The Prayers of the Church

May 1, 2022: 3^rd Sunday of Easter

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? the heavenly host praise the Lamb who was slain, who alone is worthy to open the scroll of judgment)

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”)

***********

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. Especially 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.

The Prayers of the Church

April 24, 2022: 2^nd Sunday of Easter

Acts 5:12-32 (Imprisoned disciples are freed by an angel. They proclaim Gospel, obey God not man)

RCL: Acts 5:27-32 (We must obey God, not man; we are witnesses to these things)

Psalm 148 (all creation praises God)

RCL: Psalm 150 (Let all creation praise God!)

Revelation 1:4-18 (John writes to his churches, sees glorified Jesus amidst their lampstands)

John 20:19-31 (Jesus appears, gives Spirit, commission to forgive/retain sins; Thomas confesses faith)

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

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, you stand in the midst of the lampstands, your churches, filling them with imperishable light. Thank you for rescuing us from the darkness of sin. Thank you for dispelling clouds of grief and despair. Thank you for leading us into your everlasting life. Grant us grace to lead all people to you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Breathe your Holy Spirit upon your Church, and fill it with your peace. Teach it to proclaim the Gospel graciously and boldly, so that all people may adore you as their Lord and their God.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Dwell in the midst of those are persecuted for your sake. Make them lampstands that shine with the radiance of your glory and grace. Fill them with the oil of faithful witness and steadfast endurance.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Pour your Holy Spirit upon this congregation. Give us a hunger for your Word; a thirst for your mercy; a vision of your love for all people; and a desire to serve you by serving others in your name.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give us the persistence and kindness of the disciples who sought out Thomas and drew him back into your dear presence. Help us to share, with those who have lost hope, the hope that is in us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We beseech you to give to the leaders and peoples of every nation, that peace which the world cannot give. Teach us repentance and humility. School us in generosity, gentleness, and justice. We need all these things to flourish – but mostly, we need your Spirit working your will in our hearts.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give wisdom, courage, and integrity to our military and first responders – and to all who serve the causes of liberty and justice throughout the world. Fill them with a love for your good and gracious will. Use them to establish justice, safety, and hope in places sorely lacking in those good things.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heal the bodies, cheer the spirits, and illumine the hearts of all whose lives are shadowed by sorrow and pain. Especially we remember before you the needs of: {List}. Renew in them the gifts of faith and hope; raise them to fullness of life; and restore them to joyful fellowship with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, you promise your resurrection life to all whom you have redeemed. We entrust into your care our beloved dead. Wipe away the tears of all who grieve. Fill us with the faith to follow you fearlessly, and to encourage one another cheerfully. Lead us to your Father’s house, where with all whom you love, we shall with endless joy acclaim you as our Lord and our God.

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

The Resurrection of Our Lord, Easter Day, Cycle C, April 17, 2022

Easter Sunrise Lessons:

Job 19:23-27 (I know that my Redeemer lives!)

Psalm 118:15-29 (The right hand of the Lord has triumphed; this is the Lord’s doing; this is the day the Lord has made)

1 Corinthians 15:51-57 (we shall not all die, but we shall all be changed; the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible)

John 20:1-18 (the women at the tomb; Peter and John; Mary Magdalene and Jesus)

Easter Day Lessons:

Isaiah 65:17-25 (God promises new heaven and earth; people will live long and prosper; nothing shall hurt or destroy on his holy mountain)

Psalm 16 (you do not give me up to Sheol, nor let your holy one see the Pit)

ELW/RCL: Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 (Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; I shall not die but live, and declare the works of the Lord)

1 Corinthians 15:19-26 (if Christ not raised, we are fools; but he has been raised, as shall we be!)

Luke 24:1-12 (the women at the empty tomb)

*****

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

A brief silence

You have done gloriously, Lord Jesus. You have risen victorious over our ancient foes: sin, death, and the devil. When this good news seems too good to be true, show us your wounded hands and side, and renew our faith. Fill us with the Holy Spirit, so we may firmly believe, rightly proclaim, generously share, and beautifully live this truth: that because death has no dominion over you, neither shall it have the last word over anyone whom you have redeemed.

