THE PRAYERS,  26th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 28, Cycle B (November 18, 2018)

THE PRAYERS, 

26th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 28, Cycle B (November 18, 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

Most holy Lord, bless your Church. You have promised that, though temples made by human hands may be destroyed, your Temple of living stones shall abide forever. Purify, preserve, and provide for it through your Holy Spirit. Unite it always to your Son, its Cornerstone and Head; and make it a house of prayer for all nations.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You foretold times of persecution for those who proclaim and follow you as Lord and Savior. Shield, strengthen and bless those who endure those fiery trials. Help us to remember them in prayer, to stand with them in witness, and to provide tangible help for their physical needs.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Perfect the faith of this congregation, so that we may be bold to approach the throne of grace with our prayers and supplications, and may be conformed to your mind and your likeness. Use us to bring your forgiveness, life, and salvation to those who are estranged from you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We entrust into your loving embrace our infants and toddlers. Keep them safe, dear Lord; and help us to raise them up in the way you would have them go.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless and guide all the peoples of this world, so that they may put their trust not in any earthly ruler but in your wise governance and gracious commands. Teach us how to live at peace with one another; to care for the poor and vulnerable in our midst; and to work for the common good, in accordance with your will.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You are King of the nations and the Prince of Peace; and yet in these troubled times, good men and women must stand in harm’s way to defend life and liberty. Guide, strengthen and bless them. Let their labors be a blessing among those they serve. Bring healing and hope to those who are wounded; shelter those who fall; and comfort to their loved ones.  Lead them to joyous homecomings, and use their skills for the benefit of their communities.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Your dear Son is the Resurrection and the Life. Grant healing to all who suffer in mind, body, or spirit; and give them a foretaste of his victory over death.  Especially we pray for: {List}. Bless all caretakers with the gifts of gentleness, patience and compassion; and re-establish the bonds of affection and fellowship that have been unraveled by sickness or sorrow.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Holy God, we acclaim you as Lord of Life. We thank you for bestowing your eternal life upon all who have died trusting in you, including: {List}. We pray that you should guard and guide us safely through this earthly life, with all its troubles, trials and temptations. Fill us with confidence that we can always turn to you with all our needs and all our cares. And raise us up on the last day, with all whom you have redeemed. Let us join the chorus of adoration and praise to you: for with your Son and the Holy Spirit, you are our joy, our delight, and our eternal inheritance.

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 of for whom we pray. Amen.