Prayers, readings, and suggested hymns: February 11, 2024: Transfiguration of Our Lord
2 Kings 2:1-12 (Elisha sees Elijah being taken up into heaven in fiery chariot)
Psalm 50:1-6 (Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth)
2 Corinthians 4:3-6 (God shines in our hearts, gives light of knowledge of his glory, seen in face of Christ)
Mark 9:2-9 (The transfiguration of Christ)
Opening hymn: How/Tis Good, Lord, To Be Here!: LBW #89, ELW #315, LSB #414
Hymn of Praise: Holy God, We Praise Thy Name: LBW #535, ELW #414, LSB #940
Hymn of the Day: Swiftly Pass the Clouds of Glory: LSB #416
OR In Thee is Gladness: LBW #552, ELW #867, LSB #818
OR Jesus On the Mountain Peak: ELW #317
OR I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light: WOV #649, ELW #815, LSB #411
Communion Hymn #1: Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise: LBW #526, LSB #802
Communion Hymn #2: Beautiful Savior: LBW #518, ELW #838, LSB #537
Closing Hymn: Alleluia, Song of Gladness: WOV #654, LSB #417 ELW #318
OR Alleluia! Sing to Jesus: LBW #158, LSB #821, ELW #392
OR O Wondrous Type/Image! O Vision Fair: LBW #80, ELW #316, LSB #413
THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
With gratitude for the gift of Christ, let us draw near to our heavenly Father in prayer, asking his mercy for the Church, the world, and all who need his loving-kindness.
A brief silence
Holy Father, thank you for showing us Jesus “unmasked!” Thank you for showing us what we will look like when we see him as he is. Even now, “unmask” us enough that other people see Jesus’ forgiveness and love for them, shining through us.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Let your Son rule gloriously in the Church. Through its words and deeds, shed the light of Jesus’ holy mercy on all who need him. Make the Church your new Zion, so that many are drawn to the perfection of Christ’s beauty, and are saved.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Shed the light of Jesus’ love on Christians who suffer at the hands of others for his sake. Let that holy love touch, purify, and transform them, and even those who hate them.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Give grace to this congregation. Let all who gather here in Jesus’ name day by day see him more clearly, love him more dearly, and follow him more nearly.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
We ask a special blessing on little children – not only those dear to us, but all the children of the world. Shelter them from evil. Shine the light of your love upon them. Give them grace to hear Jesus’ voice in our words, and to see his dear face in our deeds.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Moses the Lawgiver and Elijah the Prophet bore witness to your Son, the King of the nations. Grant their wisdom and righteousness to the leaders of the world. Through their decisions and actions, let them bear witness to their coming King. Help them use authority in accordance with your will. Help them to lead their people into paths of justice, righteousness, and peace.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Clothe in the armor of light all who risk their lives to protect the innocent and to defend liberty and justice. Grant that all they do may serve your purpose. Help us to honor their service; care for their wounds; support their families; and rejoice when their tasks are completed.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Shed the light of your salvation on all who sit in shadows of pain, fear, loneliness, despair, or sorrow, including: {List}. Let them see the light of your countenance, and grant them your saving help.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Father, thank you for sanctifying the deaths of your servants. Comfort all who mourn with the certainty that you embrace their beloved dead with your Son’s imperishable light and life. Let Jesus be the lamp to our feet and the Light to our path. Help us to listen to him and to see him alone in every circumstance of life. In your good time, let us, with all whom Christ has redeemed, behold him face to face. Let us worship him in the glory he shares with you and the Holy Spirit, God forever.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Graciously hear, and generously answer our prayers and petitions, dear Father, as may be best for us and to your greater glory, thorough your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
