THE PRAYERS, January 29, 2022, 4^th Sunday after the Epiphany

Micah 6:1-8 (Answer me, my people; how have I burdened you? What does the Lord require but to love justice, do mercy, walk humbly before him?)

Psalm 15 (Who abides with God? Those who walk blamelessly and do what is right)

1 Corinthians 1:18-31 (Christ is the wisdom and power of God, despite the foolishness and           stumbling-block nature of the Cross)

Matthew 5:1-12 (The Beatitudes)

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

Father, thank you for Jesus and his teaching! His Beatitudes challenge, humble, and energize us. Give us a double portion of your Holy Spirit, so that by your grace, we may begin to live out those Beatitudes, to your glory and for the blessing and benefit of others.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Fill your Church with your Holy Spirit. In the power of the Spirit, make it love justice, do mercy, and walk humbly before you, its Lord and God. Fill the Church with the splendor of Jesus’ glory, the beauty of his holiness, and the sweetness of his love.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make each member of this congregation into disciples of Jesus, so that we may be a sign of your goodness and mercy to our friends, families, neighbors, and community.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Raise up pastors, theologians, professors, deacons, and other Christian leaders who earnestly and patiently seek your will, and who teach others, by word and by example, to do the same.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Be the light in dark places, the sword and shield victorious, for our military and first responders, and for all who risk their life on behalf of others. Give them integrity, courage, and wisdom as they strive to bring justice and safety in dangerous places. Heal their body, mind, and soul. Strengthen their loved ones. Help us to honor their sacrifice and benefit from their labors.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for our earthly rulers, whether we like them, agree with them, or voted for them. Conform their minds, hearts, and actions to your holy will. Help them to strengthen bonds of respect, trust, and concord in every community across our nation.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless, heal, and strengthen the sick and sorrowful, especially those we name now before you: {List}. We also pray for women who are pregnant or have recently given birth, especially those whose health is imperiled; for women who have had an abortion or miscarriage; for newborn infants, especially those at risk of illness or injury; for all fathers; and for everyone who cares for and rejoices in the gift of new life.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

As we entrust our beloved dead into your hands, and commend ourselves to your care, we pray: Now, Lord, you let your servants go in peace; your Word has been fulfilled. Our own eyes have seen the salvation that you have prepared in the sight of every people. A light to reveal you to the nations, and the glory of your people Israel.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever, Amen.

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.

THE PRAYERS, January 22, 2023, 3^rd Sunday after the Epiphany

Isaiah 9:1-4 (The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light)

Psalm 27:1-9 (The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear?)

            RCL/ELW: Psalm 27:1, 4-9

1 Corinthians 1:10-18 (1^st mention of divisions in Church; message of Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but the power of God to those being saved)

Matthew 4:12-25 (In the region mentioned by Isaiah, Jesus begins his ministry – “Repent; the      kingdom of Heaven has come near” – and calls his first disciples)

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

Lord, sometimes we think you see us only “From a distance.” Sometimes that’s right where we want you! But in Christ, you have promised to be God-with-Us, Emmanuel. Be gentle, Father, as you shed your holy light on our sin-darkened world! Thank you for the grace and comfort of your Holy Spirit, who helps us to repent and to delight in your “joyous light of glory.”

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

The world scorns the Cross as folly and stumbling block. Therefore, give your Church faith, courage, and wit as it proclaims Christ crucified as the only means of forgiveness, salvation, and life with you forever. Make it lovely with the light of Jesus’ strong saving love for us sinners.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bring light and clarity to the people of this congregation, so that every act of worship, fellowship, outreach, stewardship, service, study, and support is centered in Christ alone.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for all who are persecuted on account Christ. Keep them steadfast in faith and gracious in witness. Soften the hearts of their enemies, and bring them to repentant faith in Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

This is a hard prayer, Father: to pray for the evil and wicked; for abusers and killers, cheaters and deserters, and those who commit every sort of despicable act. When their victims cannot forgive, help us to pray the prayer they cannot: Forgive, dear Lord. Cause the wicked to repent of their evil ways and cling to the Cross of Christ as their only hope.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Shine the light of reason, justice, and mercy into the minds of our earthly rulers. Make them want to do your will and benefit the people entrusted to their care. Remind them that they, and all who have power and authority in society, must give an account of their stewardship to you, the Lord and ruler of all. And bestow upon us all a measure of your peace.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bring healing, hope, and the light of your dear presence to everyone who sits in the darkness of suffering, shame, or sorrow. Especially we pray for: {List}. Let them, and all who care for them, say with confident joy: The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear?!

