The Prayers of the Church, 

Good Friday, Cycle C (April 19, 2019)

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

A brief silence

Forgive and save your Church, O God, for heeding anything that distracts it from knowing, proclaiming, and sharing the love of Jesus, its crucified and risen Redeemer.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and renew pastors, bishops, theologians, and other church leaders when by treacherous words and shameful deeds they crucify Christ anew, and turn people from his salvation.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and guide each of us in this congregation, for the small and great ways in which we fail to love you with our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength, and do not love one another as Jesus has loved each of us.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and challenge everyone who says they believe in you, but have more pressing obligations than worship, prayer, forgiveness, or service in your name.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and enlighten all who believe in other gods, or who have limited and distorted notions of who you are.   

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and rescue all who say they are “spiritual but not religious,” or who are fascinated by the occult or dark spiritual arts.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and teach those who do not believe in you at all, especially those who persecute believers.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and bring to repentance our enemies, personal and communal. Forgive all who slander, lie, and spew hate, as did their spiritual ancestors toward your beloved Son.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and transform all who break promises, break laws, and break hearts, especially when we still struggle to forgive.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and energize all who whine, complain, make excuses, and shift blame to others.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and reform everyone who seeks to divide, not build up; to sow suspicion, not trust; and who insists on their own way at any cost.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and liberate those who are enslaved by their desires, passions, fears, addictions, or by their attraction to evil for its own sake.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and heal all who are caught in snares of illness and pain, depression and anxiety, regret and shame.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive, save, transform, and redeem all of us – for if we are honest, we know we must number ourselves in the great and miserable fellowship of sinners. Forgive, dear Lord, forgive us who despair; who seek revenge; who are cruel and selfish; who are bored and apathetic; who are thoughtless, clueless, heedless, merciless, and faithless.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

By the suffering and passion, of your holy and beloved Son; by his prayers from the Cross for our sake; by his sinless death and his descent into the depths of hell for the sake of sinners; by his glorious resurrection and ascension, and by his promise to come again as victorious Lord of all, forgive us our sins, heavenly Father. Crucify our sins and burn them in hell; but hide us, your poor sinful creatures, in the life-giving wounds of Jesus, and shelter us in his outstretched arms. Anoint us with the same Spirit he committed to you with his dying breath. Raise us, in the power of that Spirit, to share in the glorious resurrection life of Christ. And speed the coming of that great eternal day when everyone whom you have forgiven and healed, transformed and redeemed, is made fit to stand together before your throne, there to praise and adore you in the unity you share with your Son, our Savior and Lord, and with the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Prayers of the Church

Maundy Thursday, Cycle C (April 18, 2019)

Let us pray to our merciful God on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Holy God, purify your Church. Fill it with your Spirit, so it more perfectly loves you and the people your Son came to redeem.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Strengthen our persecuted sisters and brothers in the faith. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly bear witness to the holiness and love of Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Guide our sister congregations, companion dioceses, and all missionaries of the Gospel. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly proclaim Christ, and him crucified.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless this congregation. Fill us with your Spirit, so we more perfectly reflect the servant-love of Jesus to one another, and to our neighbors.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Kindle the faith of all who will be baptized into the death and resurrection of Christ at Easter. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly follow in his footsteps.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bestow wisdom upon all who have authority and power in our world. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly accomplish your will for the well-being of the people entrusted to their care.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant courage and integrity to our military, to all first responders, and to all who risk their lives for the sake of others. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly establish safety and peace in this troubled world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We plead on behalf of for everyone who is sick, grieving, estranged, ashamed, addicted, abused, confused, or despairing, especially those who crave our prayers, including: {List}. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly cling to Christ, their life, their health, and their salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, this day we share a foretaste of your heavenly feast, prepared for all whom you have redeemed by the passion, death, and resurrection of your well-beloved Son. Fill us with your Spirit, so that we might more perfectly take up our Cross, follow Jesus wherever he leads, and encourage one another along life’s way. Bring us, through the merits of Christ, into your heavenly Kingdom, where with him and the Holy Spirit, you reign in the joyous glory of heaven’s endless day.

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.

The Prayers of the Church, 

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

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

A brief silence

 Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem your Church. Through its ministry of Word, Sacrament, fellowship and service, draw all people to yourself.

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

 Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem those who suffer for the sake of your name, and those who risk danger to proclaim the Gospel to those who do not know you. By their faithful witness, draw all people to yourself.

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

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

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

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

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

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem the people in every land and nation. By the guidance of the Holy Spirit, establish your peace in every place; and draw all people to yourself.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amen.

Editor’s Note: this article first appeared in the March 2019 edition of CORE Voice.

Click here to read the article.

Editor’s Note: this article first appeared in the March 2019 edition of CORE Voice.

Click here to read the article.

“All nations surrounded me; in the name of the Lord I will surely cut
them off. They surrounded me, yes, they surrounded me; in the name of the Lord
I will surely cut them off. They surrounded me like bees; they were
extinguished as a fire of thorns; in the name of the Lord I will surely cut
them off.” (Psalm 118:10-12)

Wickedness surrounds us. In
every direction there are those who come against you with their ideas, plots
and plans. Do you fight back with the sword of the Spirit? Turn to the Lord and
know that He who knows all things knows the schemes of the wicked. He has
promised to put His shield of protection upon Your life that you would remain
with Him forever. Trust in the Lord above all circumstances.

