THE PRAYERS, 

11^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 13, Cycle B (August 5, 2018)

For the Church, the world, and needs of all people, let us pray to the Lord.

A brief silence

Holy Father, grant to your Church, which is the body of Christ, unity with him and unity in him. Fill it with your Holy Spirit, so that it may become fully mature, grown into the fullness of his stature and his likeness. When people hear its words and see its deeds, by your grace, let them see your love, forgiveness, and salvation, won for them by your dear Son.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Help us to be ever mindful of our union with those who are persecuted for Jesus’ sake; and strengthen them with the knowledge that they are not forgotten by you or by the rest of the Church. Use your missionaries to feed many hearts with the Word of life and salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Feed the people of this congregation with the living Bread of Heaven; and nourish us with the Cup of Blessing from Christ’s hand. Help us to know the depth, height, and breadth of your great love; and give us those gifts of your Spirit which help us to share that love with others.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

We pray on behalf those who maintain food pantries, soup kitchens, community gardens, and all initiatives great and small which feed the hungry and help them to feed themselves. Grant that, as their bodies are nourished, their minds, souls and spirits also may be fed with the living Bread from Heaven.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Guide the deliberations and actions of our earthly rulers, so that your will may be done and your people may receive all they need to live in safety. Teach us to feed one another, not only with food that perishes, but also with your imperishable and holy Word; and establish your peace in our midst.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be with first responders and with all who serve in our military, here or abroad. Conform their actions to your will. When their task is done, grant them swift and joyful reunions with their loved ones. Help us to honor their service, and to provide tangible support for their transition to civilian life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You promise to open your hand and fulfill the desire of every living creature. Therefore, we pray: bestow the gifts of health and hope, comfort and guidance, strength and cheer, to all whose need is great – including: {List}. Feed them with faith and fill them with the life-giving and refreshing waters of your grace and salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

With reverence and affection, we remember before you all our loved ones who have died and are at rest in you. Keep us in union with them through our common union in Christ Jesus. Strengthen our love and fellowship with our fellow pilgrims along life’s journey. Bring us all into the unimaginable joy and life you share with your Son and the Holy Spirit, and which you so graciously extend to those whom you have redeemed.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Incline your ear to our prayers, dear Lord; and answer them according to your most gracious and holy will, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE PRAYERS, 

10^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 12, Cycle B (July 29, 2018)

Let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Most holy God, you have rooted and grounded the Church in the life-giving body of your dear Son. Use it to feed, heal, teach, and draw many people to the foot of Jesus’ Cross.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Shelter and bless all who suffer greatly on account of naming Jesus as Lord, especially our sisters and brothers in Syria, Pakistan, North Korea, and Iraq. By their faithful endurance and charity, soften the hearts of their enemies and bring many to repentance and salvation. Use your missionaries to feed many hearts with the Word of life and salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Nourish the people of this congregation with the living Bread of heaven. Heal us with your compassion and forgiveness. Give us boldness to proclaim your saving love to those around us who need to hear it most.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Bless our young adults with lively faith and the strength of character to resist the fads and follies of the culture. Channel their energy and idealism to accomplish deeds of mercy and words of wisdom. Use them to introduce skeptical friends and cynical co-workers to you, the source of all goodness, truth, and beauty.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give to those entrusted with leadership – in government, justice, education, industry, or the arts – upright and honest hearts. Teach them to love wisdom, justice, and mercy. Grant that, through their proper use of authority, all people may receive the blessings of food, health, safety, opportunity, and peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for police, firefighters, our military, and all the unsung heroes who risk their lives on behalf of liberty, justice, and safety. Give them the wisdom, courage, and integrity they need to do their jobs faithfully and well. Help us to honor their service and sacrifice, and give them new opportunities to benefit their communities when their present duties are completed

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bestow your Holy Spirit upon all who cry out to you for help, especially those we name before you now: {List}. Graciously help, heal, restore, and strengthen them. Bless everyone who assists them in their time of need; and increase their faith and trust in you, their Strength and their Redeemer.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep in your tender care, dear Father, all who have died trusting in your promises – especially those whose loss we feel most deeply. Heal our grief, strengthen our faith, and forgive our sins of doubt, despair, or bitterness. Nourish us with the Bread of Life and refresh us with your Holy Spirit. And lead us into your heavenly Kingdom, where with all the redeemed, we shall rejoice in your goodness forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Hear and graciously answer our prayers, dear Lord, as it is best for us and most glorifies your holy name. Amen.