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord, you are the imperishable light, even in the darkness of death, for all who cling to you. We entrust our beloved dead to you, and we commend our lives to you as well. Be the lamp to our feet and light to our path throughout our earthly pilgrimage. For the sake of Jesus, lead us, and all whom you redeem, into your bright courts of heaven, and into your endless day.

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.

THE PRAYERS, January 15, 2023: 2^nd Sunday after the Epiphany

Isaiah 49:1-7 (God’s Servant given as light to all nations)

Psalm 40:1-11 (Happy are they who make the Lord their trust; he does not require burnt

            offerings but a willing heart)

1 Corinthians 1:1-9 (Thanksgiving that the Corinthians are enriched with every spiritual gift)

John 1:29-42a (John says, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!” 

2 of his disciples become Jesus’ disciples)

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

Thank you, Father, for Jesus. Thank you for making him our doorway into your heart. Thank you for making him your dear Lamb, the sacrifice for our sin. Thank you for making him the light of the world, and of our lives.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Lord, cause your Church to preach like John the Baptist. May it always point to Jesus, and say, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” Prune away every program or teaching that does not serve that end. Let Jesus use the Church to draw new disciples to himself, and to shape them into his likeness.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make disciples of everyone in this congregation. Help us to use our spiritual gifts to glorify you and build up our community of faith. Make us bold to tell others, “We have found him of whom the Scriptures speak! Come and see the Son of God who takes away the sins of the world!”

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless the Church wherever it is persecuted on account of Jesus. By its patient witness, turn its enemies from hatred to repentance. For missionaries throughout the world, for our seminaries, church colleges, and schools, and for all who seek to proclaim the Gospel in word and deed, we also lift our hands, hearts, and voices in fervent supplication.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Tomorrow we commemorate the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Thank you for his witness. Teach us to value one another not based on race, creed, or gender, but because you have created all people in your image, and have given your Son as the sacrifice for all our sin. By your Holy Spirit, make the content of our character reflect your will, so that we treat each other with respect, justice, and charity.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Enlighten the minds and purify the hearts of those who take counsel for the nations. Turn them from the idols of power, prestige, and ideology, and teach them your ways. Heal the divisions that beset our country. Bestow your favor upon it, so it may be a beacon of righteousness, justice, and freedom for all.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Stoop down, O Lord, and hear the cry of all who are afflicted by suffering or sorrow, especially: {List}. Lift them out of their desolation; make their footing sure; and put a new song into their mouths. Restore them to all who love them. Let them proclaim your merciful deliverance.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Most gracious Father, thank you for those who have died to us, but whose lives are safely in your hand. Sustain us with that same strong and merciful hand. Help us trust and follow Jesus as he touches the lives of those who need him so much. Sustained in fellowship with Christ and his family, may we be found guiltless on that day when he is revealed to the world. Then, make us fit to dwell with him in the glory he shares with you and the Holy Spirit 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.

THE PRAYERS, January 8, 2023: The Baptism of Our Lord

Isaiah 42:1-9 (God’s servant will not crush a bruised reed; he is given as light to nations, to open blind eyes and free prisoners of darkness)

Psalm 29 (The voice of the Lord; all cry “Glory!”)