Lord, You are good and worthy of all praise. This world is filled with
the wicked and deceitful. Guide me, O Lord, in the way of truth which You have
established. Help me now and always to see that only in You is there hope and a
future. Keep me from falling into the hands of the wicked. You alone have the
words of eternal life. May I be found in You, O Lord, always.

Holy Spirit, minister to me that
I would see through the wickedness that is upon this age. Help me now and
always to see the truth when wickedness presents itself. Keep me on the narrow
path that I would hold fast to the truth that You are God and all goodness
resides in You. May I be found this day doing what is right in Your sight,
loving my neighbor and loving You. Amen.

“The Lord is for me among those who help me; therefore I will look with
satisfaction on those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than
to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in
princes.” (Psalm 118:7-9)

There are those who love the
Lord and with this love, love their neighbors. There are also those who only
know hatred and hate those whom they choose not to love. It is the way of this
world filled with wickedness. Do not put your trust in the worldly, but in the
Creator of all worlds. The Lord is the eternal refuge and comforts those who
suffer in this age. Turn to Him in all things.

Lord, I try to figure out this age and its twists and turns. Help me to
see that in You alone is there hope and an eternal future. You alone are the
refuge for those who are weary of this every-changing and yet unchanging age of
sin and rebellion. Turn my heart to You that I would make You my place of rest
and hope. Lead me away from having any false hope in leaders of this age.

Guide me, Lord Jesus, for You
have come to lead the weary into the truth of Your eternal presence. Lead me
according to Your mercy to see more clearly each day the truth of this age. Help
me now and always to live in hope, caring for others as You have cared for me. Guide
me according to the Father’s goodness to live a life of praise and
thanksgiving, preparing to be with You always. Amen.

“Oh let those who fear the Lord say, “His lovingkindness is
everlasting.” From my distress I called upon the Lord; the Lord answered me and
set me in a large place. The Lord is for me; I will not fear; what can man do
to me?” (Psalm 118:4-6)

Fear of the Lord is the
beginning of wisdom. It is not to be afraid, but to know that all things are in
His hands and that it will be as He has determined. Live into the will of the
Lord that You may fear nothing this world throws your way. The Lord’s goodness
is from generation to generation and abides forever. Come to the Lord and know
His mercy and goodness.

Lord, each day has its trials and tribulations. Guide me, O Lord, in the way You would have me go this day that I would understand more fully Your will for my life. Lead me in fear of You to grow in wisdom, being afraid of nothing in this world, for You are with me. Lead me in the way of everlasting life that I would learn to give You praise and thanksgiving in every circumstance. You alone are God and worthy of all praise.

Holy Spirit, minister to my heart that I would live into the image of Christ my Savior. Guide me throughout the day to look to Your guidance that I would make those choices that are pleasing to the Father. Help me to never fear what this world throws my way, but to be bold, knowing that I am now and always in Your caring hands. May I abound in the grace You grant this day as I walk in the faith You have given me. Amen.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His lovingkindness is
everlasting. Oh let Israel say, “His lovingkindness is everlasting.” Oh let the
house of Aaron say, “His lovingkindness is everlasting.” (Psalm 118:1-3)

The Lord does not do things as
we sinfully want them, but as they need to be. Great love has the Lord such
that He does all that is needed, for He is good and His love is forever. Do not
look to the Lord as One to dispense according to Your desires, but as the
Sovereign who grants according to His perfect will. The Lord is perfect and
good and worthy of all honor and praise.

Lord, teach me to see through the selfishness of my desires to know that
You are always good and that Your will is perfect in love. Lead me through the
circumstances of this age that I would forever hold fast to Your goodness and
mercy. You alone know all that needs to be done to create in eternity the
perfection of heaven. Lead me in faith to trust in Your perfect will.

Lord Jesus, You have taught us
that equality with God is something that can never be grasped. Teach me to
trust in Your leading that I would now and always live into the Father’s will. You
have come that we might learn from You how to live life fully. Teach me, O Lord,
and I will follow where You lead. Guide me today in those lessons I need to
learn as I grow in Your likeness. Amen.

“Praise the Lord, all nations; laud Him, all peoples! For His lovingkindness
is great toward us, and the truth of the Lord is everlasting. Praise the Lord!”
(Psalm 117:1-2)

Every nation is blessed by the
Lord. All that is needed has been provided. Yet there are those who take from
those who need. This is the way of this world. But you! What shall you do? Will
you live a life that praises the Lord in all circumstances, or will you curse
Him because of Your circumstances? Learn to praise the Lord no matter the
circumstances, for He is good above all things.

Lord, teach me to understand the circumstances of life. Lead me in the
way You would have me go that I may walk the path You set before me. Help me
through all the difficulties this world will throw my way. Guide me along right
paths for Your sake. In all things, give me eyes to see the goodness that comes
each day knowing that You provide for us all. You are good, Lord, and worthy of
all praise.

Come, Holy Spirit, and guide my heart. Where it is unthankful and
cursing, rebuke it. Where it is weak, strengthen it. Where it mumbles and
grumbles, fill it with songs of praise. In all things, lead me, Holy Spirit, to
see the goodness and mercy which has always been mine because of the amazing
grace of Christ, my Savior. Through whatever may come this day, teach me lift
up my voice in praise and thanksgiving. Amen.