THE PRAYERS, 

St. Mary Magdalene, Cycle B (July 22, 2018)

Let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Merciful Father, establish the Church as your living temple, built on the foundation of prophets and apostles, with Christ as its cornerstone. Make its words precious and its actions holy. Through its proclamation and deeds of mercy, use it to feed the world with the living bread of your holy Word.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Give such loveliness and holiness to your persecuted people that even their enemies will say, “Entreat us not to leave you; your God shall be our God.” Shield and guide missionaries of the Gospel, and let them constantly and clearly say, “We have seen the Lord!”.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for making this congregation part of the Body of Christ. Keep us in union with him who is our Cornerstone and Savior. Grant that our worship, teaching, outreach and fellowship is always shaped by, and founded, on the witness of the prophets and apostles, martyrs, saints and confessors of the Church.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Draw our teens into closer fellowship with Jesus, so that the dangers and temptations of this broken and fallen world do not harm them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Warn and guide our earthly leaders. Teach them to use power and authority to increase health, safety, and justice among their citizens, especially the poorest and most vulnerable. Teach each of us to gladly share what we have with one another, confident that you will bless and multiply our gifts to your glory and for the benefit of all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be with those whose work is difficult and dangerous, especially those in our military and all first responders. Bless them with wisdom, courage, and skill as they complete their tasks. Use them to establish safety in chaotic places. Keep them safe; shield them when they fall; give steadfast and cheerful hearts to their loved ones; and grant them swift and joyful homecomings.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Tend and nourish, we pray, all the poor and needy, the sick and injured, the lonely and grieving, the imprisoned and abused, the homeless and dispossessed; and use us to help ease their suffering or sorrow. Especially this day we pray on behalf of: {List}. Fill them with your Holy Spirit and keep them close to their beloved Savior’s side. Restore hope in many hearts; and grant the health and salvation that only you can give.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most merciful Father, we entrust into your keeping all those who have died trusting in you, especially those nearest to our hearts. Grant us such faith in your dear Son that we may walk even through death’s dark vale with confidence, encouraging one another in his name. Bring us into your eternal home, where you have promised all whom you have redeemed, the banquet fare and rich wine of the Lamb’s high feast.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Hear and graciously answer our prayers, dear Lord, as it is best for us and most glorifies your holy name. Amen.

THE PRAYERS, 

9^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 11, Cycle B (July 22, 2018)

Let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Merciful Father, establish the Church as your living temple, built on the foundation of prophets and apostles, with Christ as its cornerstone. Make its words precious and its actions holy. Through its proclamation and deeds of mercy, use it to feed the world with the living bread of your holy Word.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Be the gracious and faithful Shepherd to your persecuted Church; and protect them from those who hate the name of Jesus and seek to scatter and destroy his flock. Use your missionaries to feed many hearts with the Word of life and salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for making this congregation part of the Body of Christ. Keep us in union with him who is our Cornerstone and Savior. Grant that our worship, teaching, outreach and fellowship is always shaped by, and founded, on the witness of the prophets and apostles, martyrs, saints and confessors of the Church.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Draw our teens into closer fellowship with Jesus, so that the dangers and temptations of this broken and fallen world do not harm them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You pronounced judgment upon the false shepherds of Israel because they did not care for your people in accordance with your Word. Warn and guide our earthly leaders. Teach them to use power and authority to increase health, safety, and justice among their citizens, especially the poorest and most vulnerable. Teach each of us to gladly share what we have with one another, confident that you will bless and multiply our gifts to your glory and for the benefit of all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be with those whose work is difficult and dangerous, especially those in our military and all first responders. Bless them with wisdom, courage, and skill as they complete their tasks. Use them to establish safety in chaotic places. Keep them safe; shield them when they fall; give steadfast and cheerful hearts to their loved ones; and grant them swift and joyful homecomings.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Tend and nourish, we pray, all the poor and needy, the sick and injured, the lonely and grieving, the imprisoned and abused, the homeless and dispossessed; and use us to help ease their suffering or sorrow. Especially this day we pray on behalf of: {List}. Fill them with your Holy Spirit and keep them close to their Good Shepherd’s side. Restore hope in many hearts; and grant the health and salvation that only you can give.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most merciful Father, we entrust into your keeping all those who have died trusting in you, especially those nearest to our hearts. Grant us such faith in your dear Son that we may walk even through death’s dark vale with confidence, encouraging one another in his name. Bring us into your eternal home, where you have promised all whom you have redeemed, not morsels of bread and dry fish, but the banquet fare and rich wine of the Lamb’s high feast.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear and graciously answer our prayers, dear Lord, as it is best for us and most glorifies your holy name. Amen.

