THE PRAYERS
Let us come before the Lord with true hearts, trusting that he will hear and answer our prayers on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.
A brief silence
Lord, clothe your Church with the joy of your salvation; cover it with the righteousness of Christ; and adorn it with the jewels of your Word and Sacraments, so that through it, the poor may hear the Good News, the sorrowful may be comforted, and those held captive to sin and death may experience the wonderful freedom of your salvation.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Restore the fortunes of Christians who are persecuted for confessing Jesus as Savior and Lord. Turn their weeping into rejoicing; and cause those who hate them to repent and believe in the Good News.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Bless and guide the people of this congregation. Give us faithful hearts; ears attentive to your Word; eyes which see the needs of others; hands skilled in building up the body of Christ; and tongues swift to pray, forgive, and encourage. Look with favor upon our sister congregations, and upon your missionaries around the world.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bless our elementary school children with faith and joy as they look to Christmas as the coming of the greatest gift, your Son Jesus.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Anoint the rulers of the world with your Spirit, so that, like you, they love justice and hate evil. Use them to repair lives and cities ruined by bloodshed and cruelty. Direct their words and their works in your truth; establish your peace among the nations. Transform us all, so we may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord: bearing much fruit to your glory, and for the building up of your people.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Until your great and acceptable day has dawned, good people must risk their lives for the sake of justice, liberty, and safety. Shield, strengthen and direct them. Help them to serve with competence and integrity. Keep them from harm; heal and raise them when they falter. Give them a joyful reunion with their loved ones when their task is done.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant your healing to the brokenhearted and to all who suffer in body, mind or spirit, especially {LIST}. Give them beauty for ashes; the oil of joy for mourning; and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Strengthen all who care for them; and give them, and all of us, your everlasting joy.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Most holy Father, we entrust to your care all who have died trusting your promises. We thank you for their lives; and we thank you for making them—and us—your servants: a royal priesthood and holy nation, your children and portion whom you have blessed. Bring us into the beauty of holy Zion, where with all the redeemed, we shall be adorned as a bride for our heavenly Bridegroom, the Lamb of God who has taken away the sins of the whole world, our Savior Jesus Christ.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Graciously answer our prayers according to the love you bear for your people through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