Romans 6:1-11 (We have been baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection)

RCL/ELW: Acts 10:34-43 (Peter preaches sermon to newly-baptized Gentiles)

Matthew 3:13-17 (Jesus comes to John in the Jordan and is baptized)

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

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, we adore you! Blessed Father, Glorious Son, most Holy Spirit, you reveal your heart to us in the Baptism of Jesus. By the Spirit’s power, unite us to Christ so completely that we may hear the Father say to each of us, “You are my beloved son, my beloved daughter; in you I am well pleased.”

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Fill the Church throughout the world with your Spirit. Bind it to your Son, your Word of truth. Adorn it with your goodness, holiness, and love. Make it fruitful in discipleship. Use it to lead many to the waters of Baptism, there to be made your beloved children.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Be enthroned, O Lord, in the midst of this congregation. Overwhelm us with your majesty and mercy. Fill our worship with the beauty of holiness. Strengthen us to do your will. Conform us to the heart and mind of Jesus. Bestow on us your peace.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Do not quench the spirit or break the hearts of your persecuted servants, O Lord; nor let them be discouraged when they suffer on account Christ. Give them such patience and faith that their tormentors turn to you and repent. For missionaries throughout the world; for all who wonder if they are called to be pastors; for all our seminarians, professors, pastors, bishops, and other ministers, we also lift our hearts and voices in fervent supplication.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless everyone who is baptized today, and all who remember and give thanks for their Baptism. Thank you for adopting us as brothers and sisters of your dear Son, and for filling us with the same Spirit that descended upon him. Make us radiant with his holiness and lovely with his compassion. Let us glorify you in all we say and do.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Put your Spirit upon the leaders of this and every nation. Establish your justice through them throughout the world. Give them the wisdom and the will to protect and provide for their people, especially those who are like “bruised reeds and faintly burning wicks.” Make them prefer mercy over might; righteousness over renown; and integrity over influence.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Keep in your care all who take up arms in defense of liberty and justice for all. Give them a spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, so their deeds conform to your will. Bring them safely home, and speed the day when deeds of war need not be done anymore.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We beseech you on behalf of everyone afflicted by suffering, especially those who crave our prayers, including: {List}. Bring them out of the dungeon of suffering and the prison of darkness. Lead them into the brightness of your presence and the company of all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal: we praise and adore you for the mercy you have shown to all who have died to us but are alive eternally to you. Grant that we, who have passed through the waters of Baptism, may walk the broken pathways of this mortal life, refreshed by your Spirit, and conformed to your Son. By your grace, bring us through the floodwaters of death into your presence, where with all your redeemed children we may worship and adore you in the beauty of your holiness 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.

THE PRAYERS, January 6, 2023: The Epiphany of Our Lord

Isaiah 60:1-6 (Arise, shine, your light has come; nations stream to Israel, bringing gifts)

Psalm 72:1-11 (Prayer for guidance and support for the King)

            RCL/ELW: Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14

Ephesians 3:1-12 (The mystery of salvation revealed to Gentiles; Paul has become steward of      God’s mysteries so that through the Church, nations may know God’s wisdom)

Matthew 2:1-12 (The magi adore Jesus, bringing gifts, departing by another way)

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, thank you for the Light of the World, your dear Son! Thank you that in him, you reveal your mercy and loving-kindness to all people. Thank you that in him, you reveal yourself as Lord and God of all, until the world ends and Christ is all in all.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make your Church a faithful steward of the mysteries of Christ. Raise up faithful pastors and teachers of your Word and holy Sacraments. May the Church’s worship, fellowship, and acts of charity be as frankincense, gold, and myrrh offered to her infant Redeemer.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make this congregation a place where even sinners, strangers, and Gentiles encounter the living Christ. Shape us into “magi” who eagerly seek, study, and worship Jesus. And send us home “by a different way” – as his disciples and his sisters and brothers.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

