PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, Cycle C: 4^th Sunday after Epiphany,
Proper 3, February 3, 2019

Let us draw near
to the Light of Christ, offering prayer and supplication on behalf of the
Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, even as we thank you for your Word, we
confess that it can sometimes seem stern and even offensive to us. And yet, in
Jesus we have your full assurance that every Word which proceeds from your
mouth is good. In him, your never-failing love is fleshed out for us. Fill us
with your Holy Spirit, so that we can thank you for every Word you speak to us,
and can model, however imperfectly, your perfect and eternal love for your
people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have
appointed prophets and martyrs, pastors and bishops, teachers and ordinary
saints to speak your word and to lead all people to new life in Christ. Grant
that the Church may speak your word boldly, act fearlessly, and in all things
mirror your love, revealed to the world in your beloved Son.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear the
prayers of your suffering Church; rescue your servants from the hand of the
wicked and the grasp of the unjust and the cruel. Be their rock and their
refuge; fill their mouth with your praise; and drive out the demons of hatred
and unbelief from their persecutors.  

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let this
congregation overflow with words of praise to you, and deeds of love toward
others. Help us to be rich in patience and kindness; and to be lacking only in
resentment, irritability, and self-promotion. Let our families, friends,
neighbors and communities truly know we are Christians by his love, which
touches them through us.

Lord, in
your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant that the leaders of the nations,
most especially our own, may heed your words and seek to do your will. Teach
them to love justice, and hate cruelty; to rejoice in truth and reject
wrongdoing; and to wield authority in the knowledge that they must give an
account of their deeds to you, the Lord of all nations. Give us ears to hear
the cries of all who are victims of poverty, injustice or violence; and give us
the heart and the strength to answer them well.

Lord, in your mercy, hear
our prayer.

With authority and power, Jesus drove out
demons, healed the sick, and forgave and raised up people tormented by the
power of sin and death.  We pray in his
name for all who are afflicted in body, mind, or spirit, and especially for: {List}.
Be their rock, their strong deliverer, and their hope. Strengthen all who care
for them; and grant them the joy of your salvation.

Lord, in
your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We commend into your care our loved ones
who have died and are at rest in you. Comfort those whose grief runs deep. Help
us to be so gentle, patient, and kind to one another that we may indeed endure
all things that afflict us in this mortal life. Lead us at last, with all whom
you have redeemed by the love revealed in your Son, into your Kingdom, where
faith becomes sight, hope becomes joy, and your love is our all in all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all these things, dear Father, and for
whatever else you will for us in your wisdom and compassion, we pray in the
name of Jesus, our Savior, Lord, and King. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, Cycle C: 3^rd Sunday after Epiphany,
Proper 2, January 27, 2019

Let us draw near
to the Throne of Grace, offering prayer and supplication on behalf of the
Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Lord God, thank you for your Word, given to us as Holy
Scripture as the sure foundation for our life as your beloved community. Thank
you for your Word made flesh in your well-beloved and only Son, Jesus Christ.
Shape us more perfectly into his image. Send us with your Word of life to all
who are blinded by the distractions of life, deafened by the voices of pleasure
and power, lamed by the sufferings of life, imprisoned by sin, and impoverished
in body, mind, or spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make your
Church a place where all your Word – Law and Gospel, lament and praise, history
and exhortation – are faithfully proclaimed, eagerly heard, and gladly heeded. We
pray also for our sisters and brothers who are persecuted for Jesus’ sake. Do
not let us despise or ignore their suffering or their testimony. Say to them,
“Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Build up the
Body of Christ in this congregation. Help us to claim, develop and share the gifts
you have given each of us; to encourage and rejoice in the gifts of others,
whether those gifts seem small or great to us. Let all be done to glorify you
and to share your mercy with those around us.

Lord, in
your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray, therefore,
on behalf of shut-ins, the physically and mentally challenged, the frail, and
all those of our congregation and acquaintance whose gifts are often overlooked
or despised, even by themselves. Grant that, following our Lord’s example, we
may honor them; and that we may rejoice together as fellow members of his Body.

Lord, in
your mercy, hear our prayer.

