PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, Cycle C: The Baptism of Our Lord, January 13, 2019

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

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, thank you for revealing a tiny portion the mystery of the Holy Trinity in the Baptism of your beloved Son. Thank you for uniting us to him, in the power of the heaven-descended Dove, and naming us your beloved children in our own Baptism. Give us grace to live lives well-pleasing to you, and let all of our thoughts, words, and deeds cry “Glory!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Increase the faithful witness, worship, and works of your Church. Through its proclamation in word and deed, let the whole world hear the thunder of your voice and the beauty of your holiness. We also pray on behalf of our sisters and brothers who suffer greatly for confessing Jesus as Lord. Renew the promise you made to our ancestors in the faith, that the flames of persecution should not burn them, nor the waters of death carry them away from you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bestow your blessing on all who are baptized or reaffirming their baptismal covenant today. Stir up your Spirit in them, that they may be freed from sin, united to Christ, and named as your children forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless the people and the ministry of this congregation. Make us dead to sin and alive to you in Christ. Burn away the chaff from our hearts; gather up and sanctify all that you have cleansed; and use us to share with family and neighbors the new life we have in our Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our country and for our world. Establish among us such peace, concord, and righteousness, that all people may glorify your Name and enthrone Christ in their hearts as the Prince of Peace. Keep watch over those who, to protect us, walk through the floods of violence and the flames of war.  Conform their decisions, words, and actions to your will; bring them home safely and soon; and bring healing and hope to the wounded and their families.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Say to all who suffer in mind, body or spirit, “Do not fear, for I am with you.” Especially we name before you: {List}. Gather them from the far reaches of suffering and sorrow; restore them to all who love them; and remind them always that they are precious in your sight.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We remember before you those who are dear to us and whom you have delivered from the waters of death. You have called us by name and made us your own in Baptism. We therefore pray: keep us united with your beloved Son, and strengthen us by your Spirit to daily walk in the newness of his life. At the last, say to us and to all whom you name as your own, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. You are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you, everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.’

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Graciously hear, and generously answer our prayers, most holy Father, in accordance with your wisdom and mercy for us, and in the name of your dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, Cycle C: The Epiphany of Our Lord, January 6, 2019

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

A brief silence

Most holy God, thank you for filling all creation with light and life. Thank you for revealing your dear Son in the splendor of the light he has shared eternally with you. Thank you for making him, your Word made flesh, into an unfailing lamp to our feet and light to our path. Enlighten our hearts, illuminate our minds, and brighten our pilgrim-way, with the dear presence of Christ, our Light and our Life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Brighten with the fair beauty of Christ the Church in every land. Make it radiant with holiness, charity, and faithfulness. Use it to draw many who are afar off to worship and adore you. Be the true light and life of all who are persecuted on account of you.  Give them the wisdom of the magi, the obedience of Joseph, and the faithfulness of Mary. Turn the hearts of their adversaries away from sin and hatred, and toward you in repentance and faith.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray your favor upon this new year; upon our hopes and resolutions for a better future; and upon all for whom the new year seems to bring no release from the sorrows and cares of the previous years. Give us minds, hearts and wills to seek your will for our common good. And draw us in steadfast hope toward that great and eternal New Year that you alone can bring about.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bring the light of your strong saving love into every heart, every ministry, every word and deed of this congregation. Light the flame of kindliness and generosity in our midst, so that we may share with our families, neighbors and world the great and good gifts you have bestowed on us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

It is so easy for earthly rulers to listen to counsels of fear, greed, power, expediency and lies. Grant to all of them, especially to our elected and appointed leaders, those in the military, and all first responders, a heart to hear and heed your Word, and the will to act according to it, for the benefit of the people entrusted to their care. Help all of us to listen, speak and act with patience and prudence, and to strive to live at peace with all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be the light and salvation, the joy and the song, of everyone who calls upon you in times of trouble. We plead especially on behalf of: {List}. Renew in them the great gifts of health, wholeness, and hope. Ease the burdens and bless the labors of all who care for them. Refresh their spirits, and bind us all together in cords of mutual care and compassion.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

The generations rise and fall and pass before you, O Lord; and we entrust our beloved dead into your sure and merciful care. Comfort those whose grief runs deep and whose hope falters. Give us eyes to see the sorrow and suffering around us; lips to pray and to encourage; hands to extend in fellowship, blessing and help; and hearts to beat with compassion, forgiveness, and kindness. And grant to all whom you have redeemed, through the priceless gift of your Son’s Incarnation, Passion, and Resurrection, a portion in that imperishable inheritance you have prepared for them. Bring us into your Kingdom, where you reign in the unity of your Son and the Holy Spirit, God forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Graciously hear, and generously answer our prayers, most holy Father, in accordance with your wisdom and mercy for us, and in the name of your dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH: December 30, 2018: First Sunday After Christmas

With joy and gratitude for the gift of Christ the Savior, let us draw near to our heavenly Father in prayer, asking his mercy for the Church, the world, and all who need his loving-kindness.

