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THE PRAYERS, 

2nd Sunday after Christmas, Cycle B (January 3, 2021)

 

With joy and gratitude for the gift of Christ our Savior, let us draw near to God the Father, praying on behalf of the Church, the world, and all who need his loving-kindness.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, thank you for Jesus. Thank you for your love, made flesh in his flesh. Thank you for the glorious inheritance you have prepared for all who love him.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Transform your Church into a Temple worthy of your Son. Fill bishops, pastors, theologians and deacons with wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear of the Lord, that all may have joy in your presence. Draw many through its doors to meet Jesus their Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Grant to all Christians who are persecuted a foretaste of the glorious inheritance you have stored up for them in Christ. Fill them with wisdom and faith. Let them confound and convert their tormentors. Give us grace to provide for their needs and speak in their defense.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Give the people of this congregation wisdom, faithfulness, kindness, generosity and joy. Fashion this church into a temple that is lovely with the light of Christ. Make us true sisters and brothers to our elder Brother, Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 

We pray for all theologians and instructors in the faith – especially those who teach future pastors. Give them hearts centered in Christ; minds that delight in your commands; mouths that speak faithful words of your Law and Gospel; and souls that are pure and holy as they guide and shape those whom you call to be your servants.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make the world’s leaders desire wisdom. Equip them to seek the good of the people entrusted to their care. Teach them to fear and love you above all earthly power or riches. Bestow upon this death-shadowed a foretaste of your eternal life and peace. Grant that this New Year may bring hope, prosperity, health and concord to all.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 

We plead on behalf of all whose lives are clouded by sorrow or shadowed by suffering – especially: {List}. Bring them healing and hope. Help us to ease the burdens of those who care for loved ones day in and day out. And bless with compassion and competence all who practice the healing arts.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Dear Father, thank you for the gift of your Son, and for the salvation you give to all who call upon his Name. We entrust our beloved dead into your care. Shed the light of your love upon those who grieve. Bestow your Spirit upon all of us in this New Year. Renew us in faith, strengthen us for service, and unite us in bonds of concord and charity. Lead us, and all whom you have redeemed, into the bright courts of heaven, and into your endless day.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 

Into your hands, merciful Father, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.