Prayers of the Church, November 10: 25th Sun day after Pentecost, Proper 27
1 Kings 17:8-16: Elijah tells widow of Zaraphath that God will provide food during famine
Psalm 146: God gives food to hungry, cares for widows, orphans
Hebrews 9:24-28: Christ enters heavenly sanctuary once, to atone for sins of all
Mark 12:38-44: Jesus denounces scribes, commends widow’s offering
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Opening Hymn: How Firm a Foundation: LBW #507, ELW #796, LSB #728
Hymn of the Day: The Temple Rang With Golden Coins (OMG you GOTTA get 1-time permission for this great Herm Stuempfle hymn! Familiar tune, great reflection on Gospel): LSB #787
OR We Give Thee But Thine Own: LBW #410, ELW #686 , LSB #781
Communion Hymn #1: Praise and Thanksgiving: LBW #409, ELW #689, LSB #789
Communion Hymn #2: O Savior, Precious Savior: LBW #514, ELW #820, LSB #527
Closing Hymn: Alleluia! Sing to Jesus: LBW #158, ELW #392, LSB #821
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THE PRAYERS
Let us intercede before the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the sake of the Church, the world, and one another.
A brief silence
Father, sometimes it’s hard to trust that you will provide what we truly need. Whether we face a personal crisis, a regional weather catastrophe, or a time of national uncertainty or strife, we’re more apt to trust Ben Franklin’s line that “God helps those who help themselves!” Help us to cast all our cares on you. Help us to be generous to others in need, even when we feel the pinch. Help us to commend ourselves, one another, and our whole lives to you.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Adorn your whole church in the loveliness of faith, hope, and charity. Let its words and deeds show Jesus to the world. Use it to enrich the empty-hearted, the broken-hearted, and the hard-hearted with the generosity, forgiveness, and grace of your dear Son, who gave himself for their salvation.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Give strength and healing to everyone who is persecuted on account of their faith in Jesus. Fill them with your unfailing and gracious presence. By their witness, soften the hearts of all who hate your Son and his followers, until the whole world is united in praising him.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Sometimes we’re afraid to be generous as we look at rising costs and shrinking offerings! Grant bold trust and wise generosity to the people of this congregation, dear Lord. Give us wisdom and ingenuity to find creative and faithful ways of sharing the blessings – material and spiritual – you’ve lavished upon us.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We ask your blessing upon our nation; upon all newly-elected leaders; and upon all who may be called upon to serve their country in a new administration. Pour out upon them, and on us all, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear of the Lord, and joy in your presence. Help us to do your will in ways small and great, knowing that in so doing, we glorify you and build up all your people, here and throughout the world.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bless, heal, comfort, and cheer all who suffer and cry to you for help, including those we name before you this day: {List}. Give them grace to cast all their cares on you, trusting that you care for them.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Eternal Father, your mercy is great toward all who fear, trust, and love you. Thank you for keeping our beloved dead safely in your eternal care. Keep us there, too, we humbly pray. Help us to cling to Jesus with one hand, and to reach out to a neighbor in need with the other. By your grace, lead us to your eternal home, where with all whom Jesus has redeemed by his Cross, death, and resurrection, we will rejoice in your amazing grace and lavish love forever.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For Jesus’ sake, dear Father, graciously hear and generously answer our fervent petitions, to your glory and for the benefit off for whom we pray. Amen.