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Adorn your beautifully-decorated Church, dear Lord, most especially with the beauty of your holiness and the light of your love. Make it resplendent with faith, hope, and charity. Clothe it in festal robes of righteousness and truth. Make its worship a foretaste of your eternal marriage feast, shared with everyone who comes in repentant faith.

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Impart your deathless love to Christians who suffer bitter persecution even on this holy day. Grant them the joy of your saving help. Purge the leaven of hatred and evil from the hearts of their tormentors. Hasten the day when all come to you in repentance, faith, and joy.

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Crown this congregation with unfading joy, unfailing kindness, and unceasing praise for your eternal and victorious love. Give us grace to share the hope that is within us with gentleness and respect, so that others may learn to love and trust you, their Savior and Lord.

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Graciously bless the guests and visitors among us this day. Kindle the hearts of those who do not yet believe that you have conquered sin and death in your own body. Grant them faith to know that you live to bestow faith, righteousness, and salvation upon them forever.

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Let peace and righteousness kiss; let mercy and healing overflow; and let wisdom and faith abound throughout the world. Bestow joy, comfort, and wholeness upon all people, especially those afflicted by human malice or natural catastrophe. Bring us all into a right relationship with you forever.

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Keep safe those who risk their lives on behalf of others. Equip them with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the sandals of peace, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. Heal them when they fall. Fill their loved ones with confidence in your triumph over every foe.

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Raise up all who sit in the shadows of pain, despair, grief, and death. Bring comfort and forgiveness to those who cry out for mercy, especially those we name before you: {List}. Impart your life and love to them, so they may join us in proclaiming, “I shall not die but live, and declare the works of the Lord!”

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

O risen Lord Jesus, those who died trusting you already experience that Easter morning that knows no end. Wipe away our tears, banish our doubts, and fill us with courage and joy. “Lord Jesus, from all evil forever make us free – from sin and from the devil, and all adversity; from sickness, pain and sadness, from troubles, cares and fears; and grant us heavenly gladness, and wipe away our tears. O, let us see in glory, your blest, redeeming face; and sing the old, old story of your amazing grace. Join us, with angels’ voices, and saints, from great to least, ‘til all the world rejoices, and with you, keeps the feast!”

Alleluia, risen 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

The Vigil of Easter, April 16, 2022

Let us, with joyful confidence, pray to our risen Savior for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, thank you. We hear the story of salvation, and are humbled by your patience with your wayward people. We enter the mystery of your death and resurrection in our Baptism. We feast on the sweetness of your victorious life at your Table. “Thanks” is too small a word! But your Spirit searches our hearts, and in that small word, utters what we cannot express for all you have done, and all that you are.

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Fill the Church with light of your life. Make it resplendent with the beauty of your holiness. Make it lovely with your mercy. Give it a voice to sing, “Christ is risen, Alleluia!”

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Shatter the hateful words and malicious acts of all who hate you. Raise up your persecuted servants, and grant them courage and joy. By their faithful witness, bring their tormentors to repentance, so together they sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Feed the people of this congregation with the milk and honey of sincerity and truth. Fill us with your mercy, forgiveness, and goodness. Use us to draw many who are afar off into your welcoming embrace, so together we sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Clothe the newly baptized in the festal robes of faith and innocence. Lead them in the pathways of faith toward you and fervent love toward others. And teach them to constantly sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Let peace and righteousness kiss; let mercy and healing overflow; and let wisdom and faith abound throughout the world. Grant that all people, in every nation, might come to saving knowledge of you, their Shepherd, Healer, and Lord, so that with one voice they sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Keep safe those who risk their lives on behalf of others. Equip them with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the sandals of peace, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. Let them accomplish your will in places of danger and injustice, so all may sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Raise up all who sit in the shadows of suffering. Bring comfort and forgiveness to those who cry out for mercy. Bestow your reconciling grace upon all who are estranged from you and from their loved ones. Grant them your perfect peace, so together all may sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Alleluia, risen Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

