THE PRAYERS, 

7^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 9, Cycle B (July 8, 2018)

 

Let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Lord, you commissioned Ezekiel to speak to your rebellious people; and your Son chose the Twelve to spread the Gospel throughout Galilee. Bestow your Spirit to the Church, so that it may boldly speak words of warning and grace to all people, and may bring many to repentance, true faith, and redemption in Christ Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant your all-sufficient grace to your persecuted servants. By their faithful witness and persistent hope, turn their enemies toward the cross of Christ, where they may be forgiven and transformed. Bestow your favor and guidance upon your missionaries, especially those serving in dangerous places.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for calling the people of this congregation into fellowship with your dear Son. Give us the gifts of the Holy Spirit to shape us into disciples and heralds of your Kingdom. Grant us courage, so that we do not cringe at the prospect of sharing the Good News; and give us kindness, so that others may gladly hear it.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Thank you for the lives and dreams of patriots who have labored to make this country into a shining beacon of hope, freedom and justice for all. Kindle in all of our hearts the desire to serve nation and neighbor in ways that please and honor you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant the Spirit of wisdom and understanding to all who take counsel for the nations. Give them teachable spirits, honest minds, and merciful hearts, so that those entrusted to their care may enjoy the blessings of health, hope, freedom and peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep our military personnel and first responders in your care. Grant that all they do may secure and further the blessings of peace, justice, and liberty. Help us to support and encourage their families until the day when they are reunited; and heal all whose lives have been shattered by the violence of war.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Like Paul, who prayed that his thorn in the flesh might be removed; we pray for all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit. Especially we remember before you: {List}. Heal them according to your gracious will; and give them unshakable confidence in your grace, which is always sufficient for their needs. Thank you for all caregivers. Give them compassion, patience and serenity. And keep all who suffer in closest communion with their church, their family, and all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy Father, we praise and adore you for your never-failing mercy, especially as it has embraced our loved ones who have died in the shelter of your arms. Keep us close to your heart throughout our lives; support us with your grace; heal us with your forgiving love; and lead us by your Spirit into the Kingdom and the inheritance won for us by your Son, Christ Jesus our Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Hear and graciously answer our prayers, dear Lord, as it is best for us and most glorifies your holy name. Amen.

 

“I would soon subdue their enemies, and turn my hand against their adversaries. The haters of Yahweh would cringe before him, and their punishment would last forever. But he would have also fed them with the finest of the wheat. I will satisfy you with honey out of the rock.” (Psalm 81:14-16)

The life the Lord offers is a good life, both now and forever. Stand fast in the truth of the Lord and seek first His kingdom. Do not be satisfied with the pablum from the wicked, but the truth of the Lord which is forever. Stand fast in His mercy and know His goodness. He alone is able to satisfy the longing of every heart. He alone is forever and grants eternal life. Come to Him and see.

Lord, in this crazy world, I am often overcome by circumstances and dwell only in the moment forgetting Your promises. Help me to come out of my shell and live knowing that You are God. Guide me in Your goodness that I would walk with You in all of my ways. Lead me now and forever to come ever closer to being like the Savior, Jesus, that I would be one of Your children.

Lord Jesus, You have come bringing the power to become a child of the Heavenly Father. By Your grace alone can we overcome the sin of this world. Lead me in Your grace that I would be satisfied in the goodness of the Father. Create in me a new and clean heart that I would walk upright and humble in Your presence. Satisfy my heart with the good things You know I need. Amen.