THE PRAYERS, 

The Fourth Sunday of Easter, Cycle B (April 22, 2018)

Let us pray to our victorious Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their needs.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, you are the Good Shepherd. Defend the Church from peril; provide for its needs; lead it in paths of righteousness and holiness; and through its ministry, lead many to hear your voice and follow you. Bless pastors and bishops, and make them faithful sheepdogs for your flock.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You are the Faithful Shepherd for all your people who are set upon by wolves and persecutors. Protect, guide, and bless them; and give them such grace under pressure that their enemies may repent of evil. We ask your richest blessing also upon our companion synods, sister congregations, and your missionaries throughout the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You are the Good Shepherd of this congregation. Lead us with your Word; prepare our table with your Body and Blood; teach us to do your will with glad and faithful hearts; and use us to lead many into your safe keeping.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep in your special care our middle schoolers, so they may always hear and heed your voice above the noises and distractions that beset them. Guide them, and all our children, into pathways of righteousness, life, and safety all the days of their lives.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You are the Gate of your sheep. Protect all people from false shepherds; from rulers who care nothing for their welfare; and from all the threatening dangers of this world. Bring peace in places of violence; rich pasture in places of poverty; and true righteousness in places of injustice.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, you are the Rod and Staff of all who stand in harm’s way on behalf of others. Guide, protect, and strengthen them. Prosper all their works that make for peace, safety and justice; and bring them home safely and soon.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You are One who leads us through dark valleys shadowed by suffering. Be the strong Guide and sure comfort of all who call upon you, especially: {List}. Fill them with your abundant life; keep them steadfast in faith; and strengthen and bless all who care for them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, you prepare a place for us even in the presence of our last enemy, death itself. We thank you for leading safely home all those who listened to your voice in this earthly life, especially {List}. Keep us close to your side; and lead us to that place where we shall dwell with you and with all the redeemed, and shall feast at you heavenly Table forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant to us all that is in accordance with your will, dear Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

THE PRAYERS, 

The Third Sunday of Easter, Cycle B (April 15, 2018)

Let us pray to our victorious Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their needs.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, make you Church so perfectly in your image that, in its words, even unbelievers hear your word of challenge and invitation; and in its deeds, they see your holy love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give your persecuted sisters and brothers the grace to speak St. Peter’s words to their tormentors: “You act in ignorance; repent, believe in him; and be forgiven.”  We ask your richest blessing also upon our companion synods, sister congregations, and your missionaries throughout the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make this congregation bold to proclaim you as our risen Lord. Help us to speak and act in ways that reflect your holiness and love to those around us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant to our young children your dearest blessings. Teach them to trust you with all their heart, and to find happiness in sharing your love with their friends and family.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Deliver the people of this world from the powers of sin, evil, and death. Give them leaders who seek to do your Father’s will; and fill every heart with compassion and uprightness. Especially we pray for our elected leaders, and for the welfare of this country, that in all things your will is accomplished and your people are established in righteousness, liberty and peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give boldness, prudence, and fortitude to those who serve in our military or as first responders. Use their labors to establish justice and peace in chaotic places; keep them safely in your care; and grant them joyous reunions with those who love them when their task is done.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray on behalf of all whose needs of body, soul and mind are great, and especially for those who crave our prayers on their behalf, including: {List}. Transform suffering into patient endurance; sorrow into enduring hope; shame, guilt and sin into hope-filled repentance; despair into repentant new life; and the power of death into living joy.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, you promise your resurrection life to all whom you have redeemed. We thank you for fulfilling that promise to those who have died trusting in you, especially: {List}. Comfort those who mourn; walk with us throughout our life’s journey; and transform us into your blest likeness so that, on that great day when we see you face to face, we may with perfect clarity see you also in the faces of all your saints in light.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Grant to us all that is in accordance with your will, dear Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

THE PRAYERS

The Second Sunday of Easter, Cycle B (April 8, 2018)

