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

Father, thank you for Jesus! We marvel that in all things, even so
small a matter as being presented in the Temple as an infant, he was perfectly
obedient to the Law you gave to your people Israel. Thank you for the
faithfulness and Spirit-led insight of Anna and Simeon. They rejoiced in the
appearance of the Messiah who would, in perfectly fulfilling your Law, abolish
it as the way to the Temple of your loving heart. Lord, let us always live in,
depart in, and eternally abide in your peace.

Lord, in your mercy,
please hear our prayer.

Grant that your Church should be so filled with, and led by, your Holy
Spirit, that it always confesses, praises, blesses, and proclaims Jesus Christ
as Lord, Savior, Messiah and King. Fill it with the splendor of his glory, the
beauty of his holiness, and the sweetness of his love.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make each member of this congregation into disciples of
Jesus, so they, like Anna and Simeon, discern your presence and your will, and proclaim
your goodness and salvation to others.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Raise up pastors, theologians, professors, deacons, and other Christian
leaders who earnestly and patiently seek your will, and who teach others, by
word and by example, to do the same.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Be the light in dark places, the sword and shield
victorious, for our military and first responders, and for all who risk their
life on behalf of others. Give them integrity, courage, and wisdom as they
strive to bring justice and safety in dangerous places. Heal all wounds to body, mind, and soul. Strengthen
their loved ones. Help us to honor their sacrifice and benefit from their
labors.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for our earthly rulers, whether we like them,
agree with them, or voted for them. Conform their minds, hearts, and actions to
your holy will. Help them to strengthen the bonds of affection, trust, and
concord within families and communities.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless, heal, and strengthen everyone who is burdened by
suffering, especially those we name now before you: {List}. We also pray for
women who are pregnant or have recently given birth, especially those whose
health is imperiled; for women who have had an abortion or miscarriage; for
newborn infants, especially those at risk of illness or injury; for all
fathers; and for everyone who cares for and rejoices in the gift of new life.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Let our constant prayer be that of Simeon as he entrusted
his life into God’s keeping: Now, Lord, you let your servants go in peace; your
Word has been fulfilled. Our own eyes have seen the salvation that you have
prepared in the sight of every people. A light to reveal you to the nations,
and the glory of your people Israel.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in
the beginning, is now, and will be forever, Amen.

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.

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

Lord, sometimes we think you see us only “From a distance.” Sometimes
that’s right where we want you! But in Christ, you have promised to be
God-with-Us, Emmanuel. Be gentle, Father, as you shed your holy light on our
sin-darkened world! And thank you for the grace and comfort of your Holy
Spirit, who helps us to repent and to delight in your “joyous light of glory.”

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Though the world scorns the Cross as folly and stumbling block, give
your Church faith, courage, and wit as it proclaims Christ crucified as the
only means of forgiveness, salvation, and life with you forever. Make it lovely
with the light of Jesus’ strong saving love for us sinners.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bring light and clarity to the people of this
congregation, so that every act of worship, fellowship, outreach, stewardship,
service, study, and support is centered in Christ alone.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for all who are persecuted on account of naming Christ as Lord.
Keep them steadfast in faith and gracious in witness. Soften the hearts of
their tormentors, as you changed the heart of St. Paul himself, and bring them
to repentant faith in Jesus.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray a hard prayer, merciful Father: we pray for
the evil and wicked; for abusers and killers, cheaters and deserters, and those
who commit every sort of despicable act. When their victims cannot forgive, help us to pray the prayer they cannot:
Forgive, dear Lord. Cause the wicked to repent of their evil ways and cling to
the Cross of Christ as their only hope.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Shine the light of reason, charity, justice, and mercy
upon the minds of our earthly rulers. Turn them from every agenda, plan, and
pronouncement that does not serve your will or benefit the people entrusted to
their care. Remind them that they, and all who have power and authority in
society, must give an account of their stewardship to you, the Lord and ruler
of all. And bestow upon us all a measure of your peace.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bring healing, hope, and the light of your dear presence
to everyone who sits in the darkness of suffering, shame, or sorrow. Especially
we plead on behalf of: {List}. Let them, and all who care for them, say with
confident joy: The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear?!

