger; prosper all they do that accomplishes your will; and bring them home safely and soon.

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 your faithful people: prophets, apostles and martyrs; theologians and confessors, teachers and pastors; and all the ordinary saints whom you have claimed as your own and 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 Spirit forever and ever and unto the ages of ages.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear our prayers, gracious Father; and answer them in accordance with your will, for the sake of your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

THE PRAYERS, 

22^nd Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 24, Cycle B (October 21, 2018)

 Let us intercede before the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the sake of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Lord God, make your Church rich in faith, generosity, humility, compassion and witness. Impoverish it with regard to pride, heresy, ingratitude, and mean-spiritedness. Fill it with your Spirit; and conform it always to Christ, your righteous and suffering Servant and our great High Priest.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Enrich the faith, hope, and joy of your persecuted Church; and grant that the radiance of its faithful witness may illuminate the hearts of its foes with your divine mercy.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Protect our congregation from being tempted to cling to its treasures instead of sharing them, to your glory and for the enrichment of our neighbors. And help us to prefer nothing whatsoever to Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray young adults in our congregation and community, that they might not be preoccupied with possessions or prestige, but seek to please you each day in self-forgetful service and love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We remember before you the poor of the earth, that their suffering might be eased; and for the wealthy and powerful, that they may use their gifts wisely and generously for the benefit of all. Lead the rulers of the nations in the pathway of your commandments; and teach everyone to find true contentment in seeking and doing your will.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for all who stand between us and the threatening dangers of this world. Keep them faithful, true, and bold; help them to heal rifts caused by violence and suspicion; and use their gifts to protect justice and freedom. Strengthen them when they falter; support their loved ones; and bring them home safely and soon.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant that all who are afflicted by the sorrows and burdens of this earthly life may find health, hope, and refreshment in the mercy of our Savior Christ. We pray this day for {List}. In addition to them, we pray for all who struggle in poverty, homelessness, and unemployment. Give them hope and dignity; and give us caring and generous hearts and strong and capable hands, to help them to flourish, and to serve and glorify you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you, dear Father, for receiving into your promised rest all those who have died in the covenant of their Baptism. Keep us safely in that covenant. Help us to encourage one another; to bear each other’s burdens; and to guide our neighbor into the nearer presence of Christ Jesus, so that, together with all of your redeemed people of every time and place, we may rejoice in your goodness, and forever see you face to face.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear our prayers, gracious Father; and answer them in accordance with your will, for the sake of your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.