The Prayers, 1st Sunday in Lent, Cycle B (February 18, 2018)

written by Cathy Ammlung | February 17, 2018

1st Sunday in Lent, Cycle B (February 18, 2018) 

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

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

A brief silence

Lord God, purify your holy Church. When it is tempted by the allure of power, success, or convenience, turn its eyes to the Cross of your dear Son.  By the power of your Spirit, keep it faithful in its proclamation of repentance, forgiveness, and the close approach of your Kingdom.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Purify your persecuted people; and shield them from the temptation to forsake your Word when they are threatened by the powers arrayed against them. Keep them steadfast in their faith. We pray also on behalf of our sister congregations companion dioceses, and for your missionaries throughout the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Purify and guide the people of this congregation. When we are tempted to focus on peripheral matters, turn our eyes to Christ, the center of our existence. Give us grace to prefer nothing whatsoever to him.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Purify and defend our youth in middle and high school. Strengthen them to resist the allure of popularity; dangerous pleasures; and anything that would draw them away from loving and trusting you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Purify this sin-shadowed world. Grant that we may not be seduced by promises of peace and plenty that do not proceed from your holy will. Teach the leaders of the nations that, while people surely need food and justice, their lives are in your hands; and you alone are their sovereign Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Purify all first responders and military personnel.  Turn their eyes to you, the King of all nations. Keep them faithful and honorable in their service; and bring them home safely when their task is done.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Purify and heal the minds, hearts and bodies of all who suffer and cry to you for help —especially: {List}. When they are tempted to despair, turn their eyes to the Cross, on which was hung the life and salvation of the whole world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy Father, we commend into your keeping the lives of all who died trusting in your mercy. When we are tempted by doubt, confusion, or the cares and pleasures of this world, turn our eyes to our Lord Jesus, our hope and heart’s desire. Fill us with your Spirit, and keep us safely on the path that leads to your eternal home and welcoming embrace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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



Prayers of the Church, Ash Wednesday, February 14, 2018

written by Cathy Ammlung | February 17, 2018

Ash Wednesday, Cycle B (February 14, 2018)

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

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

A brief silence

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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



Prayers of the Church, 1st Sunday in Lent, February 18, 2018

written by Cathy Ammlung | February 17, 2018

THE PRAYERS (with Lessons and Hymns following), 

1st Sunday in Lent, Cycle B (February 18, 2018)

 

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

 

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

 

A brief silence

 

Lord God, purify your holy Church. When it is tempted by the allure of power, success, or convenience, turn its eyes to the Cross of your dear Son.  By the power of your Spirit, keep it faithful in its proclamation of repentance, forgiveness, and the close approach of your Kingdom.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Purify your persecuted people; and shield them from the temptation to forsake your Word when they are threatened by the powers arrayed against them. Keep them steadfast in their faith. We pray also on behalf of our sister congregations companion dioceses, and for your missionaries throughout the world.

 

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

 

Purify and guide the people of this congregation. When we are tempted to focus on peripheral matters, turn our eyes to Christ, the center of our existence. Give us grace to prefer nothing whatsoever to him.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Purify and defend our youth in middle and high school. Strengthen them to resist the allure of popularity; dangerous pleasures; and anything that would draw them away from loving and trusting you.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Purify this sin-shadowed world. Grant that we may not be seduced by promises of peace and plenty that do not proceed from your holy will. Teach the leaders of the nations that, while people surely need food and justice, their lives are in your hands; and you alone are their sovereign Lord.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Purify all first responders and military personnel.  Turn their eyes to you, the King of all nations. Keep them faithful and honorable in their service; and bring them home safely when their task is done.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Purify and heal the minds, hearts and bodies of all who suffer and cry to you for help —especially: {List}. When they are tempted to despair, turn their eyes to the Cross, on which was hung the life and salvation of the whole world.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Most holy Father, we commend into your keeping the lives of all who died trusting in your mercy. When we are tempted by doubt, confusion, or the cares and pleasures of this world, turn our eyes to our Lord Jesus, our hope and heart’s desire. Fill us with your Spirit, and keep us safely on the path that leads to your eternal home and welcoming embrace.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

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

 

 


 

February 18, 2018, 1st Sunday in Lent

 

Genesis 22:1-18 (The near-sacrifice of Isaac)

ELW: Genesis 9:8-17 (God’s rainbow covenant with Noah)

Psalm 25:1-10 (Be mindful of your mercy; do not remember the sins of my youth)

