THE PRAYERS, 

Easter Day, The Resurrection of Our Lord, Cycle B (April 4, 2021)

Let us pray to our victorious Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people.

A brief silence

O Lord Jesus, risen gloriously from the dead, you have snatched us from the snares of the evil one: alleluia! In you, righteousness and peace kiss one another: alleluia! In you, all God’s promises have their “yes”: alleluia! In you, we shall not die but live, and declare the glory of the Lord: alleluia!

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fill your Church with the splendor of your life, light, and love. May its words and deeds proclaim: “Alleluia, Christ is Risen, He is Risen Indeed!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Impart your deathless love to Christians who suffer persecution even on this holy day. Grant them the joy of your saving help. Purge the leaven of evil from the hearts of their tormentors. Hasten the day when together they kneel before you in adoration.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Crown this congregation with unfading joy, unfailing kindness, undaunted hope, and unceasing praise. Let everyone we meet see your goodness revealed in our words and deeds.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Graciously bless the guests and visitors among us this day. Kindle the hearts of those who do not yet believe that you have conquered sin and death. Grant them faith to know that you live to bestow health and salvation upon them forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant peace among all nations. Impart wisdom, integrity, and holy fear to our leaders. Bestow joy, hope, and healing upon all people, especially those afflicted by human malice or natural catastrophe.  Bring us into right relationship with you and each other forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be the strong and righteous arm of all who stand in harm’s way on behalf of others. Make them brave, wise and good. Shield them from the forces of evil. Heal them when they fall. Fill their loved ones with confidence in your triumph over every foe.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We plead on behalf of all who are sick, wounded, abused, imprisoned, despairing, grieving or dying, and for all who crave your mercy, including: {List}. Impart your life and love to them, so they may sing the Psalmist’s words, “I shall not die but live, and declare the works of the Lord!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy and gracious Savior, thank you for redeeming all who have fallen asleep in your arms. In your mercy, wipe away the tears of all whose grief runs deep. Feed us all with a foretaste of your Kingdom feast. Take away the shroud of sin, suffering and sorrow that troubles this broken world. Give us faith to serve one another in humble gratitude for your goodness. Bring us to stand with all the redeemed and sing, “Blessing, honor, glory and might be to God and the Lamb forever! Amen! This is the feast of victory for our God! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant to us all that is in accordance with your will, dear Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

THE PRAYERS

Easter Vigil, Cycle B (April 3, 2021)

Let us pray to our victorious Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people.

A brief silence

We adore you, O Christ, and praise you for your victory over sin, death, and the devil. Cleanse our hearts and lips to acclaim you as our glorious Savior, Redeemer, and Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fill the Church with your light. Make it resplendent with holiness and charity. Let it shed the light of your love upon all who dwell in the shadows of sin and death, so with one voice we sing, “Christ is risen, Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Shatter the hateful words and evil acts of those who persecute your people. Raise up your suffering servants. Grant them courage and joy. By their faithful witness, bring their tormentors to repentance, so together they sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Feed the people of this congregation with the milk and honey of sincerity and truth. Make us lovely with your mercy and goodness. Use us to draw many into your embrace, so together we sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Clothe the newly baptized in the robes of faith and innocence. Lead them in pathways of faith toward you and fervent love toward others. Teach them always to sing: Christ is risen! Alleluia!

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let peace and righteousness kiss; let mercy and healing overflow; and let wisdom and faith abound throughout the world. Grant that all people, in every nation, come to saving knowledge of you, their Shepherd, Savior, and Lord, so with one voice they sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep safe those who risk their lives on behalf of others. Equip them with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the sandals of peace, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. Let them accomplish your will in places of danger and injustice, and sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Raise up all who sit in the shadows of pain, despair, grief, and death. Bring comfort and forgiveness to those who cry out for mercy. Bestow your reconciling grace upon all who are estranged from you and from their loved ones. Grant them and all who love them, your perfect peace, that together we may sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Lord Jesus, those who died trusting you already experience the Easter morning that knows no end. Wipe away our tears, banish our doubts, and fill us with courage and joy. Give us loving hearts, gracious words, and tireless hands to help one another along the way. Lead us through the waters of death, as if on dry ground. By your grace, let us stand with you and with all whom you have redeemed, in your Kingdom that has no end, there to sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant all that is in accordance with your will, Lord Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, 

Good Friday, Cycle B (April 2, 2021)

Let us pray for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Father, forgive, heal, strengthen, and guide your Church. Grant that it preaches, always and only, Christ crucified and raised from the dead, for the forgiveness of sins unto everlasting life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Forgive those who distort and dilute your holy Word of Law and Gospel. Fill them with a renewed love for you and for your Son who is the Way, Truth, and Life of the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Forgive those who deny the reality of sin, or who focus only on selected sins of others. Lift their eyes to the One who was bruised for their iniquities.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Forgive those who despise you and sneer at all who love you. Lead them to the foot of the Cross of Christ, that they may learn the joys of repentance and humble faith.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Forgive this congregation when we prefer anything whatsoever to your dear Son. Kindle our hearts with his holy love, so that when our neighbors see us, they more clearly see him.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Forgive our local, regional, and national church bodies when anything overshadows the proclamation of the Gospel. Keep their hearts firmly fixed on Jesus, their Master and their Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Forgive our earthly leaders when they seek their own ends, not your will. Give them teachable spirits, humble hearts, wise minds, and just and merciful actions.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Forgive our military, police, and all others who risk their lives on our behalf, when they overstep the limits of justice. Guide them in right pathways, and bring clarity and integrity to all they do.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Forgive and heal those who are sick, injured, angry, defiant, despairing, frightened, or grieving. Give them faith to look upon the One who bore their sickness and grief, and who carried their wounds and their sorrow, and upon whom was the chastisement that makes them whole.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Forgive us when we grieve as those without hope; when we think without wisdom, speak without mercy, and act without charity. Set before us the Cross of Christ, and so lead us through the temptations and sorrows of this life. By the merits of your beloved Son, cleanse, heal, restore, and raise us from the realm of sin and death, into the glorious light and endless joy of the Kingdom he has won for all whom he is pleased to redeem.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear and graciously answer our prayers as you deem best for us, dear Father, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God forever. Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, 

