THE PRAYERS,
17th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 19, Cycle B (September 16, 2018)
Trusting, through the power of the Holy Spirit, in the goodness of our heavenly Father, let us pray in Jesus’ name for the Church, the world, and one another.
A brief silence
Heavenly Father, grant that your Church may always proclaim Christ crucified. In all its words and deeds, cause the Church to confess Jesus as your only-begotten Son, your chosen and suffering Servant, who bears and heals the world’s sickness, sorrow, and brokenness of body and soul.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Persecuted Christians throughout the world follow in the steps of Jesus, bearing their cross in faithful obedience to him. Sustain, protect, bless, and provide for them; and help us whose crosses are lighter to bear their burdens however we can. We also ask your protection and guidance for all missionaries of the Gospel.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Increase the faith of everyone in this congregation, dear Lord. Conform our ministries and gatherings to Christ. Use us to bring his healing, forgiveness, and salvation to those who need it most.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer
Most of our programs begin at this time of year. Bless and prosper everything that glorifies you and builds up the Body of Christ. Increase in us the love of learning, zeal for service, and warmth of spirit. Especially we pray for our teachers and volunteers, and all who shine the love of Jesus upon those who do not know him well.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant a spirit of humility and wisdom to the leaders of nations and captains of industry, the giants of culture and icons of sport, the legislators and judges, the researchers, teachers, philosophers and scientists who shape our world. Remind them that all they have is from you, given in trust for the benefit of all people. And give to each of us the desire and ability to live peaceably and kindly with each other, despite our differences.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We lift before you the firefighters, police, emergency responders, military, and all others who strive to defend life and liberty here and abroad. Give them all they need to accomplish their tasks with integrity, competence, and courage. Reunite them swiftly with their loved ones, and help us to heal and honor those who fall in the line of duty.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Sometimes as we pray for loved ones in distress of body, mind, or soul, we are like the father of the epileptic boy, crying out, “Lord, I believe; help thou my unbelief!” Keep us steadfast in faith as we pray for all who suffer; and remind us all that Jesus has indeed “borne our sickness and carried our infirmity.” In his name we pray for: {List}.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Most holy God, keep in your tender care all who have died trusting in your promises. Comfort those who mourn, not only with words, but with the sure and certain hope that in Christ, we receive eternal healing and salvation for body and soul. Help us to encourage one another in prayer, holy living, faith, and love. And receive us into the glorious company of all the redeemed, who with angels and archangels and all the hosts of heaven, we shall praise and adore you forever – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Incline your ear to our prayers, dear Lord; and answer them according to your most gracious and holy will, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.