As you guarded the magi from Herod’s malice, we pray that you would protect and bless your Church wherever it suffers from the malice of persecutors or the scorn of its despisers.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray on behalf of scholars and teachers; scientists and philosophers; and especially seminary professors and students. Increase their numbers and their zeal for seeking your truth! Give them grace to adore you, the source of truth and wisdom. And give them generous hearts, to freely share their wisdom, knowledge, curiosity, and faith.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Put your Spirit upon the leaders of this and every nation, that they may faithfully bring forth and establish justice throughout the world. Give them the wisdom and the will to rightly protect and provide for their people, especially those who are like “bruised reeds and faintly burning wicks.” Make them prefer mercy over might; righteousness over renown; and integrity over influence.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We lift before you the men and women in the armed forces, and those are police, first responders, and others charged with protecting life and liberty. Grant them such integrity and courage that those whose lives are most in danger may call on them with confidence. Bring them safely home to their loved ones; and heal those who are wounded in body, mind or soul.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bring the light of Christ to everyone who dwells in the shadows of suffering, sin or sorrow, especially those we lift before you now, including: {list}. Give competence, compassion, and patience to everyone charged with their care; and grant health and hope according to your merciful wisdom.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We thank you for the lives of all your faithful servants who through word and example have been stewards of your Gospel. Give to us wisdom and devotion, so that we seek your will throughout our earthly life; and give us the strength and the means to do it. And, in your good time, lead us “by another way” to the eternal home and inheritance you have prepared for all who are redeemed by your beloved Son. For there, we will adore your glorious wisdom and delight in your merciful love in the power of your Holy Spirit 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.

The Prayers, January 1, 2023: Circumcision and Name Day of Jesus

Numbers 6:22-27 (The Aaronic, priestly benediction)

Psalm 8 (Divine majesty and human dignity)

Galatians 3:23-29 (The law was our disciplinarian; now we are clothed in Christ)

Luke 2:21 (Jesus is named at his circumcision)

Let us pray that Jesus brings light, salvation, and peace to the church, the world, and all people.

A brief silence

Thank you, Jesus, for taking on our human nature and submitting yourself to your own Law. Thank you for shedding your blood, even as a tiny child, for our sake. Thank you that you do the very thing your name announces: you save your people from their sin.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Purify your Church throughout the world with your precious blood. In everything it proclaims and does, may it honorably bear your sacred Name.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Purify this congregation with your precious blood. Let our worship, fellowship, service, and mission always glorify your sacred Name.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Purify your persecuted servants with your precious blood. Let their patience in suffering and steadfast faith bear witness to your sacred Name.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Purify the nations and their leaders with your precious blood. Let justice and mercy abound, and let all peoples live in harmony and good will. In all things, let us praise your sacred Name.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

The new calendar year speaks of hope and new beginnings. Purify our days and deeds with your precious blood. Let all our deeds begin, continue, and find their perfect end in you, the Hope of all nations and our heart’s desire. Thus may we forever bless your sacred Name.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Purify and heal through your precious Blood all who suffer any kind of evil of body or soul. Especially we pray for: {List}. Visit them with “tidings of comfort and joy,” that they may stand in your light to praise your sacred Name.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Thank you, dear Jesus, for redeeming with your precious blood all who died trusting in you. Cheer our hearts with your blessings as we begin this new year and continue our earthly pilgrimage. Help us to encourage and strengthen each other, always looking to your Cross to guide us through the darkest days. Lead us into your bright courts of heaven, and into that endless day in which all whom you have redeemed shall forever adore your sacred Name.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Hear and mercifully grant us, dear Lord, all that we ask that conforms to your good and perfect will for us, for your Name’s sake. AMEN.

“[T]hen the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment, and especially those who indulge the flesh in its corrupt desires and despise authority” (2 Peter 2:9-10a).

We live in an age which seeks to indulge.  Rather than live for what is right, we seek and strive after things that do not matter.  Why live for what is temporary when all you need has already been provided through the goodness of the Lord.  Come into His presence and live into the life which He gives you by grace.  Know that in the Lord there is freedom from the wages of sin because of His grace and mercy.

Lord, we all are weighed down by the dissipation of sin.  You have died so that sin might not be held against me — not that I am free from sin, but freed from what sin does.  Help me to live into the life to which You call me knowing that only in You is there hope and a future.  Let me no longer strive after the things of the flesh but seek earnestly that Your will be done in my life.  Help me respect Your authority in willing obedience.

