June 26: 3rd Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 8)
1 Kings 19:9b-21 (Elijah encounters God in the still small voice; 7000 have not bent knee to Baal; anoints Elisha)
ELW/RCL: 1 Kings 19:15-16, 19-21 (Eliminates initial encounter with God, and also how those anointed will slay God’s enemies)
Psalm 16 (I bless the Lord who has not let his Holy One see the Pit)
Galatians 5:1, 13-25 (Contrast between works of flesh and of Spirit)
Luke 9:51-62 (no, don’t call down fire upon Samaritan town! And the one who looks back from the plow isn’t fit for the Kingdom)
By the power of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to God our Father in the name of Christ Jesus our Lord, making intercession for the Church, the world, and for all people according to their need.
A brief silence
Dear Father, thank you for promising to keep a faithful remnant to do your will! Number us, we pray, in that company. Fill us with your Spirit, so that we may live fruitful lives. In all things, help us to glorify you and nourish those who are starving for your good Word.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for your Church. Give it ears to hear your still small voice. Give it integrity, so it does not bend the knee to modern-day Baals. Give it the spirit of boldness, to proclaim your Word to a hostile world. Give it a double portion of your Spirit, so it abounds in grace and charity.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for the people and mission of this congregation. Keep us focused on doing your will. Kindle your Spirit within us, so our hearts are warm with compassion and bright with faith.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for your persecuted servants. Help us to defend them from those who hate the name of Jesus. Use us to provide for their needs. Strengthen us to give faithful witness to you, even when we are misunderstood or mocked.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for our nation. Bless it with freedom, justice, peace, and opportunity. Give wisdom, integrity, and competence to our leaders in government and the private sector. Grant to them, and their counterparts in other countries, the desire to seek your will, and the strength to do it.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for our military, and all first responders. Give them courage and competence to act in accordance with your will. Bring healing to bodies and minds wounded in war. Give patience and hope to their loved ones. Speed the day when the arts of war need no longer be practiced among us.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for all whose need is great, especially: {List.}. Grant them health, wholeness, and hope. Give them the grace and comfort of your Holy Spirit; and restore them to fellowship with all who love them.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Holy God, you promise that your holy ones shall not see the pit of death. You sealed that promise in the death and resurrection of Jesus. Therefore we commend into your safe keeping our beloved dead. Grant to us, especially those whose grief runs deep, a sure and confident hope in your promises. Help us look not to the past, or to the sorrows, doubts, and regrets that beset us. Instead, give us grace to do what pleases you in this life. And give us faith to press toward the eternal joys you have prepared for all whom you have redeemed.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
In the power of the Holy Spirit, we entrust our prayers and petitions into your hands, gracious Father, for the sake of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
