Prayers of the Church, 5^th Sunday of Easter, Cycle A (May 10, 2020)

Let us pray to our risen Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Thank you, Jesus, for being the Way to your Father’s house, the Truth that sets us free, and the Life which raises us out of sin and death. We bless and adore you for being, above all, the Love that will never let us go. Give us grace to share your love with everyone we meet, especially those who have lost their way, strayed from the truth, and are haunted by death.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make the whole Church on earth into your house of living stones: holy, precious, your prized possession and beloved Body. Cause its words and deeds to proclaim the excellence of your salvation. Use it to call many people out of darkness into your marvelous light.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Like Stephen, there are many even today who are persecuted and tortured for proclaiming you as Lord. Give them the grace and strength that you gave Stephen: to fearlessly speak your truth in love; to forgive and pray for their enemies; and to remain faithful to the end.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord, we want to be your disciples, but are dismayed at the prospect of ridicule, rejection, or persecution. Give us grace to be like Stephen, always praying for others to repent and believe in you. Let us always build up faith in you alone, our Head and Cornerstone.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We thank you for calling to your service everyone in this congregation who supports the ministry of Word and Sacrament through their faithful work. Fill them with your Holy Spirit; prosper all they do to further the proclamation of the Gospel and the care of your people; and give them joy in serving you and your people.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You care tenderly for your people, especially the littlest who are laid in your arms. We therefore ask your blessing upon mothers, foster mothers, and all who act with a mother’s love. Give them your own patience, steadfastness, tenderness and wisdom. Share your deep gentleness and strong love as they care for their children.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Remind the rulers of the nations that you alone are King of the nations. Humble them. Teach them to use the authority and power you give them: to care for the poor and needy, the widows and orphans, the imprisoned and oppressed, the hungry, blind, and homeless. Make us all beautiful with your righteousness and compassion; and frustrate the way of the wicked.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Guide, protect, and strengthen all who defend life and liberty here and abroad. Prosper all their works that make for safety and justice. When they are wounded, bring healing, hope, and peace to them and to their loved ones. When their task is done, bring them home in honor, and help us to benefit from their knowledge, skills and experience.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless, heal, comfort and sustain everyone who cries out to you for help – especially: {List}. With the Psalmist, cause them to say, “Happy are they who have the God of Jacob for their help; whose hope is in the LORD their God; who keeps his promise forever.”

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, we hear your promise at funerals: “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”  Therefore we entrust into your keeping our beloved dead. Give us grace to believe your promise; to grow in holiness; and to encourage, correct, serve and support one another throughout our earthly life. Be for us, and for all whom you love, the Way to your Father’s house; the Truth which sets us free from bondage to sin, evil and death; and the Life which eternally transforms us into your likeness.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We praise and magnify you, dear Jesus. Accept our prayers and lay them at the feet of your Father, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns gloriously as our Lord and our God, now and forever. Amen.

“Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part”(1 Corinthians 13:8-9).

The Apostle John wrote that God is love. To never fail means infallible.  God is both. We should understand that the ability to never fail and perfectly love is something only God can do. This is who He is, what He does, and what He offers to us. We only know partially, but He will give to us the ability in spite of our inability. Come then into the One who loves perfectly and abide in Him.

Lord, help me see that my abilities are limited and only unlimited in You. Guide me according to Your goodness to see that You will lead me in the way of love doing what needs to be done and as it needs doing. Help me to not rely upon myself, but to see that You are the One who will lift me up. May my eyes see ever more clearly as I live this life You have given me.

Lord Jesus, You are love incarnate. You have come that we may have life and have it abundantly.  Lead me, Lord, in the way of life that I would abide in You and with You, as the One who is my salvation. May I now and always look to You as the One who will teach me all things.  May I faithfully receive any action, gift, or direction You may give to accomplish all that the Father desires. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, 4^th Sunday of Easter, Cycle A (May 3, 2020)