Teach your commandments and precepts to
all who take counsel for the nations; to our military; and to first responders.
Grant them wisdom, integrity, and common sense, so that their citizens may live
peacefully, work fruitfully, and enjoy the blessings of liberty, justice,
health, every other good thing you have provided for the benefit of all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear
our prayer.

Your Son came to proclaim healing, sight,
freedom and the good news of the Gospel to all who are in bondage to the powers
of sin, evil and death. We lift before you the needs of all who need to hear,
feel, and truly experience his strong saving love, including: {List}. Visit
them with your salvation; heal their bodies and revive their hearts; and let
them rejoice you.

Lord, in
your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Thank you, heavenly Father, for receiving
into your Kingdom those who died trusting in your Word – especially {List}.
Keep us close to your dear Son, that we may hear his Word of life, and feed on
it; that we may be filled with his Spirit, and share it; that we may be knit
into his Body, and rejoice in it. Keep us faithful unto death, and then say to
us, and to all your people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do
not mourn or weep, and do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your
strength, forevermore.”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Graciously hear, and generously answer our
prayers, most holy Father, in accordance with your wisdom and mercy for us, and
in the name of your dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, Cycle C: 2^nd Sunday after Epiphany,
Proper 1, January 20, 2019

Let us draw near
to the Throne of Grace, offering prayer and supplication on behalf of the
Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Holy God, thank you for loving your people so passionately
that the best human analogy is that of a wedding, and of the love between a
bride and bridegroom. Forgive us when our brokenness and wrongheadedness
prevent us from rightly hearing these words! Thank you for the healing and
forgiveness – even of our bodies and relationships – that you bestow in Jesus.
Thank you for your Holy Spirit, who constantly forms us, body and soul, into
his image and his bride.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Adorn your
Church with faithful teaching and preaching; with deeds of mercy,
reconciliation, and generosity; and with worship that befits the adoration and
delight of a bride for her beloved. Overshadow your persecuted servants with
your Holy Spirit, so that they may bless the Name of Jesus their Lord, and so
that their tormentors turn away from cursing his Name.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give the
wedding-presents of joy and faithfulness, forbearance and forgiveness to all
married couples. Bring healing to homes fractured by sin and suffering. Gather
those who are single – by choice or circumstance – into your loving embrace.
Form us all into your big, boisterous, and blessed family.

Lord, in
your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, for
many of our congregations “we are family” is very literally true! Bind us
together with the cords of your love, and not merely our kinship ties and
traditions. Make this congregation a place where many are adopted into your
family, and where the bounties of your blessings are freely and lovingly shared
with all whom we invite to join us.

Lord, in
your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let your steadfast love and righteousness
dwell in the hearts of our elected and appointed leaders; in the minds of all
who take counsel for the nations; and in the actions of everyone in positions
of authority in our society. Give us grace to share the gifts and skills you have so generously
bestowed – especially with the poor and lonely, the suffering and the
sorrowing.

Lord, in your mercy, hear
our prayer.

We plead on behalf of everyone who
struggles with pain, grief, addiction, fear, remorse, doubt, and despair. We
lift before you this day the needs of: {List.} Give them the hope and courage
they need to cling to you in times of trouble. And give to those who care for
them a double portion of your compassionate and loving Spirit.

Lord, in
your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Thank you, heavenly Father, for all our
beloved dead who clung faithfully to your promise of salvation. Dry our tears
and ease our sorrow. Give us grace to live in faith toward you, and with
fervent love for one another. Then, by your great mercy, gather us, with all
whom your dear Son is pleased to call his bride and his beloved, at the table
of that marriage feast which has no end.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Graciously hear, and generously answer our
prayers, most holy Father, in accordance with your wisdom and mercy for us, and
in the name of your dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, Cycle C: The Baptism of Our Lord, January 13, 2019

