September 26: 18th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 21
Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29 (Israel kvetches to Moses. Moses kvetches to God. God appoints 70 to help him deal with aforementioned kvetching)
Psalm 104:27-35 (You give food in due season; your Spirit gives them breath)
RCL/ELW: Psalm 19:7-14: (God’s perfect law keeps one from sin; let words of mouth, meditation of heart be acceptable in his sight)
James 5:1-20 (Warning to rich oppressors; patience in suffering; prayers, anointing, and confession; bringing one back from sin a great thing)
RCL/ELW: James 5:13-20 (omits first 2 things)
Mark 9:38-50 (Who is not against me is for me; cup of cold water; solemn warning about temptations to sin)
***********************************
THE PRAYERS
Trusting, through the power of the Holy Spirit, in the goodness of our heavenly Father, let us pray in Jesus’ name for the Church, the world, and one another.
A brief silence
Dear Father, thank you for being good to us even when we complain, balk, and act like jerks instead of Jesus. Thank you for giving us little things we can do to show our love for you. Thank you for prayer, anointing, and loving exhortation that calls us away from sin and back to you.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You appointed 70 elders to ease Moses’ burden of leadership. Give your Church Spirit-filled pastors, priests, bishops, deacons, and teachers. Keep them obedient to your Word. Make them radiant with the love of Jesus. By their holy care, keep everyone in their charge safe from sin and from the allure of evil.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for persecuted Christians throughout the world. Give them patience in suffering and hope in their darkest night. Help us, who have much, to refresh them with our prayers and with whatever gifts we can share, even if it seems as small as a cup of cold water.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant a spirit of charity and patience to this congregation. Remind us, even when it would be easy to complain, of Jesus’ words, “Whoever is not against Me is for Me!” Help us to work together kindly and willingly. Make us eager to share the gifts you have lavished upon us.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for all who struggle against any temptation to sin. Their battle may be long, hard, and hidden from others. Help us deal gently with everyone we meet. Only you know what burdens they bear and what demons they battle.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Remind our earthly leaders that they have been entrusted with a solemn obligation: to care for their people, especially the poor, hungry, and oppressed. Give them grace to think, speak, and act according to your will, for the common good. Help all of us to treat our neighbors with respect, kindness and justice, so that we may live peaceably with one another.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Shield and strengthen all who go into harm’s way in defense of life and liberty. Give them wisdom, integrity, self-control, and sound judgment, even in chaotic situations. Bring them back to their loved ones safely and soon; and establish your peace among us all.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Even a cup of cold water given in your name can be blessed refreshment to one who suffers. Grant this and more to all who are in distress – especially: {List}. Restore them to health and hope. Grant a double portion of your Spirit to all who minister to them.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Thank you, Father, for your faithful servants whom you have gathered into your Kingdom. Fill those who mourn with “tidings of comfort and joy.” Fill us all with your steadfast love and mercy. Fill us with the sure hope that through the merits of your dear Son, you will welcome us, with all the redeemed, into your Kingdom, where we will rejoice in your love forever.
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.