Let us pray to our risen Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Thank you, Jesus, for being our Good Shepherd – even though we balk at being compared to sheep! Thank you for giving us abundant life, even as we walk through death-shadowed valleys.  Thank you for knowing us by name, even though we sometimes forget yours. Claim us and guide us every day, in spite of ourselves, until we are safely in your house forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You are the Good Shepherd. Defend the Church from peril, provide for its needs, and lead it in paths of righteousness. Through its ministry, lead many to hear your voice and follow you.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You are the Faithful Shepherd for your people who are set upon by wolves and persecutors. Protect, guide, and bless them. Give them such grace under pressure that their enemies’ hearts may repent of evil deeds.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You call your sheep by name. Bless the work of theologians and seminary professors. Help them to identify and train faithful “holy sheepdogs,” called by you to help tend your beloved flock.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You are the Good Shepherd of this congregation. Lead us with your Word. Prepare our table with your Body and Blood. Teach us to do your will with glad and faithful hearts. And use us to lead many into your safe keeping.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lead our children, especially teenagers, in paths of righteousness and holiness. Defend them from every enemy that tempts them to stray from your side. Channel their energy, idealism and curiosity into ventures that glorify you and lift up others.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You are the Gate of your sheep. Protect the people of every nation from false shepherds; from rulers who care nothing for their welfare; and from all the threatening dangers of this world. Bring peace in places of violence; rich pasture in places of poverty; and true righteousness in places of injustice.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You are the Rod and Staff of all who stand in harm’s way on behalf of others. Guide, protect, and strengthen them. Prosper all their works that make for peace, safety and justice; shelter and strengthen their loved ones; and bring them home safely and soon.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You are Shepherd who leads us through dark valleys shadowed by suffering. Be the strong Guide and sure comfort of all who call upon you, especially: {List}. Fill them with your abundant life; keep them steadfast in faith; and strengthen and bless all who care for them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, you prepare a table for us in the presence of our last enemy, death itself. Thank you for leading home all who listened to your voice in their earthly life. Be our Good Shepherd, too. Teach us to hear your voice, nourish us at your Table, and defend us from our great Enemy. Fix our eyes upon your Cross, and lead us through the valley of death’s dread shadows. Bring us into your Father’s house, where with all whom you claim as your dear flock, we shall receive the abundant life which you share with your Father and the Holy Spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We praise and magnify you, dear Jesus. Accept our prayers and lay them at the feet of your Father, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns gloriously as our Lord and our God, now and forever. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, 3^rd Sunday of Easter, Cycle A (April 26, 2020)

Let us pray to our risen Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Thank you, Jesus, for walking with us on our Emmaus roads. Thank you for speaking, not over our heads or with overwhelming displays of majesty, but with clear words that bring Holy Scripture to fruitful life in our hearts. Thank you for making yourself known to us in the breaking of the bread. Thank you for your patient kindness when we are sad and bewildered.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You ransom and purify your Church with your own precious blood. Grant that the Church should constantly glorify you, live in glad obedience to you, and preach your Gospel to all.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Hear the cries of those who are persecuted on account of you, and rescue them from suffering and sorrow. By their humble trust in you, cause the hearts of their tormentors to be cut to the quick, that they may turn to you and be saved.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Grant that the teachings and testimony of missionaries, seminary professors and students, and theologians of the Church, cause many hearts to burn with repentance, faith, and joy. Prosper the words and works all who walk in paths of discipleship, to your glory and for the building up of your people.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless this congregation with your dear presence. Cause our hearts to burn within us as we hear your Word. Come to us in the breaking of the bread at your holy Table. Kindle sincere affection and love between us all. And make us eager and tireless in telling our family, friends and neighbors about your love for them, which has triumphed over sin and death.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Be the companion, comfort, and sure defense of everyone who is far from home and family. Some are working.  Give them satisfaction and fair wages for their labor. Some serve in the military, or stand in harm’s way in times of danger and disaster. Fix their hearts firmly upon doing your Father’s will. Some are exiled, or flee abuse or terror. Grant them mercy, safety, and hope. Some are imprisoned. Give them repentant hearts and transformed characters. Some are in hospitals, nursing homes, hospices, or rehab. Bless them with healing according to your merciful will. By your grace, grant that they all may find a true and eternal home with you.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Heal the suspicions, cruelty, and self-centeredness which afflict this “crooked generation” – the people and leaders of every nation. Teach us reverent obedience to your Father, who judges impartially according to our deeds. Cut our hearts to the quick when we see hurts and injustices visited upon our neighbors. Give us strength to help however we can; and make all of us slow to condemn and swift to show mercy.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We plead on behalf of all who suffer in body, mind, heart or spirit – especially: {List}. Rescue their lives from death, their eyes from tears, and their feet from stumbling. Be gracious and compassionate to them, so that they may walk again in the land of the living, and praise your steadfast love towards them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