Let us pray to our victorious Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their needs.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, breathe your Holy Spirit upon your Church, so that it may never doubt your Resurrection, but always proclaim you as the crucified and risen Savior of the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Pour your Holy Spirit into your persecuted followers, so that their faith in you is unwavering and their witness to you is both gracious and bold.  We ask your richest blessing also upon our companion synods, sister congregations, and your missionaries throughout the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Come with your forgiveness, grace and peace to the people of this congregation. Give us a hunger for your Word; a thirst for your goodness; a vision of your love for each of us; and a desire to serve you by serving others in your name.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Breathe your Holy Spirit upon skeptics, doubters, and all whose confidence in your gracious presence has been shaken by tragedy. Use us to lead them gently into your house. Lift them with your wounded hands; and transform their unbelief into unshakeable faith in you, their Lord and God.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give, we pray, to the leaders of the nations, and to all people entrusted to their care, that peace which the world cannot give. Send your Holy Spirit into the world, so that repentant faith, and deeds of mercy, may bring the light of your saving love to hearts darkened by the powers of sin, evil and death.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Defend with your Holy Spirit all who stand in harm’s way. Give them wisdom, courage, and strength to accomplish their tasks honorably and well. By their labors, bring the blessings of peace and order in war-torn places; and bring them home in safety.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bring the peace of your forgiveness, the healing of your dear touch, and the joy of your salvation to all whose lives are shadowed by suffering to body, mind or soul. Especially we remember before you: {List}. Cheer their hearts, renew their faith, and restore them to fellowship with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, you have been raised from death, and you promise your resurrection life to all m you have redeemed. We therefore entrust into your strong arms the lives of all who have fallen asleep in you. Wipe away the tears of all who grieve; turn our doubt into unshakeable confidence; and grant that all of us may at last see you face to face and cry out in adoration and joy, “My Lord and my God!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant to us all that is in accordance with your will, dear Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

THE PRAYERS

Easter Day, The Resurrection of Our Lord, Cycle B (April 1, 2018)

Let us pray to our victorious Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their needs.

A brief silence

O Lord Jesus, risen gloriously from the dead, we praise, worship and adore you for your victory over our ancient enemies – sin, death and the devil. Fill your Church with the splendor of your life, light and love, until the world and all its people rejoice and sing: “Alleluia, Christ is Risen, He is Risen Indeed!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Impart your deathless love to Christians who suffer bitter persecution even on this holy day. Grant them the joy of your saving help; purge the leaven of hatred and evil from the hearts of their tormentors; and hasten the day when all may fall before your feet in repentance, faith and joy.  We ask your richest blessing also upon our companion synods, sister congregations, and your missionaries throughout the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Crown this congregation with unfading joy, unfailing kindness, undaunted hope, and unceasing praise for your eternal and victorious love. Let all whom we know, meet and serve see your goodness revealed in our words and deeds.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Graciously bless the guests and visitors among us this day. Kindle the hearts of those who do not yet believe that you have conquered sin and death in your own body; and grant them faith to know that you live to bestow health and salvation upon them forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant peace among the nations of the earth, dear Lord; and impart wisdom, integrity, and holy fear to its leaders. Let the light of your Resurrection bring joy, comfort and wholeness to all people – especially those most afflicted by human malice or natural catastrophe; and bring us all into a right relationship with you forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be the strong and righteous arm of all who stand in harm’s way on behalf of others. Make them brave, wise and good. Shield them from the forces of evil and destruction. Heal them when they fall; and fill their loved ones with unconquerable confidence in your triumph over every foe.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We plead on behalf of all who are sick, wounded, abused, imprisoned, despairing, grieving or dying, and for all who crave your mercy, including: {List}. Impart your life and love to them all, so that they may join us in the Psalmist’s words, “I shall not die but live, and declare the works of the Lord!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy and gracious Savior, we thank you for redeeming all who have fallen asleep in your mighty arms. In your mercy, wipe away the tears of all whose grief runs deep. Feed us all with a foretaste of your Kingdom feast. Take away the shroud of sin, suffering and sorrow that troubles this broken world; and give us faith to love, forgive, and serve one another in humble joy and gratitude for your goodness. And, of your grace, raise us up to stand with all the redeemed and sing, “Blessing, honor, glory and might be to God and the Lamb forever! Amen! This is the feast of victory for our God! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant to us all that is in accordance with your will, dear Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

THE PRAYERS

Easter Vigil, Cycle B (March 31, 2018)

Let us pray to our victorious Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their needs.