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord, you are the imperishable light, even in the
darkness of death, for all who cling to you. We entrust our beloved dead to
you, and we commend our lives to you as well. Be the lamp to our feet and light
to our path throughout our earthly pilgrimage. For the sake of your dear Son,
lead us, and all whom you are pleased to redeem, into your bright courts of
heaven, and into your endless day.

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.

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

Lord, sometimes we think you see us only “From a distance.” Sometimes
that’s right where we want you! But in Christ, you have promised to be
God-with-Us, Emmanuel. Be gentle, Father, as you shed your holy light on our
sin-darkened world! And thank you for the grace and comfort of your Holy
Spirit, who helps us to repent and to delight in your “joyous light of glory.”

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Though the world scorns the Cross as folly and stumbling block, give
your Church faith, courage, and wit as it proclaims Christ crucified as the
only means of forgiveness, salvation, and life with you forever. Make it lovely
with the light of Jesus’ strong saving love for us sinners.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bring light and clarity to the people of this
congregation, so that every act of worship, fellowship, outreach, stewardship,
service, study, and support is centered in Christ alone.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for all who are persecuted on account of naming Christ as Lord.
Keep them steadfast in faith and gracious in witness. Soften the hearts of
their tormentors, as you changed the heart of St. Paul himself, and bring them
to repentant faith in Jesus.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray a hard prayer, merciful Father: we pray for
the evil and wicked; for abusers and killers, cheaters and deserters, and those
who commit every sort of despicable act. When their victims cannot forgive, help us to pray the prayer they cannot:
Forgive, dear Lord. Cause the wicked to repent of their evil ways and cling to
the Cross of Christ as their only hope.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Shine the light of reason, charity, justice, and mercy
upon the minds of our earthly rulers. Turn them from every agenda, plan, and
pronouncement that does not serve your will or benefit the people entrusted to
their care. Remind them that they, and all who have power and authority in
society, must give an account of their stewardship to you, the Lord and ruler
of all. And bestow upon us all a measure of your peace.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bring healing, hope, and the light of your dear presence
to everyone who sits in the darkness of suffering, shame, or sorrow. Especially
we plead on behalf of: {List}. Let them, and all who care for them, say with
confident joy: The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear?!

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord, you are the imperishable light, even in the
darkness of death, for all who cling to you. We entrust our beloved dead to
you, and we commend our lives to you as well. Be the lamp to our feet and light
to our path throughout our earthly pilgrimage. For the sake of your dear Son,
lead us, and all whom you are pleased to redeem, into your bright courts of
heaven, and into your endless day.

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.

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

Thank you, Father, for granting such faith to Peter that he could
boldly confess your Son as the Christ. Thank you for promising that the gates
of hell cannot withstand the gracious battering-ram of your faith-filled
Church. Thank you for the forgiveness of sin that the Church pronounces in
Jesus’ name and at his command.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord, cause your Church to boldly confess Jesus as your Son, the Savior
and Messiah of the world. Teach it to
properly discern sin – and to faithfully preach repentance from it. Strengthen
it to generously forgive the repentant sinner, and to be pastoral in
withholding forgiveness from the persistently unrepentant. Use the Church to be
the means by which Jesus draws new disciples to himself and shapes them into
his likeness.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make disciples of everyone in
this congregation. Give us willing and trust-filled hearts. Help us to use our
spiritual gifts to glorify you and build up our community of faith. Make us
bold to tell others, “This is the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless the Church wherever it is persecuted on account of Jesus. By its
patient witness, turn its enemies from hatred to repentance. For missionaries
throughout the world, for our seminaries, church colleges, and schools, and for
all who seek to proclaim the Gospel in word and deed, we also lift our hands,
hearts and voices in fervent supplication.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

