Prayers of the Church, April 6, 2023: Maundy Thursday
John 13:1-35 (for foot washing): Jesus washes disciples’ feet, explains significance
ELW: This is the only Gospel appointed for Maundy Thursday
Exodus 24:3-11): Moses and the elders eat in God’s presence
ELW: Exodus 12:1-4 [5-10] 11-14: The first Passover
Psalm 116: What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me?
ELW: Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19
Hebrews 9:11-22: Christ, the mediator of new covenant, cleanses us by his blood
ELW: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26: Paul’s words of institution
Matthew 26:17-30: Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper at his Last Supper
Let us pray to our merciful God on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.
A brief silence
Father, we adore you. We bless you for your love and mercy. Thank you for the Medicine of immortality, given at the Last Supper and extended to us. Thank you Jesus’ humble washing away of our sins. Thank you that he calls those who love him his friends. Number us among them, dear Father! Help us to love one another as he has loved us.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Fill the Church throughout the world with your Spirit, so it more perfectly loves you and the people your Son came to redeem.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Guide our seminary professors and students, all missionaries of the Gospel, and everyone walking the path of discipleship. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly proclaim Christ, and him crucified.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Strengthen our persecuted sisters and brothers in the faith. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly bear witness to the holiness and love of Jesus.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Bless this congregation. Fill us with your Spirit, so we more perfectly reflect Jesus to everyone.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Kindle the faith of all who will be baptized into the death and resurrection of Christ at Easter. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly follow in his footsteps.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Bestow wisdom upon all who have authority and power in our world. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly accomplish your will for the good of the people entrusted to their care.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Grant courage and integrity to all who risk their lives for the sake of others. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly establish safety and peace in this troubled world.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
We plead on behalf of for everyone who is sick, grieving, estranged, ashamed, addicted, abused, confused, or despairing, especially: {List}. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly cling to Christ, their life, their health, and their salvation.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father, this day we share a foretaste of your eternal feast, prepared for all whom you have redeemed through your dear Son. Fill us with your Spirit, so that we more perfectly take up our Cross, follow Jesus wherever he leads, and encourage one another. Bring us, through the merits of Christ, into your Kingdom, where with him and the Holy Spirit, you reign in the glory of heaven’s endless day.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
For these things, dear Father, and for whatever else is needful, we pray in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.