2^nd Sunday after Epiphany, Proper 1, Cycle B (January 17, 2021)

 

1 Samuel 3:1-20 (the call of Samuel to be a prophet)

Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 (I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

you knew me in the womb)

 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 (the body made for the Lord; you are a temple

for the Holy Spirit)

John 1:43-51 (Jesus calls Philip and Nathaniel)

 

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

With gratitude for the gift of Christ, let us draw near to our heavenly Father in prayer, asking his mercy for the Church, the world, and all who need his loving-kindness.

A brief silence

 

Heavenly Father, thank you for being so patient with us! Thank you for calling us to be your disciples and prophets, teachers and pastors, servants and saints and even fools for Christ. Thank you for using simple words to reveal profound truth. Help us to do the same as we share your Word with those who don’t know you well.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You called Samuel to be your prophet; and your Son called Philip and Nathaniel to be his disciples. Fill the Church with your Holy Spirit, so that hears and heeds Jesus’ call to follow him. Give it preachers, professors, and people who are faithful to your Word.  Through their words and deeds, draw many to trust in Him who is the salvation of the whole world.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Purify and perfect all who suffer on account of Christ. Lead them in your everlasting way. By their faithful witness, turn the hearts of their tormentor to repentant faith in you.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless this congregation as we seek to do your will. Keep us steadfast in faith.  Conform us to Christ our Lord. Use us to bring the Gospel to those who need to hear it most.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We remember with gratitude the life, words, and work of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Thank you for raising him up as your servant. Help us to honor him, and to glorify you, by finding good and gracious ways to extend the blessings of liberty, justice, and equality to all people.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You know the inmost thoughts of all; none can flee your presence. Shine the light of your wisdom into the hearts of earthly leaders. Teach them your ways; take all wickedness from them; and use them to establish your will among all people. Help us to live in peace with our neighbors, striving always to outdo one another in showing honor, kindness, justice, and mercy.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 

We pray for medical researchers, and for all who are stretched thin caring for the sick, administering vaccines, and helping to keep businesses, churches, schools, and communities open and safe. Strengthen, guide, and bless them. Give us prudence and patience, forbearance and kindness, in these trying times and always.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Send the power of your Holy Spirit into the hearts of all who suffer, especially {List}. Fill them with health and hope; bless all who minister to them; and let the radiance of your Son’s love gladden their hearts.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Most merciful Father, we thank you for the lives of your servants who followed you in this life and now abide in your presence. Grant that we, too, heed your gracious invitation, given through your dear Son. Make us into living temples of your Spirit. Lead us into your presence with Samuel and all the faithful people of Israel; with Nathaniel and Philip and all the apostles, martyrs, and saints of your Church. Grant that, with them, we rejoice forever in the salvation you have accomplished for us in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 

Graciously hear, and generously answer our prayers and petitions, dear Father, as may be best for us and to your greater glory, thorough your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Baptism of Our Lord, Cycle B (January 10, 2021)

 

Genesis 1:1-5 (God creates light)

Psalm 29 (the voice of the Lord upon the waters)

Acts 19:1-7 (baptism in name of Jesus);

Mark 1:4-11 (the Baptism of Jesus)

 

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

With gratitude for the gift of Christ, let us draw near to our heavenly Father in prayer, asking his mercy for the Church, the world, and all who need his loving-kindness.

A brief silence

 

Most holy God, give us ears to hear your voice thundering amid the floodwaters of this world. Give us lips to cry “Glory!” Give us hearts to love you above all things. Give us faith to trust you in all things.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Fill the Church with your glory. Make it faithful in proclaiming your promise of salvation to those who do not know you. Let it rejoice when many repent, believe, and are joined to the Body of Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Guide, guard and bless your persecuted servants throughout the world. Let your Word be found upon their lips and in their hearts. By their faithful witness, lead even their enemies to the light of your salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Let your Word thunder in this congregation. Unlock our lips to cry “Glory” and proclaim your holy Name in word and deed. Conform our lives to the image of Christ. Let the light of his holy and forgiving love shine brightly in all we say and do.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Pour your Spirit upon those who waver between doubt and faith, despair and hope, rebellion and repentance. Nudge them to take the next small step of faith, even if it feels like a giant leap. Help us to walk with them along that path.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Let your Word shape the minds, hearts and wills of our elected and appointed leaders. Fill all of us with your Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear of you, and joy in your presence. Banish those things which lead to hatred and suffering. Speak your Word of peace to us all.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 

Be the shield, light and safety of all who risk their lives for the sake of others. Give them such integrity and strength of character that the innocent and defenseless may always look to them for help. When their work is done, bring them home in safety to their loved ones.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Let your living Word bring health, wholeness and hope to all who suffer, especially: {LIST}. Bless all who minister to them; and let the radiance of your Son’s love gladden their hearts.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We thank you, heavenly Father, for your powerful voice that splits open the tombs of your servants, and calls them out of death into eternal life. Give comfort and strength to all who grieve. Protect and guide for each of us, until we join those who continually cry “Glory” in your blessed presence, and dwell with you in the splendor of eternal light and life that you share with your Son and the Holy Spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 

Graciously hear, and generously answer our prayers and petitions, dear Father, as may be best for us and to your greater glory, thorough your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him” (Ephesians 1:3-4).

There are some things you should not try to figure out.  You have been chosen by God.  He who knew you before the foundation of the world determined that you would be conformed to the image of Christ.  Do not spend your time pondering why, but spend your time and energy being conformed according to the purpose of the Father.  He Who knows all things, has already put before you all that is needed for your faith to flourish.

Lord, help me focus upon those things which are of benefit in my faith.  Guide me to spend my time and energy where You would have me spend them.  Guide me in all things so that I would not try so much to understand all things as to understand that You who are the Maker of all things.  Lead me along the right paths for Your sake and keep me close to You on the narrow path of salvation.

Lord Jesus, You have come and accomplished all that needs to be done in order that we who have faith might flourish in the truth You have revealed.  Lead me this day Lord so that I may focus upon those tasks You have given me to do and walk according to Your never-changing word.  Help me see through the confusion of this age and learn how to be obedient in and through all things.  Amen.