THE PRAYERS, February 5, 2023: 5th Sunday after the Epiphany
Isaiah 58:3-9a (The fasting God requires is justice and refraining from evil)
Psalm 112:1-9 (God’s blessing to the righteous and those who remember the poor)
1 Corinthians 2:1-16 (We preach Christ crucified; God’s wisdom, given through the Spirit, contrasted with “wisdom of the age”)
Matthew 5:13-20 (You are to be salt and light; Christ came not to abolish but to fulfill the Law and prophets)
Let us pray that the light of Christ may shine upon the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.
A brief silence
Heavenly Father, your Word is challenge, command, and marching orders for us. How often we stumble, fall short, or go AWOL in fulfilling it! Thank you for Jesus, who fulfilled your Word and who IS your Word. Thank you for planting his grace, mercy, and obedience in our hearts. For his sake, make us like him: salt and light, hope and holiness, so others may turn to him and live.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Cause your Church to constantly preach Christ, crucified for the forgiveness of sin unto everlasting life. Keep it from being conformed to the desires and whims of the world.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Bless the people and ministries of this congregation. Fill us with your Holy Spirit. Let everything we say and do glorify you and help our neighbor, especially the poor, lonely, and distressed people in our community.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Father, being a disciple means being a student of Jesus. Give us teachable hearts and minds! Lead your “apprentices” in paths of devotion and holiness. Form them into “journeymen” who walk with those whose path is hard and lonely. Use them to bring hope, encouragement, and Jesus’ love to those who need it most.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
We remember before you our persecuted sisters and brothers. Make them into lamps shining in dark places. Bring them justice and deliverance. Soften the hearts of their enemies so they may turn to you and live.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Cause the rulers of all nations, especially our own, to heed the words of the prophet: to do justice tempered with mercy, and to care for the poor. Help every one of us not only to refrain from evil, but actively pursue righteousness, and strive to live in peace.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Bring healing and hope to everyone burdened by sin, sorrow, and suffering. Especially we pray for: {List}. Shine the light of Christ upon them, and upon all who care for them.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father, we thank you for our beloved dead, especially those who were salt and light in our lives. Keep us in your care throughout our earthly pilgrimage. Kindle your Spirit in us, and help us to encourage one another along life’s way. For the sake of your beloved Son, who gave himself for us, bring us into your eternal Kingdom, where with all whom he had redeemed, we may gaze upon his face and adore you forever.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
All these things, and whatever else you see that we need, grant to us, dear Father, for the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
