THE PRAYERS,
25th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 27, Cycle B (November 11, 2018)
In the power of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus for the world, the church, and one another.
A brief silence
Holy Father, grant that your Church should be a place of refuge, hope and salvation for all, especially the poorest and most vulnerable of your people. Make the Church generous in sharing earthly gifts and eternal grace, for all is from your limitless and compassionate hand.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Your persecuted Church has given all that it has to live on, in order to acclaim your Son as Savior. Give them the richest blessings of faith, hope, love, and patient endurance; and use their witness to soften the hearts of those who trouble them.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Make this congregation a place of generosity, gratitude, and gentle service in your dear Son’s name. Help us to give our time, treasure and talents with joyful hope in your never-failing goodness; and thereby share the blessings of heaven and of earth with those who need them most. Bless and keep our frailest members, especially our shut-ins, in your tender care, and help us to honor and serve them with compassion and cheerfulness.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Help us to notice and to care for the lonely, the widow, the widower, and the orphan. Give us listening hearts, encouraging words, and timely assistance. Help them to know that they are never bereft, because you love and care for them always; and that they have gifts that you cherish.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Guard and protect this nation; and give wisdom and right judgment to all our elected and appointed leaders. Teach all the leaders of this world to seek justice, to love mercy, to care for the least of their citizens, and to walk humbly in your sight.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Thank you for the sacrifices of all who have honorably served their country. Protect and guide those whose duties are not completed. Heal those who have been wounded, and give hope and strength to them and their loved ones. Help us to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. And bring to this troubled world a measure of peace, so that these good men and women may serve in other ways.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Comfort with the grace of your Holy Spirit all who are in sorrow or need, sickness or adversity, especially {List}. Give wholeness and hope to all who cry out to you for help. Have mercy on the dying, and comfort the grieving. And to all, grant a measure of your love, shielding them with your tender care.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Dearest Father, we thank you for all our loved ones who have entered the blessed rest you promised to them, including: {List}. When we grieve, set before us the certainty of your love, sealed by the death and resurrection of Jesus. Help us to bear one another’s burdens along life’s road, to be content no matter what our circumstances may be; and to be at peace with all. And lead us, with the Cross of Christ as our beacon and our strong defense, through the valley of deaths dark shadow, into the glorious light and joyful homecoming feast that you have prepared for all whom you have redeemed.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For Jesus’ sake, dear Father, graciously hear and generously answer our fervent petitions, to your glory and for the benefit off for whom we pray. Amen.