A brief silence

Dear Father, thank you for Jesus, who, though your eternal Son, is also our brother – “flesh of our flesh and bone of our bone.” Thank you for bringing him through all the stages of our life – and even our death. Thank you for revealing who Jesus is, and why you sent him. Grant us joy as we bid farewell to one earthly year and greet another; and turn our hearts, eyes, and lives toward Christ, our eternal Dayspring and our heart’s delight.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make your Church into the true Temple of the Lord Jesus. There, reveal him as your light and glory for all people, and there, enthrone him as your Word, wisdom, and salvation for the whole world. Unite your persecuted servants to him, so they may confound their tormentors’ scorn and call them to repentance.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant safe travel to all who visit loved ones in this joyous season. Give endurance, patience, and a sense of humor to clerks, cashiers, waitstaff, delivery truck drivers, and everyone else who labors at this hectic time. Thank you for co-workers of different faiths who willingly “cover” for Christians during these holy days. Help us to graciously reciprocate, even before we are asked.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We lift up before you, dear Lord, the many people and committees of our congregation. Keep our focus on loving you, caring for one another, and sharing the Gospel with those who do not yet know Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Our Christmas cards and carols so often speak of peace and goodwill. Yet we see anger, suspicion, discord, even hatred all around us. Most gracious God, we implore you to give every person – of every race, creed, political persuasion, and circumstance in life – a foretaste of that eternal and glorious peace which is the hallmark of your Kingdom. Clothe each of us with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, forgiveness, and love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bring “tidings of comfort and joy” to everyone burdened by suffering, sin, and sorrow, especially those we name before you: {List}. Gladden the hearts of their loved ones, and give compassion and wisdom to all who care for them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you, dear Father, for the salvation you have granted to all who have died trusting in your promised mercy. Ease the grief of those who mourn in this season of joy. Lead us into the New Year and on into your eternal Kingdom, with the light of Christ around us; with his peace ruling our hearts; and with his word dwelling in us richly. Gather us, with everyone whom you have redeemed through the merits of your dear Son, at your festal Table, where in the power of the Holy Spirit, we joyfully praise and worship you, One God in three Persons, forever and ever and unto the ages of ages.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Thank you for hearing our prayers, dear Lord. We entrust them, and our lives, into your merciful care. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH: December 24, 2018: Christmas Eve and December 25, Christmas Day

With joy and gratitude for the gift of Christ the Savior, let us draw near to our heavenly Father in prayer, asking his mercy for the Church, the world, and all who need his loving-kindness.

A brief silence

Dear Father, thank you for giving us your Son – because only in Him may we be bold to call you Abba, Father! Thank you for being God-with-us. Thank you for fleshing out your love, forgiveness, and peace, in a way we can approach, touch, and believe in our trembling and death-shadowed hearts. Thank you for bringing us the light of eternity in this Babe of Bethlehem, Mary’s boy, your Son, and our Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless your Church throughout the world, and make it a place where all may hear the angel’s song and hasten to see and to adore Jesus, who is their Lord and Savior. Shelter your persecuted Church in your arms, so they may gather to worship in peace and rise to serve you in joy.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless our guests and visitors, especially those whose faith wavers and whose hearts are heavy. Give them a glimpse of the joys you have prepared for all who love you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless this congregation – its people and programs, its worship and service. Grace all we do with your strong saving love, so that we freely share, today and always, the Christmas gift of Jesus with those who do not know him – indeed, with all who need him most.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless our country, this world, and all its people and creatures, with peace and good will; with health and safety; with kindness and justice; with food for body and soul; and with love for you and one another.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless everyone for whom this season of joy is dimmed by sorrow, pain, loneliness, and everything else that is inflicted by evil’s power working through human hands or natural disaster. Come with healing in your wings; with tidings of great joy; and with light and life for all.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Bless all who mourn with the certainty that you have opened heaven’s doors to all who have died trusting in your promises. Bless us each day of our earthly pilgrimage with peace and mercy, reconciliation and joy. Add lead us, at length, we pray, to your bright courts of heaven, and to your endless day.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for hearing our prayers, dear Lord. We entrust them, and our lives, into your merciful care. Amen.

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.