O risen Lord Jesus, those who died trusting you already experience that Easter morning that knows no end. Wipe away our tears, banish our doubts, and fill us with dauntless courage and joy. Give us loving hearts, gracious words, and tireless hands to help one another along the way. Lead us through the waters of death, as if on dry ground. By your grace and favor, let us stand with you and with all whom you have redeemed, in your promised Kingdom that has no end, there to sing for all eternity: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Alleluia, risen 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.

Prayers of the Church, Good Friday (April 15, 2022)

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

A brief silence

Forgive and save your Church, O God, for heeding anything that distracts it from knowing, proclaiming, and sharing the love of Jesus, its crucified and risen Redeemer.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and renew pastors, bishops, theologians, and other church leaders when by treacherous words and shameful deeds they crucify Christ anew, and turn people from his salvation.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and guide each of us in this congregation, for the small and great ways in which we fail to love you with our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength, and do not love one another as Jesus has loved us.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and challenge everyone who says they believe in you, but have more pressing obligations than worship, prayer, forgiveness, or service in your name.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and enlighten all who believe in other gods, or who have limited and distorted notions of who you are.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and rescue all who say they are “spiritual but not religious,” or who are fascinated by the occult or dark spiritual arts.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and teach those who do not believe in you at all, especially those who persecute believers.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and bring to repentance our enemies, personal and communal. Forgive all who slander, lie, and spew hate, as did their spiritual ancestors toward your beloved Son.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and transform all who break promises, break laws, and break hearts, especially when we still struggle to forgive.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and energize all who whine, complain, make excuses, and shift blame to others.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and reform everyone who seeks to divide, not build up; to sow suspicion, not trust; and who insists on their own way at any cost.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and liberate those who are enslaved by their desires, passions, fears, addictions, or by their attraction to evil for its own sake.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive and heal all who are caught in snares of illness and pain, depression and anxiety, regret and shame.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

Forgive, save, transform, and redeem all of us – for if we are honest, we know we must number ourselves in the great and miserable fellowship of sinners. Forgive, dear Lord, forgive us who despair; who seek revenge; who are cruel and selfish; who are bored and apathetic; who are thoughtless, clueless, heedless, merciless, and faithless.

          Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.

By the suffering and passion, of your holy and beloved Son; by his prayers from the Cross for our sake; by his sinless death and his descent into the depths of hell for the sake of sinners; by his glorious resurrection and ascension, and by his promise to come again as victorious Lord of all, forgive us our sins, heavenly Father. Crucify our sins and burn them in hell; but hide us, your poor sinful creatures, in the life-giving wounds of Jesus, and shelter us in his outstretched arms. Anoint us with the same Spirit he committed to you with his dying breath. Raise us, in the power of that Spirit, to share in the glorious resurrection life of Christ. And speed the coming of that great eternal day when everyone whom you have forgiven and healed, transformed and redeemed, is made fit to stand together before your throne, there to praise and adore you in the unity you share with your Son, our Savior and Lord, and with the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Thursday, April 14, 2022: Maundy Thursday

Jeremiah 31:31-34 (new covenant; God writes his law upon the heart)

             ELW/RCL: Exodus 12:1-14 (The Passover)

Psalm 116:12-19 (I will take up the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord;  precious in his sight is the death of his faithful servant)

 Hebrews 10:15-25 (we have confidence through blood of Jesus to enter God’s holy sanctuary)

             ELW/RCL: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (Holy Communion; words of institution)

 Luke 22:7-20 (the Last Supper)

*****

For the Church, the world, and our poor sinful selves, let us pray to the Lord, who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