A brief silence

We adore you, O Christ, and praise you for your victory over sin, death, and the devil. Cleanse our hearts and lips to acclaim you as our glorious and beloved Savior, Redeemer, and Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fill the Church with light of your crucified and risen life. Make it resplendent with holiness, charity, and truth. Cause it to shed the light of your love upon those who dwell in the shadows of sin and death, that with one voice we sing, “Christ is risen, Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Shatter the hateful words and malicious acts of all who persecute your followers for daring to name you as Savior. Raise up your suffering servants with your wounded yet glorious hands, and grant them courage and joy. By their faithful witness, bring their tormentors to repentance, that together they may sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Feed the people of this congregation with the milk and honey of sincerity and truth. Make us lovely with your mercy, forgiveness, and goodness. Use us to draw many who are afar off into your welcoming embrace, that together we may sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Clothe the newly baptized in the festal robes of faith and innocence. Lead them gently in the pathways of faith toward you and fervent love toward others. And teach them to constantly sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let peace and righteousness kiss; let mercy and healing overflow; and let wisdom and faith abound throughout the world. Grant that all people, in every nation, might come to saving knowledge of you, their Shepherd, Healer, and Lord, so that with one voice they sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep safe those who risk their lives on behalf of others. Equip them with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the sandals of peace, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, so that they may accomplish your will in places of danger and injustice, and may rightly sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Raise up all who sit in the shadows of pain, despair, grief, and death. Bring comfort and forgiveness to those who cry out for mercy. Bestow your reconciling grace upon all who are estranged from you and from their loved ones. Grant them and all who love them, your perfect peace, that together we may sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O risen Lord Jesus, those who died trusting you already experience that Easter morning that knows no end. Wipe away our tears, banish our doubts, and fill us with dauntless courage and joy. Give us loving hearts, gracious words, and tireless hands to help one another along the way. Lead us through the waters of death, as if on dry ground. By your grace and favor, let us stand with you and with all whom you have redeemed, in your promised Kingdom that has no end, there to sing for all eternity: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant to us all that is in accordance with your will, dear Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

THE PRAYERS

Good Friday, Cycle B (March 30, 2018)

Let us pray.

A brief silence

Holy Father, forgive, heal, strengthen, and guide your Church. Grant that it preaches, always and only, Christ crucified and raised from the dead, for the forgiveness of sins unto everlasting life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Forgive those who distort and dilute your holy Word of Law and Gospel. Fill them with a renewed love for you and for your Son who is the Way, Truth, and Life of the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Forgive those who deny the reality of sin, or who focus only on selected sins of others. Lift their eyes to the One who was bruised for their iniquities.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Forgive those who despise you and sneer at all who love you. Lead them to the foot of the Cross of Christ, that they may learn the joys of repentance and humble faith.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Forgive this congregation when we prefer anything whatsoever to your dear Son. Kindle our hearts with his holy love, so that when our neighbors see us, they more clearly see him.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Forgive our local, regional and national church bodies when anything overshadows the proclamation of the Gospel. Keep their hearts firmly fixed on Jesus, their Master and their Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Forgive our earthly leaders – in politics and law, education and business, medicine and entertainment – when they seek their own ends, not your will. Give them teachable spirits, humble hearts, wise minds, and just and merciful actions.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Forgive our military, police, and all others who risk their lives on our behalf, when they overstep the limits of justice. Guide them in right pathways, and bring clarity and integrity to all they do.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Forgive and heal those who are sick, injured, angry, defiant, proud, despairing, frightened, or grieving. Give them faith to look upon the One who bore their sickness and grief, and who carried their wounds and their sorrow, and upon whom was the chastisement that makes them whole.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Forgive us when we grieve as those without hope; when we think without wisdom, speak without mercy, and act without charity. Set before us the Cross of Christ, and so lead us through the temptations and sorrows of this life. By the merits of your beloved Son, cleanse, heal, restore, and raise us from the realm of sin and death, into the glorious light and endless joy of the Kingdom he has won for all whom he is pleased to redeem.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear and graciously answer our prayers as you deem best for us, dear Father, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God forever. Amen.

