Prayers of the Church, April 2, 2023, Palm/Passion Sunday
John 12:12-19 (Triumphant entry into Jerusalem)
(ELW: Matthew 21:1-11, Triumphant entry into Jerusalem)
Isaiah 50:4-9a (The Lord vindicates his servant)
Psalm 31:9-16 (Deliver me from my tormentors!)
Philippians 2:5-11 (Christ humbled himself, even to death. Every knee shall bow!)
Matthew 26:1-27:66 (The Passion of Our Lord)
Let us pray for the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.
A brief silence
Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood you have redeemed the whole world and drawn all people to yourself. We praise and adore you for your great sacrifice and love. We beseech you to bestow these holy gifts to all whom we lift before you now in prayer.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem your Church. Through its ministry of Word, Sacrament, fellowship, and service, draw all people to yourself.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem those who suffer for the sake of your name, and those who risk danger to proclaim the Gospel to those who do not know you. By their faithful witness, draw all people to yourself.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem all who seek to walk the hard path of discipleship. Through their willingness to take up their cross and follow you, draw all people to yourself.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem this congregation, especially those seeking baptism. Through our faith toward you, and fervent love for one another, draw all people to yourself.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem our children, especially those enduring illness, poverty, abuse, or violence. Through their innocent praise of your goodness, draw all people to yourself.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem the people in every land and nation, especially those overwhelmed by the pandemic. By the guidance of the Holy Spirit, establish your peace in every place; and draw all people to yourself.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem those who stand in harm’s way on our behalf, especially medical personnel and those who care for the sick and vulnerable. By their labors, establish places of safety and calm; and there draw all people to yourself.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem all who walk through the dark valleys of suffering, sorrow, and death. Bring healing, rest, and comfort to them and to all who care for them, especially in these troubled times. Hide them in the shadow of your wings, and draw all people to yourself.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, you have saved and redeemed those who have died trusting your promises. Now keep us steadfast in faith, patient in suffering, generous in service, and loving in fellowship, until you have drawn all people to yourself; and have bestowed upon all the redeemed the fullness of your forgiveness, blessing, and eternal life.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Hear and graciously answer our prayers, O blessed Savior, according to the mercy and favor you have for your people. Amen.