THE PRAYERS, 

8^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 10, Cycle B (July 15, 2018)

Let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Holy God, judge your Church with equity and mercy. Cleanse it from false teaching, lukewarm worship, and hurtful words and deeds. Grant to all bishops, pastors, and theologians the courage, clarity and faithfulness of your servant, John the Baptist, so that at all cost, your Word of Law and Gospel might be proclaimed to all people, and many hearts might be drawn to repentant faith.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Like John the Baptist, the lives of many of your servants are in danger today. Keep them steadfast in faith, bold in witness, patient in suffering, and joyful in their hope for redemption in Christ. Bestow your favor and guidance upon your missionaries, especially those serving in dangerous places.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep the people of this congregation faithful to our mission, which is to proclaim Christ, crucified and raised from the dead, for the forgiveness of sins unto life everlasting. Make our words winsome; our actions gracious; and our lives lovely, so others desire to know more about the Lord we serve.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Bless our youngsters as they enjoy their summer vacation. Delight them with the wonders of your creation; and instill in them a love of learning that does not end with classroom bells.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant that the leaders of the nations should have and should heed advisors who dare to speak truth to power, calling them to account for their actions, and always setting before them the high ideals of justice, integrity and mercy. Give each of us a teachable spirit, so that we might hear your commandments, seek to obey them, and strive to live at peace with our neighbors.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Prosper the work of all those who stand in defense of life and liberty, whether in this country or in faraway places. Give them strong and faithful spirits; competence in emergencies; and a swift, safe and joyful homecoming when their work is done. Grant healing to those who are injured and honor to all who have died in the line of duty; and shield their loved ones from sorrow and fear.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We lift before you the needs of all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit, including: {List}. Especially this day we remember before you those who, like John the Baptist and St. Paul, are unjustly imprisoned. Grant them healing, hope, and courage. Give them the strength and comfort of your Holy Spirit. Help us to share support and encouragement, comfort and counsel; and restore them to fullest fellowship with those who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, we thank you that in Christ Jesus, we have an imperishable inheritance and the promise of life everlasting. Fulfill that promise to all who have fallen asleep in him. Comfort those who mourn with the sure knowledge that their hope is not in vain. Give us strength to confess Christ without compromise; to trust him without reservation; and to rejoice in him without end. And bring us, with all of your servants of every time and place, into your most holy presence, where with your Son and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, God forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Hear and graciously answer our prayers, dear Lord, as it is best for us and most glorifies your holy name. Amen.

THE PRAYERS, 

7^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 9, Cycle B (July 8, 2018)

Let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Lord, you commissioned Ezekiel to speak to your rebellious people; and your Son chose the Twelve to spread the Gospel throughout Galilee. Bestow your Spirit to the Church, so that it may boldly speak words of warning and grace to all people, and may bring many to repentance, true faith, and redemption in Christ Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant your all-sufficient grace to your persecuted servants. By their faithful witness and persistent hope, turn their enemies toward the cross of Christ, where they may be forgiven and transformed. Bestow your favor and guidance upon your missionaries, especially those serving in dangerous places.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for calling the people of this congregation into fellowship with your dear Son. Give us the gifts of the Holy Spirit to shape us into disciples and heralds of your Kingdom. Grant us courage, so that we do not cringe at the prospect of sharing the Good News; and give us kindness, so that others may gladly hear it.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Thank you for the lives and dreams of patriots who have labored to make this country into a shining beacon of hope, freedom and justice for all. Kindle in all of our hearts the desire to serve nation and neighbor in ways that please and honor you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant the Spirit of wisdom and understanding to all who take counsel for the nations. Give them teachable spirits, honest minds, and merciful hearts, so that those entrusted to their care may enjoy the blessings of health, hope, freedom and peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep our military personnel and first responders in your care. Grant that all they do may secure and further the blessings of peace, justice, and liberty. Help us to support and encourage their families until the day when they are reunited; and heal all whose lives have been shattered by the violence of war.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Like Paul, who prayed that his thorn in the flesh might be removed; we pray for all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit. Especially we remember before you: {List}. Heal them according to your gracious will; and give them unshakable confidence in your grace, which is always sufficient for their needs. Thank you for all caregivers. Give them compassion, patience and serenity. And keep all who suffer in closest communion with their church, their family, and all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy Father, we praise and adore you for your never-failing mercy, especially as it has embraced our loved ones who have died in the shelter of your arms. Keep us close to your heart throughout our lives; support us with your grace; heal us with your forgiving love; and lead us by your Spirit into the Kingdom and the inheritance won for us by your Son, Christ Jesus our Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Hear and graciously answer our prayers, dear Lord, as it is best for us and most glorifies your holy name. Amen.

