The Prayers, The Baptism of Our Lord, Cycle A (January 12, 2020)

Let us pray that the light of Christ may shine
upon the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, we adore you! Blessed
Father, Glorious Son, most Holy Spirit, you reveal your heart to us in the
Baptism of Jesus. By the Spirit’s power, unite us to Christ so completely that
we may hear the Father say to each of us, “You are my beloved son, my beloved daughter;
in you I am well pleased.”

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Fill the Church throughout the world with your Spirit; bind it to your
Son; and give it your Word of truth. Make it lovely with your goodness, radiant
with your truth, and fruitful in its humble discipleship to your Son. Use it to
lead many people to the waters of Baptism, there to be transformed into your
beloved children.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Be enthroned, O Lord, not only
high in your heaven but also in the midst of this congregation. Overwhelm us
with your majesty and mercy. Fill our worship with the beauty of holiness.
Strengthen us to do your will. Conform us to the heart and mind of Jesus. Bestow
on us the blessing of peace.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Do not quench the spirit or break the hearts of your persecuted servants, O
Lord; nor let them grow discouraged or faint when they suffer on account Christ.
Give them such patience and gentleness that their tormentors turn to you and
repent. For missionaries throughout the world; for all who wonder if they are
called to be pastors; for all our seminarians, professors, pastors, bishops,
and other ministers, we also lift our hearts and voices in fervent
supplication.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless everyone who is baptized this day; and
everyone remembering and giving thanks for their Baptism. Thank you for adopting us as
your children – brothers and sisters of your dear Son! – and for filling us
with the same Spirit that descended upon him. Make us radiant with his holiness
and lovely with his compassion; and grant that we may glorify you in all we say
and do.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Put your Spirit upon the leaders of this and every
nation, that they may faithfully bring forth and establish justice throughout
the world. Give them the wisdom and the will to rightly protect and provide for
their people, especially those who are like “bruised reeds and faintly burning
wicks.” Make them prefer mercy over might; righteousness over renown; and
integrity over influence.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Take the hand and keep in your care all who take up arms in defense of
liberty and justice for all. Give them a spirit of wisdom and understanding,
counsel and might, so that all they do is in accordance with your will. Bring
them safely home, and speed the day when your presence and your peace makes deeds
of war unnecessary.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

We beseech you on behalf of everyone afflicted by pain,
sorrow, loneliness, or despair, and especially on behalf of those who have
asked for our prayers, including: {List}. Bring them out of the dungeon of
suffering and the prison of darkness, and lead them into the brightness of your
presence and the company of all who love them.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal: we praise
and adore you for the powerful mercy you have shown to your servants who have
died to us but are alive eternally to you. Grant that we, who have passed
through the waters of Baptism, may walk the bent and broken pathways of this
mortal life, refreshed by your Spirit, and conformed to your Son. And, by that
same powerful mercy, bring us through the floodwaters of death into your
presence, where with all your redeemed children we may worship and adore you in
the beauty of your holiness forever.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

All these things, and whatever else you see that
we need, grant to us, dear Father, for the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus
Christ. Amen.