THE PRAYERS, 

Maundy Thursday, Cycle B (March 29, 2018) 

Let us pray for the Church, the world, and all its people.

A brief silence

Father, we pray for the Church. Fill it with your Spirit, so that it might more perfectly love you and the people your Son came to redeem.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our persecuted sisters and brothers throughout the world. Fill them with your Spirit, so that they might more perfectly bear witness to the holiness and love of Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our congregation, its people and its ministries. Fill us with your Spirit, so that we might more perfectly reflect the servant-love of Jesus to one another, and to our neighbors.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all who will be baptized into the death and resurrection of Christ during these holy days. Fill them with your Spirit, so that they may more perfectly follow in his footsteps.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our elected and appointed; and for all who take counsel for the nations. Fill them with your Spirit, so that they more perfectly accomplish your will for the health and wholeness of the people entrusted to their care.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our military, for all first responders, and for all who risk their lives for the sake of others. Fill them with your Spirit, so that they might more perfectly accomplish what you purpose.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for everyone who is sick, grieving, estranged, ashamed, addicted, abused, confused, or despairing. Fill them with your Spirit, so that they might more perfectly cling to Christ, their life and their salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, we share a foretaste of the heavenly feast that you have set before 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

Palm Sunday/Sunday of the Passion, Cycle B (March 25, 2018)

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

A brief silence

Holy God, your Son was acclaimed Son of David and Son of God by the pilgrims in Jerusalem. Fill your pilgrim Church with faithfulness, boldness, and compassion; so that, through its witness, many may join it in singing, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Your Son was met by people crying “Hosanna,” – Lord, save! Grant his salvation to the Church wherever it is persecuted for his sake. We pray also for our companion synods and for your missionaries throughout the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Your Son accepted the praises of the crowds who worshipped in Jerusalem. Fill this congregation with such love and zeal that we may eagerly worship and praise our Savior, humbly do your will, and lovingly serve our neighbor in His name.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Your Son was greeted with sweet Hosannas by infants and children.  We pray for our little ones, and for children throughout the world, that their mouths might be made perfect in praising your name.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Your Son entered Jerusalem as the Prince of Peace. Fill the leaders of the nations with a hunger for peace, a thirst for justice, and a love for the people entrusted to their care. Teach us all to do your will and to long for the day when Christ shall return in glory as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Your Son entered Jerusalem on a donkey, not a war horse.  Fill all places of warfare and violence with his peace; and protect and bless those who must stand in harm’s way. Bring them home in safety to their loved ones.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Your Son was greeted with joy as he entered the Holy City. Fill with joy the hearts of all who suffer in mind, body, or spirit, especially: {List}.  Turn their sorrow into joy; their suffering into health; and their cries for help into shouts of praise.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most gracious heavenly Father, your Son opens the gates of the New Jerusalem for all who die trusting in him. We thank you for receiving them into that glorious city. Bring peace and hope to all who grieve; and fill us with imperishable hope, so that we gladly follow where our Savior leads us – until he leads us safely home.

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.

“From oppression and violence he redeems their life, and precious is their blood in his sight. Long may he live; may gold of Sheba be given to him! May prayer be made for him continually, and blessings invoked for him all the day!” (Psalm 72:14-15)

The Lord does not want destruction, but life. Precious in the Lord’s sight is life and He offers it to those who want to flee from oppression and violence. The way of the sinful man is destruction, but the way of the Lord is life. Look to the Lord and He will raise you up to the kind of life for which you were created to live. Pray for those who do not know that one day they will meet Him.

Lord, it is difficult in this age where there are so many who seem bent on violence and destruction, Guide me to live humbly and with care for others. Help me to see them with the same hope that You put in me. May I live in the redemption You have promised and be guided by Your Spirit to see more clearly the ways in which You have called me to live. Guide me always, O Lord.

Lord Jesus, You know violence and oppression and it is because of these things that You went to the cross. There are those who meant it for destruction, but You did it in completion of the Father’s plan as the way of redemption for those who believe. Guide me in Your way of truth, Lord, that I may abide in You now and always and reflect the light of truth in the world for all to see. Amen.