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.