Let us draw near to the Throne of Grace, offering prayer and supplication on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, thank you for revealing a tiny portion the mystery of the Holy Trinity in the Baptism of your beloved Son. Thank you for uniting us to him, in the power of the heaven-descended Dove, and naming us your beloved children in our own Baptism. Give us grace to live lives well-pleasing to you, and let all of our thoughts, words, and deeds cry “Glory!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Increase the faithful witness, worship, and works of your Church. Through its proclamation in word and deed, let the whole world hear the thunder of your voice and the beauty of your holiness. We also pray on behalf of our sisters and brothers who suffer greatly for confessing Jesus as Lord. Renew the promise you made to our ancestors in the faith, that the flames of persecution should not burn them, nor the waters of death carry them away from you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bestow your blessing on all who are baptized or reaffirming their baptismal covenant today. Stir up your Spirit in them, that they may be freed from sin, united to Christ, and named as your children forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless the people and the ministry of this congregation. Make us dead to sin and alive to you in Christ. Burn away the chaff from our hearts; gather up and sanctify all that you have cleansed; and use us to share with family and neighbors the new life we have in our Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our country and for our world. Establish among us such peace, concord, and righteousness, that all people may glorify your Name and enthrone Christ in their hearts as the Prince of Peace. Keep watch over those who, to protect us, walk through the floods of violence and the flames of war.  Conform their decisions, words, and actions to your will; bring them home safely and soon; and bring healing and hope to the wounded and their families.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Say to all who suffer in mind, body or spirit, “Do not fear, for I am with you.” Especially we name before you: {List}. Gather them from the far reaches of suffering and sorrow; restore them to all who love them; and remind them always that they are precious in your sight.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We remember before you those who are dear to us and whom you have delivered from the waters of death. You have called us by name and made us your own in Baptism. We therefore pray: keep us united with your beloved Son, and strengthen us by your Spirit to daily walk in the newness of his life. At the last, say to us and to all whom you name as your own, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. You are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you, everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.’

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Graciously hear, and generously answer our prayers, most holy Father, in accordance with your wisdom and mercy for us, and in the name of your dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, Cycle C: The Epiphany of Our Lord, January 6, 2019

Let us draw near to the Throne of Grace, offering prayer and supplication on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Most holy God, thank you for filling all creation with light and life. Thank you for revealing your dear Son in the splendor of the light he has shared eternally with you. Thank you for making him, your Word made flesh, into an unfailing lamp to our feet and light to our path. Enlighten our hearts, illuminate our minds, and brighten our pilgrim-way, with the dear presence of Christ, our Light and our Life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Brighten with the fair beauty of Christ the Church in every land. Make it radiant with holiness, charity, and faithfulness. Use it to draw many who are afar off to worship and adore you. Be the true light and life of all who are persecuted on account of you.  Give them the wisdom of the magi, the obedience of Joseph, and the faithfulness of Mary. Turn the hearts of their adversaries away from sin and hatred, and toward you in repentance and faith.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray your favor upon this new year; upon our hopes and resolutions for a better future; and upon all for whom the new year seems to bring no release from the sorrows and cares of the previous years. Give us minds, hearts and wills to seek your will for our common good. And draw us in steadfast hope toward that great and eternal New Year that you alone can bring about.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bring the light of your strong saving love into every heart, every ministry, every word and deed of this congregation. Light the flame of kindliness and generosity in our midst, so that we may share with our families, neighbors and world the great and good gifts you have bestowed on us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

It is so easy for earthly rulers to listen to counsels of fear, greed, power, expediency and lies. Grant to all of them, especially to our elected and appointed leaders, those in the military, and all first responders, a heart to hear and heed your Word, and the will to act according to it, for the benefit of the people entrusted to their care. Help all of us to listen, speak and act with patience and prudence, and to strive to live at peace with all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be the light and salvation, the joy and the song, of everyone who calls upon you in times of trouble. We plead especially on behalf of: {List}. Renew in them the great gifts of health, wholeness, and hope. Ease the burdens and bless the labors of all who care for them. Refresh their spirits, and bind us all together in cords of mutual care and compassion.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

The generations rise and fall and pass before you, O Lord; and we entrust our beloved dead into your sure and merciful care. Comfort those whose grief runs deep and whose hope falters. Give us eyes to see the sorrow and suffering around us; lips to pray and to encourage; hands to extend in fellowship, blessing and help; and hearts to beat with compassion, forgiveness, and kindness. And grant to all whom you have redeemed, through the priceless gift of your Son’s Incarnation, Passion, and Resurrection, a portion in that imperishable inheritance you have prepared for them. Bring us into your Kingdom, where you reign in the unity of your Son and the Holy Spirit, God forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Graciously hear, and generously answer our prayers, most holy Father, in accordance with your wisdom and mercy for us, and in the name of your dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH: December 30, 2018: First Sunday After Christmas

With joy and gratitude for the gift of Christ the Savior, let us draw near to our heavenly Father in prayer, asking his mercy for the Church, the world, and all who need his loving-kindness.