With gratitude and affection, we remember your servants whose death is precious in your sight. Stay with us who still walk the long Emmaus roads of this earthly life, for we, too, are your servants, whom you have redeemed. Bestow the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit upon us. Deliver us from the bonds of sin and sorrow; and teach us to love each other. Lead us, dear Jesus, into your Father’s house. There, with everyone whom you have delivered from death, we will lift your Cup of salvation; eat your Bread of Life; behold you face to face; and adore you in the power of the Spirit forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We praise and magnify you, dear Jesus. Accept our prayers and lay them at the feet of your Father, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns gloriously as our Lord and our God, now and forever. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, 2^nd Sunday of Easter, Cycle A (April 19, 2020)

Let us pray to our risen Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Dear Lord Jesus, when news seems too good to be true, we hesitate to lose our hearts to it. We’re afraid we might be losing our minds, too! Like Thomas, we want proof before we commit. Forgive our fears, strengthen our faith, and remind us, again and again, that your Good News is too good not to be true.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Breathe your Holy Spirit upon the Church, and fill it with your peace. Test and purify the Church, so that you are constantly praised, honored and glorified in all it says and does. Use it to bring many to a sure and joyful faith in you, the Author of salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Breathe your Holy Spirit upon Christians who are persecuted for naming you as Lord, so that they act and speak in ways that glorify you. Soften the hearts of their enemies. Give them the faith of the apostles, who rejoiced that they were considered worthy to suffer dishonor on account of your holy Name.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless this congregation with the imperishable inheritance that you have won for all who trust in you. Make our faith genuine and our worship joyful. Increase our love for you and for one another. Let our words be gracious and our deeds be generous. In all things, may our lives be filled with your holy love.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Show yourself in mercy, forgiveness, and power to those who doubt, disbelieve, or have become disillusioned about the Gospel of truth. Give to each of us a gentle and encouraging spirit, that we lead them closer to you. Give us simple, faithful words and loving, holy lives. Give us grace so that we do not become stumbling-blocks in their journey from disbelief to saving faith in you, their Lord and their God.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Your glory is proclaimed in the heavens and throughout the universe, Lord Jesus. Cause this world, so broken and wounded by sin, suffering and sorrow, to also praise you. Turn every heart, especially of the rulers of the nations, to seek your will. Bestow the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, so that we might accomplish it.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Give wings to the words of your missionaries, and bless and guide the teachings of all within our seminaries, colleges, and schools. Help them to speak and to live the Good News of Jesus’ resurrection with confidence and charity.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We lift before you everyone who has been grieved by various trials to body, mind, heart or spirit, including: {List}. Lead them safely through their suffering and restore them to life, hope and love. And though they do not now see you, give them grace to rejoice in your saving love for them, with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O risen Savior, we entrust into your care our beloved dead. Comfort all whose grief runs deep. Fill our hearts with hope, joy, and unshakable confidence in the precious inheritance you have stored up for all who trust in you. Breathe your Holy Spirit on us, so that we may forgive one another and live together in your peace. Bring us into your presence, where we may gaze upon your glory and goodness, and may forever adore you, our Lord and our God.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We praise and magnify you, dear Jesus. Accept our prayers and lay them at the feet of your Father, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns gloriously as our Lord and our God, now and forever. Amen.

“Does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:5-7).

Lord, You have endured the foolish doubts of every generation.  I am unable to imagine how You do it.  Yet, You have done so for my sake and for the sake of those around me.  Lead me, O Lord, that I may walk humbly with You and learn how to love.  Guide me to be appropriate in Your love and to rejoice in all that You are doing.  Help me to believe, hope, and endure.

This world is filled with constant noise and feelings which are lifted up as love.  They are, at best, a pale reflection of the truth.  You alone know all things and You are love, O Lord.  Take away the foolish notions of this generation and replace it with the truth of Your love.  Lead Your faithful to come into Your presence with joy and thanksgiving.

Lord Jesus, You suffered for my sake and of us all.  Lead me, O Lord, in the way of truth that I would walk humbly with You and learn how to fulfill the law of love.  Guide me today and every day to put into practice what You are teaching me.  Help me to learn to love as You love that I may be ready to be in the Father’s presence forever.  Help me to endure all things for the overwhelming glory of Your love.  Amen.

