PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, Cycle C: 6^th Sunday after Epiphany, Proper 5, February 13, 2022

 

Jeremiah 17:5-8: (Cursed are those who trust mortals; they are like shrub in desert. Blessed are  those who trust God; they are like tree planted by water)

 

Psalm 1: (Ditto! The wicked shall not withstand judgment. God preserves the righteous.)

 

1 Corinthians 15:1-20: (The proofs and witnesses to the Resurrection. Consequences of believing or disbelieving that Christ is raised.)

RCL/ELW: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20: (Did first half last week!)

 

Luke 6:17-26: (Jesus heals; blessings and woes from Sermon on the Plain)

 

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Let us draw near to the Light of Christ, offering prayer and supplication on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, thank you for grafting us to Christ, the Tree of life rich with abundant fruit. Thank you for immersing us in the streams of living water: the Spirit flowing from your Son’s pierced side. Thank you for raising us to new life in him.  May our lives delight in him, meditate on him day and night, and produces the sweet fruit of repentance and righteousness.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Plant your Church amidst those streams of living water. Let its worship, teaching, fellowship, and charity bring life and healing to many people.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Father, we pray, as you have commanded, for our enemies and for everyone hostile to your Word. Soften their hearts and forgive their sins. Heal their souls, and lead them to the foot of your Son’s Cross. Give us the grace to welcome them there as sisters and brothers, fellow debtors to your amazing grace.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Keep this congregation in your care. Cause all we do to conform to your will. Help us share the mercy of Jesus with everyone we encounter, especially the people we don’t much like. Water us daily with the gifts of your Holy Spirit. Let us grow in grace and in fruits that nourish all who hunger for your goodness.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Guide our earthly leaders in pathways of righteousness and integrity. Give them grace to delight in your Law. Help them use their authority to benefit all people, especially the poor. Help us all to refrain from sowing seeds of discord and violence. Instead, let us share friendship, respect, and mercy with those who need them most.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bring healing to the bodies, minds, hearts, and relationships of everyone burdened by sin, sickness, suffering, or sorrow. Especially we plead on behalf of: {List}. Cheer their spirits, renew their hope, and bless their loved ones and caregivers.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Thank you, Father, for the lives of all your faithful people who are now at rest in you. Thank you for their witness, example, and goodness towards us. Nourish us on our pilgrimage with your Word. Refresh us with your Spirit and guide us by your Son’s Cross. Keep us constant in faith toward you and in love for one another. Bring us, we pray, into the Resurrection-life he has won for all who love him.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

For all these things, dear Father, and for whatever else you desire for us in your wisdom and compassion, we pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior, Lord, and King. Amen.

“At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention” (1 Timothy 5:13).

Is this not at the heart of the culture that seeks leisure?  Do we not have lots of people with nothing better to do than to pry into other people’s business?  There are many in our culture who say it’s good because it is social.  But what does it mean when people stare at a screen and do not look at one another?  Busybodies and gossips are an abomination to the Lord.  Do not do this for your sake.

Lord, our culture says that this is okay.  It is not.  You have made this clear in so many places.  Help me to understand that You have come to save all of us from the perpetual lies of the wicked one that tell us that good is evil and evil is good.  Lead me, Lord, in the way of truth so that I may now and always walk according to what Your word says, for Your word is truth.  Teach me to speak truth and do what is right.

Lord Jesus, You have come to make us new.  It does not matter where I have been or even how fast or long I travel the road You have set before me.  What matters is that I follow you.  Help me, Lord, to live today tending to my own business, doing what You give me to do, ignoring all of the gossip around me.  Help me put into effect Your words in my life so that I would grow a little more each day to be like You.  Amen.