A brief silence

Dear Father, thank you for Jesus, who, though your eternal Son, is also our brother – “flesh of our flesh and bone of our bone.” Thank you for bringing him through all the stages of our life – and even our death. Thank you for revealing who Jesus is, and why you sent him. Grant us joy as we bid farewell to one earthly year and greet another; and turn our hearts, eyes, and lives toward Christ, our eternal Dayspring and our heart’s delight.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make your Church into the true Temple of the Lord Jesus. There, reveal him as your light and glory for all people, and there, enthrone him as your Word, wisdom, and salvation for the whole world. Unite your persecuted servants to him, so they may confound their tormentors’ scorn and call them to repentance.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant safe travel to all who visit loved ones in this joyous season. Give endurance, patience, and a sense of humor to clerks, cashiers, waitstaff, delivery truck drivers, and everyone else who labors at this hectic time. Thank you for co-workers of different faiths who willingly “cover” for Christians during these holy days. Help us to graciously reciprocate, even before we are asked.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We lift up before you, dear Lord, the many people and committees of our congregation. Keep our focus on loving you, caring for one another, and sharing the Gospel with those who do not yet know Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Our Christmas cards and carols so often speak of peace and goodwill. Yet we see anger, suspicion, discord, even hatred all around us. Most gracious God, we implore you to give every person – of every race, creed, political persuasion, and circumstance in life – a foretaste of that eternal and glorious peace which is the hallmark of your Kingdom. Clothe each of us with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, forgiveness, and love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bring “tidings of comfort and joy” to everyone burdened by suffering, sin, and sorrow, especially those we name before you: {List}. Gladden the hearts of their loved ones, and give compassion and wisdom to all who care for them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you, dear Father, for the salvation you have granted to all who have died trusting in your promised mercy. Ease the grief of those who mourn in this season of joy. Lead us into the New Year and on into your eternal Kingdom, with the light of Christ around us; with his peace ruling our hearts; and with his word dwelling in us richly. Gather us, with everyone whom you have redeemed through the merits of your dear Son, at your festal Table, where in the power of the Holy Spirit, we joyfully praise and worship you, One God in three Persons, forever and ever and unto the ages of ages.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Thank you for hearing our prayers, dear Lord. We entrust them, and our lives, into your merciful care. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH: December 24, 2018: Christmas Eve and December 25, Christmas Day

With joy and gratitude for the gift of Christ the Savior, let us draw near to our heavenly Father in prayer, asking his mercy for the Church, the world, and all who need his loving-kindness.

A brief silence

Dear Father, thank you for giving us your Son – because only in Him may we be bold to call you Abba, Father! Thank you for being God-with-us. Thank you for fleshing out your love, forgiveness, and peace, in a way we can approach, touch, and believe in our trembling and death-shadowed hearts. Thank you for bringing us the light of eternity in this Babe of Bethlehem, Mary’s boy, your Son, and our Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless your Church throughout the world, and make it a place where all may hear the angel’s song and hasten to see and to adore Jesus, who is their Lord and Savior. Shelter your persecuted Church in your arms, so they may gather to worship in peace and rise to serve you in joy.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless our guests and visitors, especially those whose faith wavers and whose hearts are heavy. Give them a glimpse of the joys you have prepared for all who love you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless this congregation – its people and programs, its worship and service. Grace all we do with your strong saving love, so that we freely share, today and always, the Christmas gift of Jesus with those who do not know him – indeed, with all who need him most.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless our country, this world, and all its people and creatures, with peace and good will; with health and safety; with kindness and justice; with food for body and soul; and with love for you and one another.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless everyone for whom this season of joy is dimmed by sorrow, pain, loneliness, and everything else that is inflicted by evil’s power working through human hands or natural disaster. Come with healing in your wings; with tidings of great joy; and with light and life for all.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Bless all who mourn with the certainty that you have opened heaven’s doors to all who have died trusting in your promises. Bless us each day of our earthly pilgrimage with peace and mercy, reconciliation and joy. Add lead us, at length, we pray, to your bright courts of heaven, and to your endless day.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for hearing our prayers, dear Lord. We entrust them, and our lives, into your merciful care. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, December 23, 2018: 4^th Sunday in Advent

For the Church, the world, for one another, and for the sake of all people, let us pray to the Lord.