THE PRAYERS, 

7^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 9, Cycle B (July 8, 2018)

Let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Lord, you commissioned Ezekiel to speak to your rebellious people; and your Son chose the Twelve to spread the Gospel throughout Galilee. Bestow your Spirit to the Church, so that it may boldly speak words of warning and grace to all people, and may bring many to repentance, true faith, and redemption in Christ Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant y0ur all-sufficient grace to your persecuted servants. By their faithful witness and persistent hope, turn their enemies toward the cross of Christ, where they may be forgiven and transformed. Bestow your favor and guidance upon your missionaries, especially those serving in dangerous places.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for calling the people of this congregation into fellowship with your dear Son. Give us the gifts of the Holy Spirit to shape us into disciples and heralds of your Kingdom. Grant us courage, so that we do not cringe at the prospect of sharing the Good News; and give us kindness, so that others may gladly hear it.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Thank you for the lives and dreams of patriots who have labored to make this country into a shining beacon of hope, freedom and justice for all. Kindle in all of our hearts the desire to serve nation and neighbor in ways that please and honor you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant the Spirit of wisdom and understanding to all who take counsel for the nations. Give them teachable spirits, honest minds, and merciful hearts, so that those entrusted to their care may enjoy the blessings of health, hope, freedom and peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep our military personnel and first responders in your care. Grant that all they do may secure and further the blessings of peace, justice, and liberty. Help us to support and encourage their families until the day when they are reunited; and heal all whose lives have been shattered by the violence of war.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Like Paul, who prayed that his thorn in the flesh might be removed; we pray for all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit. Especially we remember before you: {List}. Heal them according to your gracious will; and give them unshakable confidence in your grace, which is always sufficient for their needs. Thank you for all caregivers. Give them compassion, patience and serenity. And keep all who suffer in closest communion with their church, their family, and all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy Father, we praise and adore you for your never-failing mercy, especially as it has embraced our loved ones who have died in the shelter of your arms. Keep us close to your heart throughout our lives; support us with your grace; heal us with your forgiving love; and lead us by your Spirit into the Kingdom and the inheritance won for us by your Son, Christ Jesus our Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear and graciously answer our prayers, dear Lord, as it is best for us and most glorifies your holy name. Amen.

THE PRAYERS, 

6^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 8, Cycle B (July 1, 2018)

Let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Most gracious Lord, have compassion on your Church throughout the world. Heal it from every false teaching, unkind act, and unfaithful witness. Raise it up from sloth and sin; provide so generously for its needs that it may be generous in sharing your gifts with others; and by its winsome and lovely righteousness, draw all people into your Son’s life-giving presence.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Incline your ear to your persecuted Church, so that they may never despair of your goodness but rather give thanks to you forever for your great mercy. Shield and defend your missionaries, especially when they are met with hostility and rejection.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fill the people of this congregation with the spirit of gentleness, generosity, and compassion, so that we reflect Jesus’ goodness to everyone we meet, and our church becomes a byword among our neighbors for your strong saving love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

For many, this is a week of holiday and travel. Keep us in safety and concord, that all may enjoy the blessings of freedom, leisure, friendship, and family.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have given us this good land as our heritage. Make us always remember your generosity and constantly do your will. Save us from violence, discord, confusion, and every evil course of action. Give us what outward prosperity may be your will; but above all things, give us faith in you, that our nation may glorify your name and be a blessing to all peoples.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We thank you for patriots, past and present, who have served God and nation with honor. Shield and guide all who currently serve and protect our nation, here and abroad. Keep them strong; make them wise; heal their wounds of body, mind and soul; and use them to establish safety, justice and freedom. Grant comfort, patience and hope to their families and friends; and let their communities and country show them respect and use their gifts when they return.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Clothe all who wear the sackcloth of suffering with the clean linen of your salvation and joy. We lift before you the needs of: {List}. Give them such confidence in you that they constantly turn to you for help. And grant to all who love and care for them, such tenderness and skill that suffering and loneliness are eased and hope and faith are strengthened among us all

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

There is no profit if we go down to the pit; nor shall dust praise your faithfulness. Therefore, we praise you for your Son’s triumph over sin, evil and death; and for the eternal life that you promise to all who call upon his name. Give us the full measure of your Spirit, so that we may trust you even when we are surrounded by our ancient enemies; may encourage and console one another along our common pilgrimage; and may cling to the Cross of Jesus until it unbars the gates of your Kingdom, and you welcome us home.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear and graciously answer our prayers, dear Lord, as it is best for us and most glorifies your holy name. Amen.

