THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, March 3, 2024, 3rd Sunday in Lent, B
THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, March 3, 2024, 3rd Sunday in Lent, B
Exodus 20:1-17 (God gives Israel the 10 Commandments)
Psalm 19 (Heavens tell the glory of God; his law is perfect, reviving the soul)
1 Corinthians 1:18-31 (Message of Cross is foolish, weak; but is God’s wisdom, strength)
John 2:13-25 (Jesus cleanses the Temple)
Opening hymn: Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty: LBW #250, ELW #533
OR O Sing to God Above: WOV #726, ELW #555 (Singable Hispanic hymn that ties into Psalm)
OR Word of God, Come Down on Earth: WOV #716, ELW #510, LSB #545
Hymn of the Day: Built on a/the Rock the Church Shall Stand: LBW#365, ELW #652, LSB #645
OR These Are the Holy Ten Commands: LSB #581
OR Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery, v.1-3; verse for Lent 3; end w/ “General” verse: ELW #334
Communion Hymn #1: In the Cross of Christ I Glory: LBW #104, ELW #324, LSB #427
Communion Hymn #2: God Himself is Present: LBW #249, LSB #907
Closing Hymn: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross: LBW #482, ELW #803, LSB #425, 426
Let us humbly beseech God for his mercy upon the Church, the world, and one another.
A brief silence
Thank you, Father, for your dear Son. Thank you for making him your living Temple. Thank you for making him our “house of prayer.” Help us to pray together with him, “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.”
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Cleanse and purify your Church. Make it a house of prayer for all people. Give it leaders who preach and teach faithfully, and whose lives adorn the Gospel with holiness. Use it to draw all people to yourself.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bless your suffering Church. Let it never be overcome by bitterness or despair. Make it a beacon of your saving love in a sin-darkened world.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Give the members of this congregation Jesus’ own zeal for your house. Grant that we worship you joyfully, care for one another tenderly, and proclaim your Word boldly.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for parents, foster parents, and everyone who cares for your little ones. Fill them with your Spirit. Equip them to teach their children your commandments and bring them to your House, there to receive your life-giving Word and Sacraments.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Guide the rulers of all nations to seek your will, and give them the strength to do it. Give them wisdom, prudence, and integrity. Teach us all to live by your commandments, and grant us your peace.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Guide and strengthen all who stand between us and the threatening dangers of this fallen world. We thank you for their labors and pray for their safety. Prosper all they do that helps to establish justice, health, peace, and unity.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You are the strength of all who suffer and the joy of all who grieve. Be present with your merciful care to all whose need is great, including: {List}. Give them, and all who love them, grace to trust in Jesus. He alone is their life, health, hope, and salvation.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Gracious Father, into your hands we commend our beloved dead. Comfort all who grieve. Keep our feet in the path of your commandments; our hearts fixed on your forgiving love; and our eyes focused on the Cross of Jesus. Bring us safely into your welcoming embrace and eternal home.
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.