THE PRAYERS,
1st Sunday after Christmas, Cycle B (December 31, 2017)
O come, let us adore Christ our Lord, and kneel before him with our prayers and supplications.
A brief silence
Father, we praise you for your Word made flesh, your beloved Son Jesus Christ, who dwells in your Church richly. For his sake, provide the Church with pastors, bishops, and theologians who teach and admonish your people in all wisdom. *17By the gift of your Spirit, let all that the Church does, in word or deed, be in the name of the Lord Jesus, to your glory and for the good of all whom he came to save.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for those who are persecuted for the sake of Jesus even in this holy season. They are your chosen ones, holy and beloved. Adorn them with compassion, meekness, and patience. Grant that the peace of Christ may so rule their hearts that their tormentors repent, and flee to the Savior for forgiveness.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Make this congregation into a company of the upright, who delight in, study, and proclaim your mighty works of salvation. 2Clothe us with love, binding us together in perfect harmony. Let our lives display your redeeming power. Help us to draw our neighbors, friends, and families to faith in your dear Son.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We stand on the threshold between the years. We entrust this old year into your merciful care. We pray for your blessing and guidance as the new year begins. Grant to each of us, and to all of us, that peace which the world cannot give.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Give to the rulers of the world that holy fear that is the beginning of wisdom, so that they study your works and perform your precepts. Let faithfulness and uprightness, graciousness and mercy, guide those who take counsel for the nations; and bestow upon all peoples the blessings of food, shelter, health, employment, justice, and peace.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Angels proclaimed peace and good will at Jesus’ birth. But violence, injustice, and other evils still trouble the world. Shield and guide the men and women who risk their lives on behalf of others. Prosper all they do that is in accordance with your holy will; support their loved ones with hope and patience; bring healing and comfort to those who are wounded and redemption to those who have fallen; and establish your peace in the world and in every heart, so that the arts of war need no longer be practiced among us.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Be gracious and merciful to all whose lives are shadowed by suffering in this season of light, especially: {List}. Grant that they may behold your salvation,31 dwell in the light of your love, revealed in Christ, and glorify you in the company of all who love them.
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. Give us the faith of your saints and martyrs; for though we see your dear Son through the eyes of faith, we long to see him face to face. Until that day, grant that he may dwell in us richly, filling us with peace, love, forgiveness, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience – the enduring gifts of Christmas that shall last forever.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Receive our prayers, dear Father, for the sake of your dear Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