This weekend, we celebrate the confession of St.
Peter, and commemorate the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Thank you
for this double witness. Teach us to value one another not based on race,
creed, or gender, but because you have created all people in your image, and
have given your Son as the sacrifice for all our sin. By your Holy Spirit, make
the content of our character reflect your will, so that we treat each other
with respect, justice, and charity.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Enlighten the minds and purify the hearts of those who
take counsel for the nations. Turn them away from the false gods of power,
prestige, and ideology; and teach them your ways. Heal the divisions that beset
our country. Bestow your favor upon it, so that it may always be a beacon of
righteousness, justice and freedom for all.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Stoop down, O Lord, and hear the cry of all who are
afflicted by any kind of suffering or sorrow – especially: {List}. Lift them
out of their desolation; make their footing sure; and put a new song into their
mouths. Restore them to all who love them, that together we may proclaim your
faithfulness and deliverance.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Most gracious Father, we thank you for your faithful
servants who have died to us but whose lives are safely in your hand. Sustain
us with that same strong and merciful hand. Equip us with every spiritual gift
we need to trust and follow Jesus; and to bear the light of his forgiveness and
goodness to everyone around us. And, sustained in fellowship with Christ Jesus,
may we be found guiltless on that day when he is revealed to the world; and
made fit to dwell with him in the glory he shares with you and the Holy Spirit
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.

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

Thank you, Father, for Jesus. Thank you for making him our doorway into
your heart. Thank you for making him your dear Lamb, the sacrifice for our sin.
Thank you for making him the light of the world, and of our lives.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord, cause your Church to always preach as John the Baptist did,
constantly pointing to Jesus and proclaiming, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes
away the sin of the world.” Prune
away every program or teaching that does not serve that end. Use the Church to
be the means by which Jesus draws new disciples to himself, and shapes them
into his likeness.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make disciples of everyone in
this congregation. Give us willing and trust-filled hearts. Help us to use our
spiritual gifts to glorify you and build up our community of faith. Make us
bold to tell others, “We have found him of whom the Scriptures speak; come and
see that this is the Son of God who takes away the sins of the world!”

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless the Church wherever it is persecuted on account of Jesus. By its
patient witness, turn its enemies from hatred to repentance. For missionaries
throughout the world, for our seminaries, church colleges, and schools, and for
all who seek to proclaim the Gospel in word and deed, we also lift our hands,
hearts and voices in fervent supplication.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

This weekend, we celebrate the confession of St.
Peter, and commemorate the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Thank you
for this double witness. Teach us to value one another not based on race,
creed, or gender, but because you have created all people in your image, and
have given your Son as the sacrifice for all our sin. By your Holy Spirit, make
the content of our character reflect your will, so that we treat each other
with respect, justice, and charity.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Enlighten the minds and purify the hearts of those who
take counsel for the nations. Turn them away from the false gods of power,
prestige, and ideology; and teach them your ways. Heal the divisions that beset
our country. Bestow your favor upon it, so that it may always be a beacon of
righteousness, justice and freedom for all.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Stoop down, O Lord, and hear the cry of all who are
afflicted by any kind of suffering or sorrow – especially: {List}. Lift them
out of their desolation; make their footing sure; and put a new song into their
mouths. Restore them to all who love them, that together we may proclaim your
faithfulness and deliverance.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Most gracious Father, we thank you for your faithful
servants who have died to us but whose lives are safely in your hand. Sustain
us with that same strong and merciful hand. Equip us with every spiritual gift
we need to trust and follow Jesus; and to bear the light of his forgiveness and
goodness to everyone around us. And, sustained in fellowship with Christ Jesus,
may we be found guiltless on that day when he is revealed to the world; and
made fit to dwell with him in the glory he shares with you and the Holy Spirit
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.

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.