A brief silence

Most holy Jesus, for the gift of yourself, thank you. For your Body and Blood as sustenance for our journey through this death-shadowed world, thank you. For your self-giving love that forgives – and empowers us to love and forgive one another, thank you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make your Church the one place on earth that speaks divine truth through human lips, offers divine forgiveness to the humanly-unforgiveable, lavishes divine love on the humanly-unlovable, and mirrors divine light in the darkest places in human hearts.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Draw your persecuted Church deeply into the mystery of your Passion. Give it grace to pray, as you did, for the forgiveness and repentance of all who hate you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep this congregation steadfast in faith, constant in hope, and abounding in love for you and for one another. Use us to lead those far off from your saving presence closer to the foot of your Cross.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless all who will be baptized this Eastertide. Let them ever rejoice in proclaiming the mystery of faith: “Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.”

Anoint with the healing presence of your most Holy Spirit this poor world that is ravaged by sin, evil, and death. We plead for hatred, prejudice, lies, and bloodshed to cease, and for the pure light of your Gospel to lead all people into your embrace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give wisdom, prudence, integrity, and courage to all who stand in harm’s way in defense of life, liberty, and justice, here and abroad. Bless all they do that is in accordance with your will. Strengthen and cheer them when they falter; and give patience and hope to their loved ones.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be the Way, Truth, and Life to everyone who suffers in body, mind, or spirit, especially: {List}. Bestow upon them healing, hope, faith, and trust in your good and merciful will.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hide our beloved dead in the shadow of your wings, dear Jesus, and keep them safe in your eternal care. Walk with us, we humbly pray, even when we are passing through Gethsemane and lingering at Calvary. Give us grace to trustfully say to your heavenly Father, “Thy will be done.” And lead us in that bright and eternal Easter wherein we gather with all whom you have redeemed, joyfully adore you, and dwell with you in the power of the Holy Spirit in your Father’s house forever. Amen.

The Prayers of the Church, 

Palm/Passion Sunday, Cycle C (April 10, 2022)

Processional Gospel: John 12:12-19 (Triumphal entry into Jerusalem)

                ELW/RCL: Luke 19:28-40 (Triumphal entry into Jerusalem)

Deuteronomy 32:36-39 (There is no god apart from Me who can save you)

                ELW/RCL: Isaiah 50: 4-9a (The Lord opens my ear. Who will contend with me?)

Psalm 31:9-16 (Psalm of deep lament and distress – and trust in God)

Philippians 2:5-11 (Christ humbled himself, become obedient unto death, even death on a Cross)

Luke 22:39-23:56 (from Gethsemane to Golgotha; Passion narrative)

******************************

For the Church, the world, and our poor sinful selves, let us pray to our Lord, who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem your Church. Through its ministry of Word, Sacrament, fellowship, and service, draw all people to yourself.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem those who are persecuted because they proclaim the Gospel to those who do not know you. By their faithful witness, draw all people to yourself.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem this congregation. Through our faith toward you, and fervent love for one another, draw all people to yourself.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem all children, especially those who are poor, sick, abused, or abandoned. Through their innocent praise of your love draw all people to yourself.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem the people in every land and nation. By the guidance of the Holy Spirit, establish your peace in every place; and draw all people to yourself.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem all whose work is difficult and dangerous, including those in the military and all first responders. By their labors, establish places of safety and calm; and there draw all people to yourself.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem all who are afflicted by sin, suffering, and sorrow, especially: {List}. Use the witness of their faithful waiting, and their blessed healing, to draw all people to yourself.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, you have saved and redeemed all who have died trusting your promises. Now keep us steadfast in faith, patient in suffering, generous in service, and loving in fellowship. Through your Cross and innocent suffering for the sake of the world, draw all people to yourself, and bestow upon all the redeemed the fullness of your forgiveness, blessing, and eternal life.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

Hear us, gracious Father, for the sake of your well-beloved Son, who intercedes for us before your throne of mercy.

Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

April 3, 2022: 5^th Sunday in Lent

Isaiah 43:16-21(God announces his new work; the wilderness shall be a place of refreshment)

Psalm 126 (God restored fortunes of Zion; those who sowed with weeping shall harvest with joy)

 Philippians 3:4b-14 (All is rubbish, compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ my God)

 Luke 20:9-20 (Parable of the wicked tenants of the vineyard)

            ELW/RCL: John 12:1-8 (Mary, Lazarus’s sister, anoints Jesus with oil)

*****

For the Church, the world, and our poor sinful selves, let us pray to our Lord, who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, when we think on your love for us, we can only repeat the words of two beloved hymns: “Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a tribute far too small. Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all!” “Thousand thousand thanks are due, dearest Jesus, unto you!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let your Church count everything as loss, compared to the surpassing worth of knowing you as Savior. Fill it with the longing to make you known to every sinner in the world, until you truly are the “all in all,” for all. Especially we pray for the persecuted Church, and for seminarians, pastors, and missionaries.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Strengthen this congregation in faithful worship, loving fellowship, generous outreach, and holy living. Make this place a place of refreshment and refuge for souls battered by sin, sorrow, and suffering.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for those preparing for Baptism at Eastertide; for everyone seeking to renew their relationship with you; and for pastors and congregations experiencing transition or turmoil. Guide them along their pilgrim path; refresh them with the joy of your saving help; and bless them with your lovingkindness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give peace, justice, health, and safety to every nation, especially our own. Grant wisdom and integrity to all who have been entrusted with authority and power, especially our elected and appointed leaders. Teach us to love one another through deeds of mercy and words of understanding.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

So many people hunger for healing and thirst for reconciliation. They long for encouragement and seek understanding.  They desire forgiveness, comfort, faith, and hope. Refresh them in the wilderness of their suffering, dear Lord – especially those we lift before you now {List}.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In gratitude and hope, we entrust our beloved dead into your keeping, dear Lord. Bestow the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, upon all who mourn. Through the same Spirit, grant that we truly know you, O Christ, and the power of your resurrection. Give us grace to share in your suffering. Claim us as your own, and clothe us with your righteousness. In your mercy, welcome us and all whom you have redeemed into your Father’s everlasting Kingdom.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear us, dear Lord; and answer our prayers according to your will, to your glory and for the benefit of the people you long to save.

Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

March 27, 2022: 4th Sunday in Lent

Isaiah 12:1-6 (With joy you will draw from waters of salvation and praise the Lord)

     ELW/RCL: Joshua 5:9-12 (After circumcision, Israelites keep first Passover in Promised Land)

Psalm 32 (happy are they whose transgression is forgiven; accept his instruction and live)

2 Corinthians 5:16-21 (God has given us the ministry of reconciliation in Christ)

Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 (Parable of the Prodigal Son)

*******

For the Church, the world, and our poor sinful selves, let us pray to our Lord, who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

A brief silence

Dearest Father, thank you for forgiving, welcoming, and restoring us, even when we squander your gifts and turn away from you! Thank you for your Holy Spirit, who brings us “to our right minds” and helps us repent. Thank you for your Son, who guides us to your embrace. He gives his Body and Blood as your homecoming feast; he clothes us with his own righteousness; and he places the signet-ring of his Sonship upon our hand. We give you thanks, Father, not as we ought, but as we are able.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make your Church faithful in proclaiming both your Law and Gospel. Make it lovely with holiness, gentle in rebuke, warmhearted in reconciliation, and generous in welcoming all whom you have led to repent.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Help this congregation to pray for, seek out, and forgive those who have wronged us. Give us patience, graciousness, and humility. Make this a place where those who are estranged from us, and from you, may return and be reconciled.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for families torn apart by sin, squabbling, and selfishness. Heal them, and return each person “to their right minds.” Deliver them from the pigsty of foolish pride and the far country of hostility. Take away whatever resentment and hurt stands in the way of healing and reunion.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Forgive those who, though entrusted with authority, power, and influence, have squandered these gifts, and used them foolishly. Give wisdom, integrity, and prudence to our elected and appointed leaders; to those in the military and first responders; and to those entrusted with educating our children or caring for the vulnerable. And teach us to live at peace with one another, despite our differences!