James 1:12-18 (God doesn’t tempt us to do evil; all good gifts come down from Father of lights)

            ELW: 1 Peter 3:18-22 (Christ suffered for all; the Flood prefiguring baptism)

Mark 1:9-15 (Temptation in the wilderness)

 

Opening hymn: LSB #99, O Lord, Throughout These Forty Days

(LSB #418, ELW #319)

OR ELW #320, The Glory of These Forty Days

OR ELW #334, Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery, v.1-3; verse for Lent 1; end with “General” verse

Hymn of the Day: LBW #88, Oh Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High

(LSB #544, ELW #322)

Communion Hymn #1: WOV #660, I Want Jesus to Walk With Me (ELW #325)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #541, Jesus, Still Lead On (ELW #624)

(LSB #718, Jesus, Lead Thou On)

Closing Hymn: LBW #228/9, A Mighty Fortress (LSB #656/7; ELW #503-505)

Or LSB #547, The Lamb, the Lamb

OR WOV #771, Great is Thy Faithfulness (LSB #809, ELW #733)

 



Prayers of the Church, Ash Wednesday, February 14, 2018

written by Cathy Ammlung | February 17, 2018

 

THE PRAYERS (with Lessons and Hymns following), 

Ash Wednesday, Cycle B (February 14, 2018)

 

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

 

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

 

A brief silence

 

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

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

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

 

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

 

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

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

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

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

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

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

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

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

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

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

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

 

 


 

Scriptures and Suggested Hymns, February 14, 2018: Ash Wednesday

 

Joel 2:12-19 (Rend you heart, not your garments)

ELW: Joel 2:12, 12-17, OR Isaiah 58:1-12 (True fasting is doing justice)

Psalm 51:1-19 (Create in me a clean heart, O God)

2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 (Ambassadors for Christ; now is the acceptable time Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 (Prayer, fasting, alms that are acceptable to God)

 

Opening Hymn may be omitted if Psalm 51 is spoken or chanted here):

LBW #99, O Lord, Throughout These Forty Days (LSB #418, ELW #319)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #307, Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive

(LSB #843, ELW #605)

OR WOV #659, O Sun of Justice (2nd verse great if you preach on 2 Corinthians text; tune is simple plainsong chant, or sing to the Doxology)

Communion 1: ELW #328, Restore in Us, O God

            OR LBW #103, O Christ, Thou Lamb of God

Communion 2: LBW #304, Today Your Mercy Calls Us (LSB #915)

OR  WOV 734, Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling (ELW #608)

Closing Hymn: LBW #218, Strengthen for Service, Lord (ELW #497)

 

 



The Transfiguration of Our Lord (February 11, 2018)

written by Cathy Ammlung | February 17, 2018

The Transfiguration of Our Lord, Cycle B (February 11, 2018)

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

Let us lift our hearts, hands, and voices to the Father of light, beseeching him through his Son Jesus to have mercy upon his Church, his world, and his people.

A brief silence

Most holy Father, let your Son rule gloriously in the Church throughout the world, so that the light of his forgiveness and mercy shines in all its words and deeds. Make the Church truly into your new Zion, so that many people may be drawn to the perfection of Christ’s beauty, and be saved.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Shed the light of Jesus’ love on Christians who suffer at the hands of others for his sake; and let that holy love touch, purify and transform them and even those who hate them. We also ask your blessing upon our sister congregations and companion synods, and upon all missionaries of your Gospel.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Give such grace to this congregation that all who gather here in Jesus’ name should day by day see him more clearly, love him more dearly, and follow him more nearly.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We ask a special blessing on little children – not only those dear to us, but each of them throughout the world.  Shelter them from every evil; shine the light of your love upon them; and give them the grace to hear Jesus’ voice in our words, and to see his dear face in our deeds.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Moses the Lawgiver and Elijah the Prophet bore witness to your Son, the King of the nations. Grant, we pray, such wisdom and righteousness to the leaders of the world, that through their decisions and actions, they too should bear witness to their coming King; should use their authority with wisdom and integrity; and should lead the people entrusted to their care into paths of justice, righteousness, and peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Clothe in the armor of light all who risk their lives to protect the innocent and to defend liberty and justice. Grant that all they do may serve your purpose. Help us to honor their service; care for their wounds; support their families; and rejoice in their homecoming when their work is done.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We beseech you to shed the light of your strong saving love upon all who sit in the darkness and shadows of pain, fear, loneliness, despair or sorrow. Especially we name before you: {List}. Let them see the light of your countenance, and grant them your saving help.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy and gracious Father, through the suffering, death and resurrection of your dear Son, you promised the imperishable light of your glory to all who die trusting in you. We commend into your keeping our departed loved ones. Let Christ be the lamp to our feet and the Light to our pilgrim path. Give us ears eager to listen to him and eyes willing to see him, alone, in every circumstance of life. And bring us to that day when, with all the redeemed, we gaze upon his face and worship him in the splendor of light and life which he shares eternally with you and the Holy Spirit, God forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Graciously hear, and generously answer our prayers and petitions, dear Father, as may be best for us and to your greater glory, thorough your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.



