THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, February 25, 2024: 2nd Sunday in Lent, B
THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, February 25, 2024: 2nd Sunday in Lent, B
Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 (God makes everlasting covenant with Abraham and Sarah)
Psalm 22:23-31 (All nations, those who sleep in the earth shall bow before God and praise him)
Romans 5:1-11 (Justified, we have peace with God, boast in sufferings. Christ dies for the ungodly)
RCL/ELW: Romans 4:13-25 (God’s promise to Abraham received by faith)
Mark 8:27-38 (Peter’s confession; passion prediction; Christ’s rebuke; take up your cross and follow me)
RCL/ELW: Mark 8:31-38 (only the section on taking up cross and following)
Opening hymn: Chief of Sinners Though I Be: LBW #306, ELW #609, LSB #611
OR The God of Abraham Praise: LBW #544 v. 1-4, 9-11; ELW #831 v. 1-4, 7-8; LSB #798 v. 1-4, 8-9
Hymn of the Day: Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart: LBW #325, ELW #750, LSB #708
OR Eternal Lord of Love, Behold Your Church: ELW #321(Good words; tune is fairly familiar)
Communion Hymn #1: When Peace, Like a River: LBW #346; ELW #785; LSB #763
OR Just A Closer Walk with Thee: ELW #697
Communion Hymn #2: One There Is, Above All Others: LBW #298
Closing Hymn: Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus: LBW #487, ELW #802, LSB #685
OR I Am Trusting You, Lord Jesus: LBW #460, LSB #729
OR Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery, v.1-3; verse for Lent 2; end w/ “General” verse: ELW #334
Let us humbly beseech God for his mercy upon the Church, the world, and one another.
A brief silence
Holy Father, thank you for Peter and all the apostles, saints, and martyrs who confessed Jesus as Lord and God. Thank you for pastors, mentors, and spiritual guides, who help us do the same.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Inspire your Church to faithfully proclaim Jesus to the world as your only Son, and as its only Savior.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Your Son did not shrink from suffering and death. Grant grace to all who are persecuted for Jesus’ sake, so that they glory in his Cross, and rejoice in his resurrection.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Teach the people of this congregation to follow Jesus in humble service and cross-bearing. Let everything we say and do glorify you and build up the Body of Christ.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Give courage and joy to our college students and to all seminarians. Keep their faith strong and true. Help them dedicate themselves to caring for other people and glorifying your holy Name.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Through your covenant with Abraham and Sarah, you blessed all nations. Grant to all people, especially those confessing the Abrahamic faiths, the blessings of peace and righteousness, which apart from you cannot flourish. Guide our nation, so our words and deeds may please you, the Lord of the whole earth.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bless and protect all who stand in harm’s way on behalf of others. Give them wisdom, courage, and competence. Protect them and strengthen their loved ones. Bring them home swiftly and safely.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We lift before you the needs and prayers of all who cry out to you for help, including: {List}. Grant them the joy of your saving help. Bless all who care for them. Restore them to health and hope.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Gracious Father, thank you for fulfilling your promises to those who have died trusting you. Comfort those whose grief runs deep. Keep us calm and fearless. Help us always trust your love, which lights our path throughout our earthly pilgrimage. Bring us, and all whom you have redeemed, to the fulfillment of your blessing, won for us by Abraham’s glorious offspring, your Son, Christ Jesus our Lord.
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.