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bring healing and hope to all who suffers especially: {List}. Bring them back from the far country of pain, sorrow, or despair. Restore them to fellowship with all who love them, and increase their trust in you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Father, you’ve welcomed so many prodigals into your Kingdom already, including many whom we have loved in this life! Thank you. Keep our eyes fixed on the road home to you. Deliver us from the pig-sty of stubborn pride. Soften our hearts to help fellow prodigals along the way. Lavish your Holy Spirit upon us, so we’re constantly trying to live in faith toward you and in fervent love for one another. And, at the last, welcome us to the homecoming feast you have prepared for us, Jesus’ wayward sisters and brothers. We yearn for your prodigal love to embrace us forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear us, dear Lord; and answer our prayers according to your will, to your glory and for the benefit of the people you long to save.

Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

March 20, 2022: 3rd Sunday in Lent

Ezekiel 33:7-20 (you are a sentinel warning people to repent; if the evil repent, they live; if the righteous sin, they die; if you don’t warn, their blood is on you)

     ELW/RCL: Isaiah 55:1-9: (Listen to God, eat what is good; he makes everlasting covenant; seek him while he may be found; his Word returns fruitfully to him)

Psalm 85 (Restore us; show us your steadfast love; save us from our sin)

     ELW/RCL: Psalm 63:1-8 (My soul hungers, thirsts for you; you helped me; I sing for joy)

 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 (avoid sin; don’t test Christ; God provides escape when you are tested)

Luke 13:1-9 (tower didn’t fall because the people were worse sinners than you; but if you  do not repent, worse will happen to you. Parable of unfruitful fig tree)

*******

For the Church, the world, and our poor sinful selves, let us pray to our Lord, who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Son.  He diagnoses our sin, and provides our remedy. Thank you for your Holy Spirit. He opens an escape door when we are tempted, and helps us to repent when we don’t walk through. Help us in these struggles, and have mercy on us when we fall.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make the Church your sentinel. Use its words and deeds to help sinners turn from evil and turn toward the Cross, upon which was hung their salvation. Keep your persecuted servants safe in their time of testing; and cause their tormentors to repent of their sin.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Help everyone in this congregation to be fruitful fig trees, abounding in righteousness, faithfulness, love, peace, and every good work.  May our lives constantly proclaim your glory and nourish your people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for everyone who is tempted to engage in sinful acts out of fear, desperation, ignorance, or malice. Help us to speak truth in love with them. Help us to hear words of truthful warning when they are spoken to us! Help us to accompany those who resolve to walk in the path of righteousness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, our earthly leaders – in government, industry, education, and elsewhere – often seem blind, deaf, and dumb. They refuse wise words, just deliberation, and righteous deeds. Lead them to repent of selfish, wrongheaded, and evil laws or decisions. Make them eagerly seek the good you set before us all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We plead on behalf of everyone who suffers in body, mind, or spirit – especially: {List}. We pray for everyone who cares for hurting, lonely, grieving, and vulnerable people. Refresh them with your gracious Spirit, and give them the joy of your saving help.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy Father, thank you for the lives of your faithful servants who now rest from their labors. Keep their memories bright and their witness strong. Keep us in fellowship with them by faith, and with one another by love. In the fullness of time, gather all who have been redeemed through the death and resurrection of your Son into the blessedness of your Kingdom, where with you and the Holy Spirit he reigns as Savior, Lord and God forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear us, dear Lord; and answer our prayers according to your will, to your glory and for the benefit of the people you long to save.

Amen.