THE PRAYERS, 

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

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

A brief silence

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

THE PRAYERS, 

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

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

A brief silence

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

THE PRAYERS, 

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

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

A brief silence

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

THE PRAYERS, 

All Saints’ Sunday (November 3, 2019)

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

A brief silence

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Photo by Ged Lawson on Unsplash

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.