The Prayers of the Church, May 18, 2025: 5^th Sunday of Easter, C

 

Acts 11:1-18 (Peter defends baptism of Cornelius’ household by recounting his vision)

 

Psalm 148 (all creation praises the Lord)

 

Revelation 21:1-7 (new heaven and earth; no pain, crying or death; He is Alpha and Omega)

 

John 16:12-22 (Jesus promises the Spirit, who will declare his words to the disciples; they should rejoice that Jesus is going away, for he will return, and no one will take away their joy)

ELW/RCL: John 13:31-35 (A new commandment: love each other as I have loved you)

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Opening Hymn: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling: LBW #315, ELW #631, LSB #700

Hymn of the Day: Awake, My Heart, With Gladness: LBW #129, ELW #378, LSB #467

OR Where Charity and Love Prevail (If using RCL Gospel): LBW #126, ELW #359, LSB #845

OR Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us With Your Love: WOV #765, ELW #708. LSB #980

Communion Hymn #1: In Heaven Above: LBW #330, ELW #630

OR In Christ There Is No East Or  West: LBW #359, ELW #650, LSB #653

Communion Hymn #2: Soon and Very Soon: WOV #744, ELW #439

Closing Hymn: Alabare,  (If you didn’t do it earlier) WOV #791, LSB #799/800

                OR Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee, LBW #551, ELW #836, LSB #803

OR Jesus Loves Me: ELW #595

 

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Let us pray to our risen Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, you are the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the Resurrection and the Life! You bestow, here and now, a vision of that new creation, in which sin and death are no more. Our words falter. We truly are “lost in wonder, love, and praise.” To you alone, blessed Jesus, be the glory!

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fill your Church with the Holy Spirit. Make it constant in faith, bold in witness, joyful in worship, patient in adversity, cheerful in service, rich in compassion, and radiant with holiness. Through it, lead many, as you led Cornelius and his household, to life, salvation, and fellowship with all who love you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Embrace, equip, and encourage those who are persecuted on account of you – in Nigeria, Syria, and elsewhere.  Do not let us ignore their suffering, but rather find ways to assist and defend them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Stir up the Spirit’s power in this congregation. Make us burn with love for you and for our neighbors. Give us that joy which the world cannot give. Help us share that joy with all who need it most.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless all elementary and middle school children with joy, love of learning, and kindly hearts. Protect them from bullies and abusers, from the world’s alluring dangers and hidden threats; and from everything that would darken their hearts or hide your face.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all who stand in harm’s way on behalf of others. Strengthen them to do their jobs faithfully, bravely and well. Bring them home in safety when their service is completed. Speed the day when there is no more warfare, pain, or death, and all your people may live at peace with you and with each other.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fill this world with your goodness and righteousness, until every creature, person, nation, and tribe shouts praises to your name for the abundant life that only you can give. Teach the rulers of the nations – and the leaders of commerce, technology, education, medicine, and law – to seek truth; to delight in wisdom; to deliberate and decide with justice; and to act with generosity and humility. And teach everyone to live in peace and fellowship with one another.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Wipe away the tears, and take away the suffering, of all whose need is great. This day we plead on behalf of: {List}. Give them, and all who love them, a measure of your Kingdom’s joy and peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, you are the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end of all things. You are the light and life of all who died trusting in you. Keep us in fellowship with them, through the bond of your Spirit. By the same Spirit, raise up all whom you have redeemed. Lead us into your Father’s presence as a holy community: your family, joy, and treasure forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant to us all that is in accordance with your will, dear Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Prayers of the Church

May 11, 2025: 4^th Sunday of Easter, C (Good Shepherd Sunday), also Mother’s Day

 

Acts 20:17-35 (Paul, on his way to Jerusalem, exhorts elders to watch over the flock they are entrusted with, for there are dangerous wolves that threaten them)

ELW/RCL: Acts 9:36-43 (Peter raises Tabitha)

