THE PRAYERS,
14th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 19, Cycle C (September 15, 2019)
(May be used for Holy Cross, Transferred)
Let us pray in the name of Jesus to our heavenly Father for the Church, the world, and one another.
A brief silence
Holy God, thank you for Jesus! Thank you for making him our good Shepherd. Thank you for loving us so much that we are granted forgiveness, life, fellowship with you – and love beyond all telling – in your Son, crucified, raised, and ascended to your right hand for our salvation.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father, give your Church the grace and desire to faithfully follow the Good Shepherd, your Son Jesus. Give it leaders who rightly proclaim your Word of Law and Gospel. And, as Jesus ate with sinners and tax collectors so they might feast on his grace and forgiveness, make the Church into a place of welcome, forgiveness, and transformation for every sinner who enters it.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant forgiveness and grace to this congregation. We do not like being compared to sheep, especially ones who head-butt and distress your flock. And yet we confess that sometimes we do those things. Teach us humility; and help us to acknowledge and repent of thoughtless words, self-centered actions, and anything else that may prevent one of your dear children from loving and trusting you.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bless and direct the work of our national church body, and prosper its proclamation of the Gospel and works of Christlike charity. Save the lives of all who are persecuted because of their faith in Jesus. Convict with your strong word of Law all evildoers and enemies of the Gospel. Soften their hearts and turn them towards you in repentance, humility, and faith.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Our nation continues to struggle with enemies within and beyond its borders; with discord, suspicion and violence; and with a raucous political campaign that sometimes threatens to bring out the worst rather than the best in us. Shepherd us through these troubled times. Bring healing to our hearts, homes, and communities. Anoint our eyes to see one another as fellow citizens and as beloved children of the same heavenly Father. And bring a measure of your peace to this weary world.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
This weekend, we reflect upon the Holy Cross of Jesus our Savior. Fulfill his promise that, as he is lifted up, he will draw all people to himself. Give us grace, in words and deeds, to “lift high the Cross, the love of Christ proclaim ‘til all the world adore his sacred name.”
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Be merciful to all who are hurting, weak, abused, hungry, or grieving; or who in any way need the abundance of your grace. Especially we lift before you: {List}. Be their Good Shepherd, and bring them healing and hope. Help us all to be gentle, gracious, compassionate and kind to them, so that together, we may praise your goodness.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Dear heavenly Father, we entrust into the care of Jesus our Good Shepherd, all our beloved dead. Comfort all who mourn; and fill us with your Holy Spirit’s wisdom and grace. Teach us to love each other tenderly and care for one another diligently; and keep us ever in Christ’s care. Of your goodness, grant that he should heal us from every sin and infirmity, and lead us into your Kingdom; so that as one flock we may praise, adore, and glorify our Good Shepherd 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.
