THE PRAYERS,
All Saints’ Sunday (November 3, 2019)
In the power of the Spirit, let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.
A brief silence
Thank you, dear Father, for all the sinners whom you have redeemed and are pleased to call your saints! Thank you for their example of repentance, trust, humility and obedience, even when that was hard. Help us remember them with gratitude, and give us grace to follow in their footsteps.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Preserve, guide and sanctify your one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. Array it in the garments of salvation; and conform it to the likeness of your Son. Adorn it with mercy, humility, peace, faithfulness and purity, so that it may be a blessing to many, and a sign of your Kingdom’s close approach.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Touch with your beauty and goodness the hearts of everyone in this congregation. Make our words gracious and our deeds lovely. Let the light of Jesus so shine in all our words and deeds that, when anyone sees or hears us, they get a glimpse of his great love for them.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for our national church body, that it may be pure of heart, filled with peace, and poor in spirit. We plead on behalf of all missionaries. Help them to feed all who hunger and thirst with your bread of righteousness – and with earthly bread. And we ask your blessing upon those who are persecuted on account of naming Jesus as Lord. Fill them with joy, peace, and gentleness. Give them a gracious word truth and forgiveness, so that their tormentors may repent and be saved.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for everyone in elected or appointed positions of authority in our community, state and nation. Give them a double portion of your Spirit, so they may act in accordance with your will and to the benefit of everyone entrusted to their care. Help all of us to set aside bitterness and hatred, and give us forbearance, graciousness, and the willingness to work for the common good.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Until your peace is established in this world, good men and women must risk their lives in defense of life, liberty, safety and justice. Bless and protect them. Shelter their families from fear; bring them home in safety; heal their wounds to body and spirit; and use their service as building blocks for a happier and safer world.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Deliver from suffering and sorrow all those whose need is great, especially: {List}. Give them the hope, comfort and faith they need to weather their trials; and restore them to health and fellowship with all who love them.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Most holy and gracious Father, receive into your Kingdom our beloved dead, especially {List}. Keep us faithful and true, holy and steadfast, as we walk the narrow Way established by your dear Son. Give us joy along that way, and help us to encourage and help one another along it. Bring us safely into that Kingdom of light, life and love which you have vouchsafed to all whom you redeem by the sufferings of Christ. And there let us see you face to face, and experience the unspeakable joy of abiding in your love 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.
Photo by Ged Lawson on Unsplash