Psalm 23 (the Lord is my shepherd)

Revelation 7:9-17 (salvation belongs to God and to the Lamb; behold a host, arrayed in white)

John 10:22-30 (my sheep hear my voice; no one shall snatch them from my hand)

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Opening Hymn: Behold A Host, Arrayed in White: LSB #676, (superior translation)

Behold A/The Host, Like Mountains Bright: LBW 314, ELW #425

OR Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones: LBW #175, ELW #424, LSB #670

Hymn of the Day: The King of Love My Shepherd Is: LBW #456, ELW #502, LSB #709

                OR Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us: LBW #481 (I hate this tune. If you have access to SBH, ELW, OR LSB, use that tune, which is the old familiar one!), ELW #789, LSB #711

Communion Hymn #1: O Jesus, King Most Wonderful: LBW #537

                OR Thine the Amen: WOV #801, ELW #826, LSB #680

Communion Hymn #2: I Am Jesus’ Little Lamb: LSB #740

OR Have No Fear, Little Flock: LBW #476, ELW #764, LSB #735

Closing Hymn: Praise the Lord, Rise Up Rejoicing: LBW #196, ELW #544

OR The Lord’s My Shepherd; I’ll Not Want: LBW #451, ELW #778, LSB #710

 

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Let us pray to our risen Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, you alone are worthy! You are worthy of blessing and honor, glory, and praise. Give us grace to praise your greatness, to bless your name, and to live lives worthy of you, our Shepherd and Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

St. Paul exhorted the elders of the churches to protect your flock from the wolves that threaten them. Bless your Church with pastors and theologians who rightly proclaim your Word, defend against heresy and schism, and lead your people into lives of holiness, faithfulness, and love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Your martyrs stand before your throne, praying for all who are persecuted for your Name’s sake. Join our prayers to theirs. Give courage and endurance to those who suffer on account of you. By their example, cause their enemies to repent, so their lives may be transformed, and their minds renewed.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless and direct this congregation. Call us by name and lead us in love. Guide us in paths of discipleship and service. Let all be done to your glory, and for the good of our family, community, and world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless our littlest lambs: our infants and toddlers, and all newborns in the faith. Lead them safely through the dangers of this world. Crown their innocence with holiness. Teach them to know your voice and to gladly follow wherever you would have them go.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for mothers, foster mothers, and for all who care and love with a mother’s heart. Adorn their lives with wisdom, goodness, common sense, and patience. Give them endurance – and a good night’s sleep – to carry out their many tasks with a light heart and ready smile. Be their strength and shield when their burdens are great and sorrowful. And bestow your dearest comfort to all who have lost a child, or who are unable to have one.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give a shepherd’s heart to the leaders of all nations, especially our own. Teach them to seek the welfare of their people above power, wealth, or re-election. By their labors, grant the simple blessings of decent food, clean water, and the chance to raise families in freedom and safety. Give wisdom and integrity to all who risk their lives on behalf of others. And to all people, especially those whose lives have been shattered by violence, grant a measure of your peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O great and good Shepherd, carry on your shoulders all who are suffering in body, mind, and heart. This day we remember before you: {List}. Give a double portion of you Spirit to all who care for them, and restore them to wholeness and hope.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, we pray the Shepherd’s Psalm when a member of your flock has died, confident that you bring them through death’s dark vale into your Father’s house. We therefore entrust to you all our dear departed. Lead, feed, and protect us, as you have done for them. Prepare our place at your festive table, where with all whom you have redeemed, we will feast on your goodness and mercy forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant to us all that is in accordance with your will, dear Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Prayers of the Church, May 4, 2025: 3^rd Sunday of Easter, C

 

Acts 9:1-22 (Conversion of Saul)

Psalm 30 (praise God for deliverance from enemies)

Revelation 5:1-14 (Is no one worthy to open the scroll of judgment? The Lamb who was slain, alone is worthy!)

