August 1: 10th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 13
Exodus 16:2-15 (Israelites complain, God sends quail, manna; Moses says complaint is against God)
RCL/ELW: Exodus 16:2-4, 9-15 (less warning)
Psalm 145:10-21 (The eyes of all look to you, you give them food in due season)
RCL/ELW: Psalm 78:23-29 (Mortals ate bread of heaven)
Ephesians 4:1-16 (Unity of the Body of Christ, through the Spirit)
John 6:22-35 (My Father gives true bread from heaven. I am the bread of life)
THE PRAYERS
For the Church, the world, and needs of all people, let us pray to the Lord.
A brief silence
Father, thank you for giving us the bread we need for body and soul, even when we are estranged from you and from one another. Thank you for Jesus, our Life, our Bread, our source of unity with you and with each other.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Your Church is the body of Christ. Give it unity with him and unity in him. Let your Holy Spirit fashion the Church into the likeness of Jesus, so that when it speaks and acts, people hear and see their Savior.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Make us mindful of our union with those who are persecuted for Jesus’ sake. Let them know they are not forgotten by you or by the rest of the Church. May their faithful witness feed their enemies with the bread of repentance and faith.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Feed the people of this congregation with the living Bread of Heaven. Nourish us with the Cup of Blessing from Christ’s hand. Help us to know the depth, height, and breadth of your love. Fill us with your Spirit, so we can share your love with others.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Thank you for those who maintain food pantries, soup kitchens, community gardens. Thank you for everyone who feed the hungry and help them feed themselves. Grant that, as bodies are nourished, minds, hearts, and spirits are also fed with the living Bread from Heaven.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Guide the deliberations and actions of our earthly rulers. Let your will be done, so your people receive all they need to live in safety. Teach us to feed one another, not only with food that perishes, but also with your imperishable and holy Word; and establish your peace in our midst.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You open your hand and fulfil the desire of every living creature. Please open your hand to bestow health, hope, strength, and guidance upon all whose need is great, including: {List}. Feed them with faith and fill them with the refreshing waters of your grace and salvation.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
With reverence and affection, we remember before you all our loved ones who have died and are at rest in you. Keep us in union with them through our union with Jesus. Strengthen bonds of affection with our fellow pilgrims along life’s journey. Bring us all, with all whom you have redeemed, into the joy and life you share in union with your Son and the Holy Spirit.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Incline your ear to our prayers, dear Lord; and answer them according to your most gracious and holy will, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