Maundy Thursday, Cycle B (April 1, 2021)

Let us pray for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

On this holy night, dear Father, grant us faith to cling to the forgiveness won for us by your dear Spon. Grant us hope, to cling to him in temptation, turmoil, and darkness. Give us love, to cling to him forever, adoring him as our Savior and Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the Church. Fill it with your Spirit, so that it might more perfectly love you and the people your Son came to redeem.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our persecuted sisters and brothers throughout the world. Fill them with your Spirit, so that they more perfectly bear witness to the holiness and love of Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We pray for our seminarians, theologians, pastors, and all missionaries of the Gospel. Fill them with your Spirit, so that they more perfectly proclaim Christ, and him crucified.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our congregation, its people, and its ministries. Fill us with your Spirit, so that we might more perfectly reflect the servant-love of Jesus to one another, and to our neighbors.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all who will be baptized into the death and resurrection of Christ during these holy days. Fill them with your Spirit, so that they may more perfectly follow in his footsteps.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our elected and appointed leaders, here and in all nations. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly accomplish your will for the people entrusted to their care.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all who risk their lives for the sake of others. Fill them with your Spirit, so that in places of danger, distrust, and disease, they more perfectly accomplish your will.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for everyone suffers in body, heart, or mind, especially: {List}. Fill them with your Spirit, so that they might more perfectly cling to Christ: their life and their salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, we share a foretaste of the feast you have set before all whom you have redeemed by the passion, death, and resurrection of your beloved Son. Fill us with your Spirit, so that we might more perfectly take up our Cross, follow Jesus wherever he leads, and encourage one another along life’s way. Bring us, through the merits of Christ, into your Kingdom, where with him and the Holy Spirit, you reign in the glory of heaven’s endless day.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For these things, and for whatever else is needful, dear Father, we pray in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, 

Palm/Passion Sunday, Cycle B (March 28, 2021)

Let us pray for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

 Glory be to you, Lord Jesus Christ! By your Cross and precious blood you have redeemed the whole world. Hosanna in the highest!

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You were acclaimed Son of David and Son of God by the pilgrims in Jerusalem. Fill your Church with faithfulness, boldness, and compassion. Through its witness, cause many to sing, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 You were met by people crying “Hosanna,” – Lord, save! Grant your salvation to your followers who are persecuted for naming you as Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

You accepted the praises of the crowds who worshipped in Jerusalem. Fill this congregation with such love for you that we eagerly worship you, humbly do your will, and lovingly serve our neighbor in your name.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You were greeted with sweet Hosannas by little children.  We pray for our little ones, and for children throughout the world, that their mouths might be made perfect in praising your name.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You entered Jerusalem as the Prince of Peace. Fill the leaders of the nations with a hunger for peace, a thirst for justice, and a love for the people entrusted to their care. Teach us all to do your will and to long for the day when you return in glory as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 You entered Jerusalem on a donkey, not a war horse.  Fill all places of violence with your peace. Protect and bless those who stand in harm’s way. Bring them safely home to their loved ones.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You were greeted with joy as you entered the Holy City. Fill with joy the hearts of all who suffer in mind, body, or spirit, especially: {List}.  Turn their sorrow into joy; their suffering into health; and their cries for help into shouts of praise.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You open the gates of the New Jerusalem for all who die trusting in you. Thank you for receiving them into that glorious city. Bring peace and hope to all who grieve. Fill us with imperishable hope, so that we gladly follow where you lead us – until you lead us safely home.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Accept our prayers, dear Jesus, and lay them at your Father’s throne. Let all that pleases him be done, to your glory and the good of your people. Amen.

“And put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth” (Ephesians 4:24).

We are created anew to live in the righteousness and holiness Christ gives in truth.  Christ is truth and in Him we have life.  Live this new life in Christ so that You may be made whole and become as He is.  Do not conform yourself to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind in Christ.  In Him is all life and in Him is the hope of the ages.  This is the promise: through Christ, you will live with Him forever.

Lord, help me live into the new life which is mine by grace.  Let me not live this life just for myself, for that is a lie and impossible.  Bring me beyond myself so that I would hold fast to the truth of the ages; in You Christ, is my hope and life.  Lord, You know all that is needed.  Guide me in the way I need to go and keep me from wavering.  In You is the hope and promise I need.  In You is life.

Lord Jesus, You know all that I need.  You know what is before me.  Guide me Lord and keep me on the path You know I need to follow.  In and through all things, keep me from wandering so that I may be diligent in the tasks You would have me accomplish.  Lord, You know all that is needed.  Let me trust in You alone and above all things.  In You alone is the hope for us all.  Amen.