THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, March 10, 2024, 4th Sunday in Lent, B
Numbers 21:4-9 (The bronze serpent; look upon it and live)
Psalm 107:1-9 (Wanderers in desert wastes cry to the Lord; he delivers them from their trouble)
Ephesians 2:1-10 (Dead in sin, now made alive in Christ by the grace of God)
John 3:14-21 (As Moses lifted up the serpent, so Son of Man is lifted up)
Opening hymn: What Wondrous Love is This: LBW #385, ELW #666, LSB #543
Hymn of the Day: God Loved the World, So That He Gave (can use the tune for “From Heaven Above to Earth I Come” or, as ELW pairs it, to “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross): LBW #292, ELW #323, LSB #571
OR Lift High the Cross: LBW #377, ELW #660, LSB #837
Communion Hymn #1: Amazing Grace: LBW #448, ELW #779, LSB #744
Communion Hymn #2: My Faith Looks Up to Thee: LBW #479, ELW #759, LSB #702
OR Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery, v.1-3; verse for Lent 4; end w/ “General” verse: ELW #334
Closing Hymn: Guide Me Ever/O Thou Great Redeemer: LBW #343, ELW #618, LSB #918
Let us humbly beseech God for his mercy upon the Church, the world, and one another.
A brief silence
Dear Father, we know the words by heart: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son.” Kindle your Holy Spirit in us, so these words burn bright and pure therein. Let them shine through all our thoughts, words, and deeds.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Form the Church into the perfect image of your beloved Son. Through its witness, let all people know of your great love for them. Lead them to believe in you and receive everlasting life.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lift up your faithful persecuted Church as a sign of your saving love in a sin-darkened world.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Bless the people of this congregation. Center our hearts in your love, given to us in Jesus. Help us to show his love others.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We fervently pray that you will raise up pastors, teachers, missionaries, and evangelists whose hearts burn with the desire to share the Gospel with those who do not know you.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Teach the leaders of the nations the ways of wisdom, integrity, and humility. Do not let them be seduced by power and praise. Fill them with a hunger for justice; a love of mercy; and a desire to work for peace among all people.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Ease the burdens of those who stand in harm’s way on behalf of safety, health, and freedom. Make them wise, brave, honest, and good. We also pray that you would give prudence, common sense, and a dash of humility to each of us, to make their jobs a little easier.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
As the Israelites looked upon the bronze serpent and were healed, grant that all who suffer may look upon the Cross of Christ and find healing, forgiveness, and life. Today we pray for {List}. Restore them to our fellowship. Bestow upon us all the joy of your salvation.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We praise you, Father, for receiving into eternal life those who loved Jesus in their mortal life. Keep our minds and hearts firmly fixed on him, too. Let us journey safely through the wilderness of this world into the blessedness and joy of your Promised Land.
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.