THE PRAYERS, 

Nativity of St. John the Baptist, Cycle B (June 24, 2018)

Let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, grant that your Church should be like your servant John: Humbly and fearlessly pointing to the One who is greater, and who baptizes with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Make its proclamation urgent, faithful, and unambiguous. Use it to bring many to repentant faith in Jesus, that they may live.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 The message of repentance and baptism into Christ is scorned and rejected by many. Christians in Syria, Pakistan, and elsewhere are tortured for their faith. Keep them steadfast in faith, lovely with holiness, and persistent in their witness to Jesus, that their enemies may repent and be saved. We pray also missionaries of the Gospel, especially in dangerous places.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make this congregation a place of fervent worship and loving service in your name. Help us especially to reach out to those who are poor, hurting, or alienated from us and from you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Bless all farmers, gardeners, and other stewards of creation. Make them wise and generous in their care for the earth and its creatures. By their labors, give food, raiment, and refreshment to all your people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant wisdom and righteousness to our earthly rulers, especially those elected or appointed to guide this country, state and community. Teach them to prefer integrity over re-election; justice for all, over special interests; and attentiveness to your will over party platforms or expediency.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Bless with courage, prudence and patience all who work to keep us safe. Give them such integrity and clarity of purpose that all who are in danger or distress may turn to them without hesitation or fear. Shield them from harm; shelter their loved ones in your mighty arms; and bring them home in safety when their task is done.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all who suffer in mind, body, or spirit – especially: {List}. Help us to proclaim the words of John’s father: “In the tender compassion of our God, the dawn from on high shall break upon us; to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep safe in your mighty arms all our beloved dead, and comfort all whose grief is raw and deep. Remind us that you indeed have come to your people to set them free from all that harms and vexes us. Keep our eyes firmly fixed on Christ, our hands constantly extended in prayer and service, and our hearts forever set on the joy you have set before all whom Jesus has redeemed.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Hear and graciously answer our prayers, dear Lord, as it is best for us and most glorifies your holy name. Amen.

THE PRAYERS, 

5^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 7, Cycle B (June 24, 2018)

Let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Most holy God, still the storms of division, heresy, and selfish ambition among your people. Make your Church an ark of safety for all who are overwhelmed by the floodwaters of sin and suffering; and make it a rock against which faithless words and evil deeds are dashed. Grant that through its words and works, many people may see your strong saving love in action, turn to you, and be saved.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Like Job, your persecuted servants cry out for a sign that their suffering has meaning; that their faithfulness is precious to you; and that their Redeemer lives and will vindicate them. Deliver them from evil; reveal your mighty arm and never-failing love; and reveal yourself to their tormentors, so that they should repent and believe in you. Shield and defend your missionaries, especially when they are met with hostility and rejection.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Speak your word of peace among the people of this congregation. Keep us steadfast in faith, fervent in worship, persistent in prayer, and tireless in loving service to all who find themselves sinking beneath the waves of suffering, sorrow or shame.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Bless all farmers, gardeners, and other stewards of creation. Make them wise and generous in their care for the earth and its creatures. By their labors, give food, raiment, and refreshment to all your people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant wisdom and righteousness to our earthly rulers, especially those elected or appointed to guide this country, state and community. Teach them to prefer integrity over re-election; justice for all, over special interests; and attentiveness to your will over party platforms or expediency.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Bless with courage, prudence and patience all who work to keep us safe. Give them such integrity and clarity of purpose that all who are in danger or distress may turn to them without hesitation or fear. Shield them from harm; shelter their loved ones in your mighty arms; and bring them home in safety when their task is done.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We plead on behalf of all who are overwhelmed by waves of suffering and sorrow; who have been shipwrecked by abuse, abandonment or injustice; who have been cast adrift in the pathless seas of confusion, delusion, or doubt; and who cry out, fearing that you neither hear or care that they are perishing. Extend your mighty hand and outstretched arm and deliver them. Particularly this day we pray for: {List}.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for bringing to safe harbor all who have died trusting in you. Give us ears to hear Jesus’ words, “Peace; be still” when all we hear are the wind and waves of turmoil, strife and fear. And, by his merits, bring us into your Kingdom, where with you and with all whom you have redeemed, we may dwell in joyful and blessed peace forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear and graciously answer our prayers, dear Lord, as it is best for us and most glorifies your holy name. Amen.