THE PRAYERS, 

13^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 18, Cycle C (September 8, 2019)

Let us pray in the name of Jesus to our heavenly Father for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Gracious Father, teach us what true discipleship is, and by your Holy Spirit, give us the faith and steadfastness to bear its cost. Thank you for so clearly setting before us the “way of blessing and of curse; of life and of death.” Thank you for the grace which gives us strength to choose the life you offer through the death and resurrection of your Son.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the Church around the world. Make it holy and blameless, wise and loving, fearless and compassionate in equal measure. Make it delight in your Law and proclaim your Gospel. Establish its roots in the living waters flowing from Christ its head and its life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all the people and ministries of this congregation. Help us to delight in your Law, and to meditate on it day and night. Give us grace to forgive; faithfulness to serve, and joyfulness to worship. Use us to lead many people to those streams of water in which they will find true life in Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for your missionaries in every land. Give them wise and humble hearts, so that they bring the healing and saving Gospel to those whom the world has despised and rejected.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our nation and its leaders; and for the people and leaders of every nation on earth. Help all of us to “walk not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the way of sinners; nor sit in the seat of scoffers;” but instead to delight in your Law; to meditate on your will; and to practice doing it so that we may live before you in peace and righteousness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for first responders and those in the military, for they know much about counting the cost of remaining faithful to their calling. Keep them safe; and prosper all they do that is in accordance with your will. When they are wounded in body or mind or spirit, grant healing and hope. And help us to honor their service and value their skills as they return to civilian life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the sick, lonely, imprisoned, abandoned, grieving and dying who need your mercy and loving-kindness – especially: {List}. Refresh their hearts; heal whatever is wounded; and restore them to fellowship with all who love them. As we recall Paul’s words to Philemon, we lift before you the plight of all who, even this day, are slaves; that they may be delivered from bondage and that we may acknowledge them as kindred for whom Christ has died.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy and loving Father, with gratitude and affection we entrust into your care our beloved dead. Through your Holy Spirit, strengthen us in our vocation as disciples of the Lord Jesus, so that, not counting the cost, we may bear faithful witness to his strong saving love throughout our earthly pilgrimage. And, for his sake, bring us into your presence, to be numbered with all those who serve you and who look upon your face in glory everlasting.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In the power of the Holy Spirit, we entrust our prayers and petitions into your hands, gracious Father, for the sake of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  AMEN.

THE PRAYERS, 

12^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 17, Cycle C (September 1, 2019)

Let us pray in the name of Jesus to our heavenly Father for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Gracious Father, you actually believe that, through repentant faith in Jesus, who humbled himself for our sake, we too can be humble without being doormat martyrs. You actually believe that, through the transforming power of your Holy Spirit, we can repent and joyfully show our gratitude to you by lives of gentleness and mercy toward one another. We’re not sure we can believe it! Grant us, dear Lord, your own confidence, and accomplish in us your vision of what we should be.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fill your Church with humble trust and steadfast faith. Give it pastors, bishops, theologians and lay leaders who speak your truth in love. By your Holy Spirit, inspire compassionate deeds and holy lives among all who name Jesus Christ as Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless the people of this congregation. Help us to remember that at all times, we speak, act and live in the presence of your Son, our King as well as our friend. Let the way we treat one another, and all to whom we minister, reflect his strong saving love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Calm the fears and give comfort and strength to your persecuted servants throughout the world. By their humble witness, cause their enemies to repent and to turn to you, their only King, Lord and God.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless this land with peace, justice, prosperity, concord, and integrity. Guide our leaders, and all who take counsel for the nations, so that they may always remember that they must give an account of their deliberations and deeds to you, the King of the Nations.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Your Son dignified our labor by sharing our toil. Be with your people wherever they work; make those who carry on the industries and commerce of this land responsive to your will; and give us pride in what we do. Be the strong refuge of those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of work. Help us to use our wealth and resources, so that all who are able to work may find suitable and fulfilling employment, and receive just payment for their labor.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Those who struggle with pain, sorrow, and adversity need the strength and healing that only you can give. We pray on their behalf, especially for: {List}. Quiet their fears; heal their bodies, minds and hearts; and renew their hope. Bless all who care for them, especially those who need refreshment, respite, and resources to continue their ministry of loving service.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Dear heavenly Father, we thank you for receiving as your dear children all who have died trusting in you. Quiet the souls of all who mourn. Teach us to live simply and trustfully as your dear children also; and in your good time, lead us into your  presence, where with all whom you have redeemed by the merits of your beloved Son,, we will rest in your arms, delight in your goodness, and adore you forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In the power of the Holy Spirit, we entrust our prayers and petitions into your hands, gracious Father, for the sake of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  AMEN.

“To Him who made the heavens with skill, for His lovingkindness is
everlasting; To Him who spread out the earth above the waters, for His
lovingkindness is everlasting;” (Psalm 136:5-6)

Step back and think about
looking at all of creation as a whole. 
The magnitude of what God has created is in your view.  See the intricacy of what has been
created.  Be aware that we know very
little of the whole, what skill and intelligence is involved.  Understand that our Triune God made what He
made out of love.  He loves that which He
has made.  In love He knit the universe
together.

Lord, there are those around me who think they know.  They know much more than me, but they know a
very little of the whole.  Let me not
come to you in pride, but with awe and wonder at all that You have made.  Guide me in the goodness of Your grace to see
more clearly the truth of Your love which You have for all that You have
made.  Guide me through love to look at
the world You made and praise You for it.

Lord Jesus, You are in the love
relationship which is Trinity and You have come to invite those who believe to
join in.  Guide me, Lord Jesus, to come
on Your terms and in Your way to live into the life for which I have been
created.  Lead me, Lord, in the way of
truth that I may grow into Your likeness. 
May I be guided by Your Spirit this day to walk in the way You have
taught me, doing what is pleasing in the Father’s sight. Amen.