Epiphany 5 (February 4, 2018)

written by Cathy Ammlung | February 17, 2018

5th Sunday after Epiphany, Proper 4, Cycle B (February 4, 2018)

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

Let us lift our hearts, hands, and voices to the Father of light, beseeching him through his Son Jesus to have mercy upon his Church, his world, and his people.

A brief silence

Holy God, renew and strengthen your Church. Grant wings to its words of faithful proclamation, so that many hearts may be reached with the Gospel of salvation. Make it swift to accomplish deeds of forgiveness and mercy in your name. Make it tireless in bearing witness to you. Conform it to your will; and use it to draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Renew and strengthen all who suffer for the sake of Jesus. Help them to constantly trust in your strong saving love.  Help us, who do not experience such suffering, to pray for them; defend them; provide for them as we are able; and to live in a way that glorifies you and honors their witness. We also ask your blessing upon our sister congregations and companion synods, and upon all missionaries of your Gospel.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Renew and strengthen this congregation. Grant us such confidence in you that we willingly wait upon you for guidance; and gladly obey what you command. Use us to encourage and help our families, friends and neighbors, especially those who most need to know your love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Renew and strengthen your servants who are nearing or in retirement. Fill them with your Spirit, so that they may continue to walk tirelessly in the way of faithfulness and service which you set before them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Renew and strengthen the leaders of the nations. Grant them wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear of the Lord, so that they might rightly care for their people, especially the poor and all who suffer from natural disaster or manmade calamities. Give all of us a teachable heart, eager to learn what makes for righteousness and peace in our communities and world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Renew and strengthen all whose work is difficult and dangerous, including those in our military. Grant them courage and honor; use their labors to accomplish your will; shield them and their loved ones when they are overtaken by adversity; and grant them a swift and joyous homecoming when their task is done.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Renew and strengthen all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit—especially {List}. Give them hope: to wait upon your gifts of health and wholeness. Give them faith: to rise above doubt, despair and sorrow. And give them your love, shared through each of us: to strengthen, shield, and surround them always.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most blessed and glorious Lord, we thank you for the great and final healing you bestow upon all who have died clinging to your promises. Grant us joy in the midst of sorrow; patience in suffering; courage in the face of danger; wisdom when we face hard choices; compassion and mercy as we minister to each other. And, at the last, vouchsafe to us the joy of being welcomed, with all whom you have healed from sin and death, into your eternal kingdom.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayerGraciously hear, and generously answer our prayers and petitions, dear Father, as may be best for us and to your greater glory, thorough your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.



Epiphany 4 (January 28)

written by Cathy Ammlung | February 17, 2018

4th Sunday after Epiphany, Proper 3, Cycle B (January 28, 2018)

