Prayers of the Church, 5th Sunday after Pentecost – July 5, 2020
Let us lift our hearts, hands, and voices in prayer to God on behalf of all people.
A brief silence is kept.
Dear Father, thank you for Jesus, our friend and yokefellow. Thank you for soul’s refreshment and heart’s ease; for mind’s nourishment and body’s rest. Thank you for faith, family, and freedom; for liberty and justice; for the countless blessings we so often take for granted.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Grant that your Church should always be as gentle and lowly of heart as its Savior. Use it to draw people who are heavy-laden by the world, the devil, and their own sinfulness, to the One who will give them rest. Let the Church’s high calling – of faith toward you and fervent love toward others – be a light and joyous burden to bear.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Give refreshment, rest, and respite to your suffering Church throughout the world. Help us, who are richly supplied with your good gifts, to share generously with them; to pray for them; and to speak and act on their behalf before their tormentors.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Thank you for the people of this congregation. Help us to see one another with the eyes of Jesus. Some are carrying heavy burdens, known only to them and to you. Ease their load; and give each of us such gentle hearts and words that we, too, refresh their spirits. Shape all our words and works, so that many may find encouragement, forgiveness, hope, and renewed joy in loving and serving you.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Thank you for this beautiful world, over which you have set us as your stewards. Give us a double measure of your Holy Spirit, so that we may be wise, responsible, and compassionate as we tend the land and its creatures. Help us to enjoy the loveliness of creation, finding in it refreshment for our souls and relaxation for our bodies.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Bless, purify, and guide this nation. Let the words of the song be our prayer on its behalf. “America, America, God mend thine every flaw; confirm thy soul in self-control, thy liberty in law!” Grant to the people of every nation favorable weather, peaceful times, and respite from the burdens of sickness, poverty, and violence. Teach us all to eagerly seek and share your mercy, guidance, and blessings.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Ease the heavy burdens borne by all who risk their lives to keep us healthy, safe, just, and free.
Grant success to all they do in accordance with your will. Heal those wounded in body, mind, or spirit. Comfort and strengthen their loved ones. May their service be honored and their skills re-purposed when their duties are finished.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Give rest and refreshment, respite and healing to everyone who are weighed down by sin, sorrow, or suffering. Especially we pray for: {List}. Ease also the heavy load of care and worry that their loved ones shoulder; and give to us all the joy of your saving help.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Thank you, dear Father, for the life, love, and labor of your faithful departed servants. Until we are reunited with them and with your children of every time and place, bless us with your steadfast mercy and loving-kindness. Yoked to our Savior, and guided by his Spirit, let us help one another in bearing the necessary burdens of this life. Lead us into the eternal rest and unending joy which you have promised to everyone whom you have redeemed through the merits of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Receive and graciously answer our prayer, heavenly Father, for the sake of your dear Son; and by the power of your Holy Spirit, give us the strength and will to accomplish whatever you call us to do. Amen.
