June 18, 3rd Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 6); Fathers’ Day
Exodus 19:2-8a (Obey my voice, be my treasured people)
Psalm 100 (Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!)
Romans 5:6-15 (While we were weak, Christ died for the ungodly. Though in Adam’s trespass all
died, God’s grace abounds in Christ’s righteousness)
(ELW: Romans 5:1-8)
Matthew 9:35-10:8 (9-20) (Jesus calls, instructs, and sends out the Twelve)
Let us pray for the Church, the world, and one another.
A brief silence is kept.
Heavenly Father, thank you for your kindness. You call us your treasured people. You send your Son to redeem us, even while we are ungodly and estranged from you. Jesus calls us to share your love with other ungodly sinners. Thank you. Help us to do, say, and be everything you desire.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Jesus sent the Apostles to proclaim the Good News, forgive sins, and heal those wounded by sin, evil and death. Strengthen and equip your Church to follow in their footsteps, and to lead many people to the One who died that they might live.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
We plead on behalf of our persecuted sisters and brothers. Help us to speak in their defense, aid them by our prayers and material support, and live lives worthy of our mutual calling in Christ.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Make this congregation lovely with holiness, faithfulness, generosity, and joy. Fill us with your Spirit, so we serve you with joyful gratitude. Let our lives show the love of Jesus to those who need him the most.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Father, by your Name all fatherhood is blessed. Shape all fathers, foster fathers, uncles, grampas, and mentors to reflect your strength, wisdom, and love. Heal fractured relationships between dads and their children. Comfort those who can’t be fathers, have lost a child, or who grieve the absence of a good dad in their lives. Be their dear Father, now and always.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
You are Lord and King over all nations. Cause our leaders to acknowledge your Lordship and to do your will for the sake of the people entrusted to them. Help them to be honest, fair, competent, and just. We humbly ask that you give us the leadership we need, not that simply that which we desire or deserve.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
We pray for all who protect and serve others in difficult and dangerous situations. Make them competent, brave, and wise. Surround them, and their loved ones, with your holy angels. Help us to honor their service. Speed the day when they stand down from duty and enjoy your blessings.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Have mercy on all who are wounded in body, mind, or spirit. We pray for families stressed to the breaking point; business owners facing foreclosure; farmers, fishers, ranchers, and truckers; caregivers to special needs persons; and those whom we name before you now: {List}. Bring to all the joy of your saving help.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Most holy Father, thank you for the lives of your faithful people who have gone before us, especially those dearest to us. Keep their memories bright. Keep us steadfast in the faith they passed on to us. Keep the Cross of Jesus ever before us; and keep us true to our calling as his disciples. By his merits, bring us into your blessed Kingdom, where with all whom you have redeemed, we will praise, adore, and glorify you in the power of the Holy Spirit forever.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Hear our prayers, dear Father, as they touch your heart through the Spirit who searches our hearts. For the sake of your beloved Son, answer them as may be best for us and give you glory. Amen.