“And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.  Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant (1 Corinthians 13:3-4).

What are you trying to prove to God?  The One who made everything and knows everything can having nothing proved to Him.  Yet, we tend to think in terms of doing something in the presence of the One who needs nothing done for Him.  Stop trying to prove anything and live in the presence of the One who calls you to Himself.  Live in His presence and with Him in the love which is His gift to you.

Lord, I dance around, moving hither and yon and get nowhere.  Help me to stop in front of the cross as the beginning place to see the truth of Your love.  Guide me according to Your will, for You are the One who made all things, that I may simply live as You have created me to live.  Renew my mind and let it be filled with Your mind.  Teach me to be kind and not jealous; content and not arrogant.

Lord Jesus, in great love, You have come to us all for the sake of our being completed in You.  Lead me, O Lord, in the way of truth that I may walk humbly with You and learn to love as You love.  Guide me, O Lord, that I may be led.  Humble me, Lord, that I may be truthful.  Teach me, Lord, that I may know.  Help me understand that in You I already have all things and apart from You I have nothing.  Amen.

“If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.  If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:1-2).

Loving is not just how you feel, but who you are in the Lord.  All true love comes from the Lord and it is He who must teach us how to love as He loves.  He loves us enough to lay down His life that we might live.  It is not just a matter of what you do, or are able to do, but of whom the Lord is making you to be.  Come then into the presence of the Lord and learn His love and abide in Him.

Lord, this world is filled with wicked notions about the idea of love, most of which are about being self-absorbed and self-consumed.  Lead me, O Lord, in the way of truth that I might learn from You what love really is.  Guide me along Your paths and for Your sake that I might now and always walk according to Your will.  Teach me to go beyond myself and live according to what You will make of me.

Lord Jesus, love incarnate, guide me in the path of love that I would now and always look to You to understand what love truly is.  Teach me today and everyday to move beyond myself and learn from You, for You are gentle and humble and love each of us equally and fully.  Help me to look to You and beyond all of the garbage that is working in this world.  May I learn from You true love.  Amen.

“All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? All are not teachers, are they? All are not workers of miracles, are they?  All do not have gifts of healings, do they? All do not speak with tongues, do they? All do not interpret, do they?  But earnestly desire the greater gifts” (1 Corinthians 12:29-31).

The world puts pressure on us both to conform and to insist that everyone can be great.  The Lord grants to each according to His measure that He determines for the sake of all.  The Lord is building up His body and for the sake of His church, each has their part.  Do not reject what the Lord is doing, but live into that part which He gives You knowing that in Him alone is all hope.

Lord, I do need to be taught and You have appointed teachers who will teach me.  I do need those who will serve with abilities You give that I do not have.  Lead me to live into my part, for there are those who need what You will do through me.  Guide me, Lord, in the way of life that I may grow into the likeness of Christ, and according to Your goodness, do Your will.

Lord Jesus, You have taught us to come to the Father for all things.  You have taught us that we are dependent upon You to be able to do what is right.  Lead me, Lord, in the way of righteousness that I would be guided by You alone to do what is good.  Help me to receive and to give, knowing that You are the author and finisher of faith for all those who believe in the truth of Your grace.  Amen.

“Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues” (1 Corinthians 12:27-28).

There is order in the body of Christ. Each has a position and there should always be mutual respect. In our contemporary culture, we tend to think in terms of equality. In the kingdom, God levels the field by grace, but there is an order of things, so we ought not be worldly, but recognize that there is one Lord of all, and He appoints to positions of authority those whom He appoints.

Lord, this world loves to have its tyrants. Let me neither be one, nor uphold one. Yet, there is a place for position and authority. Help me to have a godly balance that I would not tear down, but lift up and acknowledge my position in Your body. Help me to use those gifts and abilities that You grant by grace that I would live into the life to which You have called me. Help me learn to always be faithful.

Lord Jesus, You have taught us that equality with God is not something to be grasped. You came humbly and demonstrated obedience as a Son to the Father. Teach me both to lead and to follow. Help me in all things to be faithful to the call You give and to obey, even when You are going to have me do something the world says is impossible. In all things, may I look to You. Amen.