Lord Jesus, all authority and power belong to You.  The striving for power in this age is an illusion.  Help me to understand this and live according to Your goodness and mercy.  Lead me today and, where I am tempted by things of the flesh which would hinder my walk, guide me to avoid them.  Where I am free to do good things, grant me wisdom to do them.  In all things, give me confidence to stand firm in You through the faith You have given me.  Amen.

“[A]nd if He rescued righteous Lot, oppressed by the sensual conduct of unprincipled men (for by what he saw and heard that righteous man, while living among them, felt his righteous soul tormented day after day by their lawless deeds)” (2 Peter 2:7)

Do you ever look out at the world puzzled and wonder what has gone wrong?  The more you live in the faith the Lord has given you, the more you realize there is something really wrong with this world.  It is sin.  Sin has come into the world and the order of the Lord has been destroyed.  The Lord has come to give you everlasting life.  Come then, be dismayed at the world, but overjoyed with what the Lord has done for His chosen ones.

Lord, help me to see clearly the difference in these two things.  Guide me according to Your goodness to know that in You alone am I able to see all that is true and right.  This world is messed up and I have the world’s ideas in me.  Guide me according to Your goodness to know that in You alone is all hope.  Let me be a righteous person living amidst all of those in this world who do or do not know You, and live with them in peace.

Lord Jesus, God in the flesh, You have walked in this crazy world and know how difficult it is.  There is a shadow of goodness in all of creation.  There is also the pollution of sin.  Guide me, dear Lord, to live in that way which is pleasing to the Father.  Help me to see the differences clearly and choose the better path.  In all that happens, help me Lord to live as You direct.  Amen. 

[A]nd if He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction by reducing them to ashes, having made them an example to those who would live ungodly lives thereafter” (2 Peter 2:6)

The dead are dead already.  Those who are in the Lord are alive even if they are asleep.  Those who stay in sin are dead to themselves and to the Lord.  Being animated is not true life.  Living as the Lord created you to live is real life.  Come into the life which is yours in Christ and do not live as the ungodly do.  The Lord rightly destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.  Can He not do what He will with what belongs to Him?

Lord, I live in an age that is so cavalier about these things.  Everyone gets all upset if I do not celebrate whatever they deem right and good.  But You have spoken, and Your Word does not change.  Lead me in the way of everlasting life so that I would realize that I should take all these good and bad things seriously.  Guide me according to Your goodness to know that in You is all hope and an eternal future.

Lord of Life, Savior Jesus, You have come to lead the way for all who walk in the newness of life You give.  Guide me, dear Lord, according to Your purposes and guide me to walk in the way You are leading me, leaving behind the ways of this dead world.  You have come to give life.  Lead me in living that life so that I may grow each day to be more like You.  Let me become an example to others of godly living.  Amen.

“[A]nd did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, with seven others, when He brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly” (2 Peter 2:5)

Lord, I sometimes wonder when I see all the wickedness in the world why You continue to let it run its course.  Help me to see that there is also much beauty around me and that Your salvation reaches whom it reaches.  Guide me in the way of true life so that I simply look to You for all things.  Guide me in Your goodness to the way of living which is true and eternal.

Lord, You know where I fall short.  You know where I have seen and done things that are not true to You or to what You have said in Scripture.  Correct me, Lord, so that I may repent and come into harmony with You.  In the end, You will blot out the wickedness of this world.  It must be so if heaven is to remain perfect.  Help me to see and act upon these things so that goodness prevails in me and is reflected to others.

Lord Jesus, You are the way of everlasting life.  You have established what is right and true.  You are the ark upon which we can safely float to flee the flood of wickedness in this age.  In You is the hope for every generation.  Lord, help me to stay in the safety of Your provision and not try to do these things on my own.  Guide me now and forever, and help me to willingly live in Your provision.  Amen.