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

Let us lift our hearts, hands, and voices to the Father of light, beseeching him through his Son Jesus to have mercy upon his Church, his world, and his people.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, raise up in your church such prophets to faithfully speak your Word with boldness, clarity, and charity. Give its members hearts that faithfully listen to them with obedience and gladness. And give, to those who have never heard or heeded your Word, ears to hear it rightly, ponder it patiently, and believe it firmly.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give your persecuted disciples steadfastness, courage, and gentleness of heart, to rightly confess Christ before their enemies. And, by your mercy, bring their tormentors to repentant faith. We also ask your blessing upon our sister congregations and companion synods, and upon all missionaries of your Gospel.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We ask your dearest blessings upon this congregation, so that in all we say and do, we proclaim the strong saving love of Christ. Strengthen our families, and make them into havens of safety, grace, and forgiveness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy upon all who are tormented by mental illness; post-traumatic stress; substance abuse; or anything else that clouds minds, distorts personalities, and shatters souls. Give them release from whatever has demonic control over their lives; and restore peace, sanity, relationships and hope to them and to their loved ones.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Drive out from this world the demons of hatred, violence, apathy and injustice. Fill the hearts and minds of earthly leaders, and the people entrusted to their care, with your most holy Spirit. Give to all of us a passion for caring for our neighbors, especially those who are despised and afflicted; and grant us your peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We honor and pray on behalf of those serving our country, here and abroad. Make and keep them faithful, true, and bold; keep them in your care when they fall in the line of duty; and return them in safety to their loved ones when their task is done.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant healing, strength, comfort and hope to all who are wounded in body, mind, or heart— especially {List}. Shield them from ever power of evil; drive from them the demons of despair; restore them to wholeness and to the company of all who love them; and fill them with the blessed peace of your Holy Spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Merciful Father, we entrust into your safekeeping all who have died trusting in you. Comfort those who mourn.  Keep us safe in the presence of our enemies – sin, evil and death. And lead us into that eternal and glorious Sabbath rest in which peace, wholeness and holiness are restored to all whom you have redeemed.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Graciously hear, and generously answer our prayers and petitions, dear Father, as may be best for us and to your greater glory, thorough your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

You may download the Prayers of the Church and hymn suggestions here: Epiphany 4, 01-28-18



Epiphany 3 (January 21)

written by Cathy Ammlung | February 17, 2018

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

Let us lift our hearts, hands, and voices to the Father of light, beseeching him through his Son Jesus to have mercy upon his Church, his world, and his people.

A brief silence

Lord God, you called Jonah to preach repentance to Nineveh; and your Son called his disciples to proclaim repentance and the coming of your Kingdom.  Give your Church boldness to preach of judgment, repentance, and forgiveness. And give it graciousness, so that many should gladly turn to Christ Jesus and be saved.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Many do not want to hear your call to repent and believe the Good News. Some do not want to tolerate the presence of those who do believe. Because of that, Christians suffer throughout the world. Have mercy on your servants; and do not let their witness falter. We also ask your blessing upon our sister congregations and companion synods, and upon all missionaries of your Gospel.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Have mercy on us, Lord, when like Jonah, we want to run away from the tasks you have called us to do! Renew our faith. Give us words that lovingly call others to repentance and trust in you. Shape our actions to model Jesus’ compassion. And help us to rejoice when someone surprises us with repentance or new-found faith.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray this day for our members in their middle years. Grant them the fire and enthusiasm of youth, and the wisdom and humility that comes with years; and form them into fishers of men and women, eager to make disciples for your Kingdom.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You judge all people in righteousness and truth. Grant wisdom to earthly rulers, so they are wise in deliberation, truthful in words, and righteous in deeds. Protect the poor and hungry; those unjustly imprisoned; and all who are exiled or homeless through human malice or natural disaster. Grant to us all the blessings of peace and concord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Shield, defend and strengthen those in our military, and all first responders. Grant healing to the wounded, honor to the fallen, patience and courage to their loved ones, and a swift and safe return to all whose work is not yet done.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We lift before you the needs of the lonely and bereaved; the forgotten and abandoned; the abused—and their abusers. Most especially we plead on behalf of loved ones who seek our prayers — including: {List}. Give them ears to hear the glad tidings of your salvation, healing and constant presence; and grant them faith to firmly cling to these great gifts.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Holy Lord, we remember with reverence and affection all our departed loved ones. Keep us united with them through bonds of faith and love, and turn our hearts in repentance and trust toward you. In your good time, deliver us into the fullness of that blessed Kingdom announced and promised to us by your beloved Son, so that with all the redeemed, we might forever praise and adore you in glory everlasting.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Graciously hear, and generously answer our prayers and petitions, dear Father, as may be best for us and to your greater glory, thorough your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Download these Prayers of the Church along with hymn suggestions here: Epiphany 3, 01-21-18



Epiphany 2 (January 14)

written by Cathy Ammlung | February 17, 2018

 