ELW/RCL: Revelation 5:11-14 (eliminates weeping because no one found worthy)

John 21:1-19 (the disciples and the risen Jesus, a miraculous catch of fish, and “Feed my lambs”)

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Opening Hymn: Lord, Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor: LBW #172, ELW #475, LSB #534

OR  I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light: WOV #649, ELW #815, LSB #411

Hymn of the Day: At the Lamb’s High Feast: LBW #210, ELW #362, LSB #633

OR (If preaching on Revelation): Alabare: WOV #791, LSB #799

OR Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds: LBW #143, ELW #367, LSB #465

Communion Hymn #1: O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts: LBW #356, ELW #658

Communion Hymn #2: O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee

Closing Hymn: Crown Him with Many Crowns: LBW #170, ELW #855, LSB #525

 

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Let us pray to our risen Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, you alone are worthy of worship. You alone are worthy to speak words of divine judgment and forgiveness. Give us grace to kneel in adoration and to rise up in obedient service to you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You commanded your servant Peter to tend your sheep. Equip your Church with every good gift, so it feeds your flock with your holy Word and life-giving Sacraments.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Your Church is persecuted today, even as it was in the days of the Apostles. Deliver it from its enemies. Grant it steadfast faith and hearts free from bitterness. By its faithful endurance, soften the hearts of its persecutors, so that they may turn to you and live.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless this congregation. Kindle our hearts to seek the lost, lift up the broken-hearted, and feed hungry souls around us with your holy and precious Word.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You confronted Saul on the Damascus road. In your merciful, tough love, confront those who scorn your Word and refuse your truth. Give us holy reason and gentle hearts, so that through us, you lead many unbelievers into your flock.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You are Lord, King, Judge, and Savior of the world. Bless and strengthen all who take counsel for the nations. Guide them in pathways of justice and righteousness. Use their labors to feed all people with justice as well as loaves; to drink of peace as well as clean water; to live in friendship with their neighbor, and to walk humbly before you, their Lord and God.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Defend and guide all who stand between life and death; between violence and safety; and between oppression and freedom. Lend them your wisdom and righteousness. Raise them up when they falter. Heal their wounds, and grant them joyous reunions with loved ones.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Oh great and good Shepherd, gently tend all who are sick, lonely, grieving, despairing, and all who cry out for mercy. Today we remember before you: {List}. Give the Spirit of your compassion to all who care for them, and restore them to wholeness and hope.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Lord Jesus, you are worthy to open the scroll and to judge the world. Yet you freely grant forgiveness and salvation to every sinner who dies trusting in your promises. Thank you for keeping those promises to the faithful departed, especially those dear to us. Give us faith to trust your Word in times of doubt and confusion. Give us compassion to care for all your dear lambs.  Give us grace to receive a foretaste of the banquet-feast of heaven. Give us joy, which is the undying inheritance of all whom you love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant to us all that is in accordance with your will, dear Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

“You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may also become clean” (Matthew 23:26).

Inside out, not outside in.  So many focus upon doing things right rather than focusing upon being made righteous through the grace of our Savior.  It is really a matter of giving up control.  You and I are not and never will be in control of our own circumstances, let alone those around us.  The Lord is Lord of all.  Come into the salvation of Christ and be saved from the inside out.

Lord, it is simple and I see the truth of it.  There is so much pretentiousness in this world.  Everyone is posturing as if what we see is what matters.  Yet, I see quiet desperation as the way of the world presses in.  Lead me out of the insanity of this sinful world and into the quiet place of true salvation.  Guide me to understand and know Your goodness and mercy.  Keep me in all truth.

Lord Jesus, I know that I am a work in progress, but sometimes it seems as though I am not progressing well at all.  Let me be stripped even of this so that I look to You in, for, and through all things.  Guide me to understand that by Your grace and mercy alone do I have hope.  Lead me in that hope so that I live into the life to which You have called me.  Guide me in Your grace to be made whole from the inside out.  Amen.