Prayers of the Church, 2nd Sunday in Lent (March 8, 2020)
Let us lift our hearts and voices to the Lord in prayer, that he would be merciful to his people.
A brief silence
Dearest heavenly Father, we know the “Gospel in miniature” by heart. Thank you for its truth. You so loved the world! You gave your only Son! We may have everlasting life, not death! We praise and adore you for your love. By your Spirit, let every thought, word, and action reflect that love – to you, and to people who don’t yet know your love or believe your Word.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Let the wind of your Spirit blow through your Church. Use it impart your divine life and holy love to all who will receive them. Grant new and heavenly life to congregations wounded and dying from the assaults of the world, the devil, and their own sinful selves. Make them into “wounded healers,” able to draw broken and sinful people to Jesus, their Life and true Love.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Keep watch over our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world when they cry to you for help. Preserve them from every evil; and grant repentance, forgiveness, and new life to their tormentors.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Nicodemus, a teacher in Israel, needed the challenge, wisdom, and words of life that only Jesus could give. Grant that all who seek to be pastors, teachers, and theologians in your Church should constantly sit at Jesus’ feet. There, let them drink in his love, wisdom, and Spirit, so they can be truth-filled teachers and trustworthy guides to everyone in their care.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Fill this congregation with the Holy Spirit, so that day by day, our hearts, minds, words and ministries are reborn as instruments of your will. Use us to bring your redeeming love to those who need it most.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Be gracious to travelers, immigrants, refugees, and all who have left their homes by choice or necessity. Give them safety and refreshment, hopefulness and faith upon their way. Set before their eyes the example of Abram and Sarai, so that their journey is sheltered by your watchful presence and finds its end in your loving embrace.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Give teachable minds and humble hearts to the leaders of nations, especially our own. Help them prefer integrity and wisdom to the allure of power or popularity. Make them watchful and protective toward those entrusted to their care. Guide them in paths of justice and righteousness, so that they may also guide their citizens in those paths.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Be the guard, guide and shield of those in our military, and to first responders. Do not let their foot be moved; deliver them from evil; and use their labors to bring safety and aid. Restore them to their loved ones when their task is done. Grant honor to the fallen, healing to the wounded; and peace to all.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Watch over everyone who endures pain, sorrow, fear, doubt, loneliness or despair, especially: {List}. Be that blessed shade and shelter from all that afflicts them; give hope to their hearts, health to their bodies, calm confidence to their minds; and unshakable faith to their souls.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father, thank you for fulfilling your promise of eternal life to all who have died trusting in you. Keep us steadfast in the faith you granted to Abraham and Sarah; to Paul and all the apostles, martyrs and saints of your Church; and to all of your redeemed people from every time and place, every kindred, tribe and nation. Guide us through this “barren land;” feed us with the Bread of Heaven; be our strength and shield; and bring us safely through the Jordan into your blessed presence, where we may forever sing your praises and delight in your love forever.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Into your hands, gracious Father, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