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

Heavenly
Father, thank you for the Light of the World, your dear Son Jesus! Thank you
that in him, you reveal your mercy and loving-kindness to all people. Thank you
that in him, you reveal yourself as Lord and God of every kindred, nation, and
tribe, until the world ends and Christ is all in all.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make your Church a faithful steward of the
mysteries of Christ. Raise up faithful pastors and teachers of your Word and
holy Sacraments. May the Church’s worship, fellowship, and acts of charity be
as frankincense, gold, and myrrh offered to her infant Redeemer.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make this congregation a place
where even sinners, strangers, and Gentiles encounter the living Christ. Shape
us into “magi” who eagerly seek, study, and worship Jesus. And send us home “by a different way” – as his
disciples and his sisters and brothers.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

As you guarded the magi from Herod’s malice, we pray that
you would protect and bless your Church wherever it suffers from the malice of
persecutors or the scorn of its despisers.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray on behalf of scholars and teachers;
scientists and philosophers; and especially seminary professors and students. Increase their numbers and
their zeal for seeking your truth! Give them grace to adore you, the source of
truth and wisdom. And give them generous hearts, to freely share their wisdom, knowledge, curiosity, and faith.

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.

We lift before you the men and women in the armed
forces, and those are police, first responders, and others charged with
protecting life and liberty. Grant them such integrity and courage that those
whose lives are most in danger may call on them with confidence. Bring them
safely home to their loved ones; and heal those who are wounded in body, mind
or soul.  

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bring the light of Christ to everyone who dwells in the
shadows of suffering, sin or sorrow, especially those we lift before you now,
including: {list}. Give competence, compassion, and patience to everyone
charged with their care; and grant health and hope according to your merciful
wisdom.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

We thank you for the lives of all your faithful servants
who through word and example have been stewards of your Gospel. Give to us
wisdom and devotion, so that we seek your will throughout our earthly life; and
give us the strength and the means to do it. And, in your good time, lead us
“by another way” to the eternal home and inheritance you have prepared for all
who are redeemed by your beloved Son. For there, we will adore your glorious
wisdom and delight in your merciful love in the power of your Holy Spirit
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.

“Now concerning the things about which you wrote, it is good for a man not to touch a woman.  But because of immoralities, each man is to have his own wife, and each woman is to have her own husband” (1 Corinthians 7:1-2).

This is not a law, although some
make it so.  It is a principle of looking
at your behavior and what motivates you to sin. 
The real issue is in seeing things from God’s perspective and then
allowing that insight to govern how you behave. 
What immoralities do you struggle with? 
Are you on guard to make sure what you struggle with does not rule what
you do or how you do it?

Lord, You know where I have issues in my life and you allow them to
remain for a purpose.  Guide me to have
eyes that see and a willing spirit that will work, as You lead, to understand
how there are things in my life that govern how and why I behave the way I
do.  Lead me, O Lord, in the way of life
that I might continue on the path of becoming like Jesus.  Guide me in the way I should go.

Lord Jesus, You know all that is
needed.  You came to fulfil the law and
we need add no others.  Guide me away
from legalism and into a life of faith. 
Lead me to live according to Your Word and no other.  Help me see even amidst these words of
Scripture the truths You have revealed once for all.  Guide me, Lord Jesus, in the salvation You
have prepared that I might walk in Your salvation.  Amen.

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who
is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?  For you have been bought with a price:
therefore glorify God in your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

If you are walking with the
Lord, do you not know that the Holy Spirit is in you?  Why do you grieve the Spirit as if you are
walking on your own?  Do not be afraid,
but walk knowing that you never walk alone. 
Be guided by the Holy Spirit which is in you that you may learn how to
walk as Jesus walked.  The Lord is
Sovereign and He will be Sovereign in eternity. 
Live knowing you have been redeemed.

Holy Spirit, You have come that all who walk in Your presence would
grow in the Christ-life.  Take away those
hindrances that cause me to walk by my own power that I might walk instead by
Your leading.  Teach me what is good and
profitable and what hinders my faithful walk by Your leading.  You have created all things for a
purpose.  Teach me from Your inspired
word the purpose for all things.

Lord Jesus, You have given us the example of how to live.  Let me not see these things in a trivial way, nor dismiss them, but live seeking to be like You.  Guide me, O Lord, in the way of truth that I would now and forever abide in Your goodness, mercy and salvation.  Lead me to be faithful in small things so that I may learn how to be faithful in big things.  Lead me today, Jesus, where I need to go.  Amen.