THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, February 18, 2024, 1st Sunday in Lent, B
Genesis 22:1-18 (The near-sacrifice of Isaac)
RCL/ELW: Genesis 9:8-17 (God’s rainbow covenant with Noah)
Psalm 25:1-10 (Be mindful of your mercy; do not remember the sins of my youth)
James 1:12-18 (God doesn’t tempt evil deeds; all good gifts come from Father of lights)
RCL/ELW: 1 Peter 3:18-22 (Christ suffered for all; the Flood points to baptism)
Mark 1:9-15 (Temptation in the wilderness)
Opening hymn: O Lord, Throughout These Forty Days: LSB #99, ELW #319, LSB #418
OR The Glory of These Forty Days: ELW #320
OR Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery, v.1-3; verse for Lent 1; end w/ “General” verse: ELW #334
Hymn of the Day: What a Friend We Have in Jesus: LBW 439, ELW #742, LSB #770
OR Lead Me, Guide Me: ELW #768, LSB #721
Communion Hymn #1: Oh Love, How Deep: LBW #88, LSB #544, ELW #322
Communion Hymn #2: Jesus, Still Lead /Lead Thou On: LBW #541, ELW #624, LSB #718
Closing Hymn: A Mighty Fortress: LBW #228/9, ELW #503-505, LSB #656/7
OR The Lamb, the Lamb: LSB #547
OR Great is Thy Faithfulness: WOV #771, ELW #733, LSB #809
Let us humbly beseech God for his mercy upon the Church, the world, and one another.
A brief silence
Thank you, dear Father, for the example of Abraham and the gift of Jesus. Thank you for their steadfast faith. Thank you for the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit, who kindles our faith and strengthens us in the trials and temptations we endure.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Purify your holy Church. When it is tempted by power, success, or convenience, turn its eyes to the Cross of your Christ. By the power of your Spirit, keep it faithful in its proclamation of repentance, forgiveness, and the close approach of your Kingdom.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Purify and strengthen your persecuted people. Shield them from the temptation to forsake your Word. Keep them steadfast in faith and gentle in spirit. Help us, in our own times of trial, to go and do likewise.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Purify and guide the people of this congregation. Constantly turn our eyes to Christ. Give us grace to prefer nothing whatsoever to him.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Purify and defend our youth. Strengthen them to resist our culture’s crazy agendas. Help them step away from anything that tempts them to stop loving and trusting you.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Purify and heal our sin-shadowed world. Let us not be seduced by promises or policies that do not proceed from your holy will. Teach our leaders that neither they nor we can live on the bread of this world alone. Feed us all with the living Word that proceeds from you, the Lord of all nations.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Purify everyone charged with aiding and protecting life and liberty. Turn their eyes to you: their strength and their redeemer. Keep them competent and honorable in all they do.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Purify and heal all who suffer and cry to you for help, including: {List}. When they are tempted to despair, turn their eyes to the Cross, on which was hung the life and salvation of the whole world.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Most holy Father, we commend into your keeping the lives of all who died trusting in your mercy. When we are tempted by confusion, fear, or pleasure, fix our eyes on Jesus, our hope and heart’s desire. Fill us with your Spirit. Keep us safely on the path that leads to your eternal home and welcoming embrace.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For these things, and for whatever else is needful, dear Father, we pray in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen.