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

Let us lift our hearts, hands, and voices to the Father of light, beseeching him through his Son Jesus to have mercy upon his Church, his world, and his people.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, you called Samuel to be your prophet; and your Son called Philip and Nathaniel to be his disciples. Fill the Church with your Holy Spirit, so that it may always hear and heed Jesus’ call to follow him. Give it bishops, pastors, theologians and leaders who are faithful to your Word; and by the lives of all its people, draw many to trust in Him who is the salvation of the whole world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Search the hearts and minds of your persecuted servants. Purify and perfect them; lead them in your everlasting way. And by their faithful witness, turn the hearts of their tormentor to repentant faith in you. We also ask your blessing upon our sister congregations and companion synods, and upon all missionaries of your Gospel.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Bless, we pray, this congregation as we seek to do your will. Keep us steadfast in faith; conform us ever more closely to Christ our Lord; and through our words and deeds, bring the Gospel to those who need to hear it most.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We remember with gratitude the life, words, and work of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Thank you for raising him up as your servant. Help us to honor him, and to glorify you, by finding good and gracious ways to extend the blessings of liberty, justice, and equality to all people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You know the inmost thoughts of all; none can flee your presence. Shine the light of your wisdom into the hearts of earthly leaders; teach them your ways; take all wickedness from their hearts; and use them to establish your goodly will among your people. Help each of us to live in peace with our neighbors, striving always to outdo one another in showing honor, kindness and deeds of justice and mercy.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give strength, wisdom and integrity to all whose work is difficult and dangerous, especially first responders and those in the military. Use them to accomplish your will in places of danger and chaos. Gather to yourself those who have given their life in the line of duty. Grant healing to the wounded; patience and hope to their families; and a swift and joyous homecoming to all whose work is not yet done.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Send the power of your Holy Spirit into the hearts of all who suffer, especially {List}. Fill them with health and hope; bless all who minister to them; and let the radiance of your Son’s love gladden their hearts.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most merciful Father, we thank you for the lives of your faithful servants who have heeded your voice in this life and who now rest in your arms. Grant that we, too, may heed your gracious invitation, given through your dear Son. Make us into living temples of your Spirit.  In your good time, gather us into your presence with Samuel and all the faithful people of Israel; with Nathaniel and Philip and all the apostles, martyrs, theologians and saints of your Church. Grant that, with them, we may rejoice forever in the salvation you have accomplished for us in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Graciously hear, and generously answer our prayers and petitions, dear Father, as may be best for us and to your greater glory, thorough your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

You may download these prayers along with hymn suggestions here: Epiphany 2, 01-14-18



Baptism of our Lord (January 7)

written by Cathy Ammlung | February 17, 2018

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

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

Most holy God, let your voice fill the Church with your glory. Let your strong Word be faithfully proclaimed in that Church, so that it brings the promise of salvation to those who do not know him. Let it ever rejoice when many become heirs of his promise and members of his Body.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Guide, guard and bless your persecuted servants throughout the world. Let your Word be found upon their lips and in their hearts. By their faithful witness, lead even their enemies to the light of your salvation. We also ask your blessing upon our sister congregations and companion synods, and upon all missionaries of your Gospel.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Let your Word thunder in this congregation, until everyone who worships here cries “Glory” and proclaims your holy Name in word and deed. Conform our lives to the image of your dear Son; and let the light of his holy and forgiving love shine brightly in all we say and do.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let your living Word fill the lives of the newly baptized; of all who this day profess their faith in your most blessed Name; and of all who waver at the very edge of repentance and belief in your strong saving love for them. Keep them in your care; and help each of us to be good examples and mentors in their journey of discipleship.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let your Word shape the minds, hearts and wills of all who take counsel for the nations. Fill each person throughout this sin-shrouded world with your Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear of you, and joy in your presence. Banish from our midst those things which lead to hatred, strife and suffering; and speak your Word of peace to us all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let your strong Word be the shield, light and safety of all who risk their lives for the sake of others. Give them such integrity and strength of character that the innocent and defenseless may always look to them for help; and when their work is done, bring them home in safety to their loved ones.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let your living Word bring health, wholeness and hope to all who suffer, especially: {LIST}. Bless all who minister to them; and let the radiance of your Son’s love gladden their hearts.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We thank you, heavenly Father, for your powerful voice that splits open the tombs of your children, and calls them out of death into eternal life. We ask your word of comfort and strength for all who grieve; and for your protection and guidance for each of us, until we join those who continually cry “Glory” in your blessed presence, and dwell with you in the splendor of eternal light and life that you share with your Son and the Holy Spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Graciously hear, and generously answer our prayers and petitions, dear Father, as may be best for us and to your greater glory, thorough your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

These Prayers of the Church along with hymn suggestions by Rev. Cathy Ammlung may be downloaded from here:

Baptism of Our Lord, 01-07-18