A brief silence

Dear heavenly Father, our hearts are filled with the joyous expectation of Christmas! And they are also filled with a deep and restless yearning for your peace and justice, mercy and righteousness, to shine on our broken world and heal all our sad divisions. You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, come quickly to save and heal us! Let us gaze upon the face of your dear Son, and know that your love shines there to bless, heal, redeem and save us all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Restore your Church, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that she may be saved. Fill her with your most Holy Spirit, so that through her witness, your Son’s self-offering may reach and redeem all people. Grant that those who have been fed the bread of tears because they bless the name of Jesus, may be filled with good things. Cast down their tormentors. Humble them, and lead them to repent of their evil.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless our children, O God, and let your face shine, that they may be saved. Help us share with them a childlike wonder and delight in the gifts of peace, mercy and joy that you give us in your Son.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Restore our congregation, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved. Grant that through words of Law and Gospel, and deeds of compassion and mercy, we may cause many hearts to leap with joy at the close approach of their Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Restore your world, O God; let your face shine, that it may be saved. Cast down the haughty and selfish from places of power, and raise up rulers who rejoice in doing your will. Grant that all they do should be in accord with your will. Shield all who stand in harm’s way on our behalf from harm to body, mind or soul. Fill every heart with humility and compassion, so that the poor and hungry may be filled with good things. Remember your promise of mercy, and establish your peace among all nations, kindred, families and tribes upon earth.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Restore all who are afflicted by pain, grief, fear or despair, O God; let your face shine, that they might be saved.  We pray especially for {List}. Remove the cup of tears from their lips, and remember unto them your promise of mercy.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have let your face shine upon our beloved dead, O God, and have bestowed on them the fullness of your salvation. With gratitude and affection, we commend them into your care. Grant comfort to those who still eat the bread and drink the cup of tears. Feed them, and all of us, with those good things given by your beloved Son – the Bread of Life and the Cup of Blessing. Grant that, as we approach the celebration of Jesus’ birth, we may be filled with heavenly joy and peace, until that day when, with cherubim and seraphim, with the hosts of heaven, with the blessed Mother of our Lord and with the countless throngs of prophets, apostles, martyrs, saints, and the whole of your new creation, we may sing our praises gaze upon the blessed light of His face forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all these things; for all we lift before you in the silence of our hearts; and for everything that you know we need, we pray in the name and power of our Lord Jesus Christ, and commend into your mighty and merciful hands.

Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, December 16, 2018: 3^rd Sunday in Advent

For the Church, the world, for one another, and for the sake of all people, let us pray to the Lord.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, thank you for the joy, righteousness, peace, and love you lavish upon us through the gift of your dear Son! Thank you for every instance of healing, forgiveness, reconciliation, and hope that happens in this sin-damaged and death-shadowed world. Thank you for your peace that passes human understanding and endures past human malice. Whatever our circumstances, give us hearts filled with lasting joy and imperishable hope, so we may thank and bless you for Jesus, and lead others to experience the blessed joy of knowing him.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make your Church resplendent with faithfulness, holiness, and joy, so that many hearts are gladdened as they turn to Jesus in faith. Comfort your persecuted Church, and let them rejoice in knowing you are near. Let their gentleness be known to everyone, even their tormentors. And guard their minds and hearts in Christ Jesus their Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We remember before you those whom it is easy to ignore: prisoners, refugees, and people in mental institutions, nursing homes, or homeless shelters. Help us to shed the light of your love upon them – and also the light of simple human kindness. Help us to speak your word of peace, forgiveness, and salvation to them – and also a word of understanding, sympathy, and friendship.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give your dearest blessing to the people and ministries of this congregation. Let us be a people in whom your Word is fulfilled: “Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other. He will speak peace to his people, to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts.”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make the leaders of every nation acknowledge your justice, and govern in obedience to it. Let faithfulness spring up from every human heart, and your righteousness look down from the sky. Strengthen, protect and guide those who serve and protect others, defend liberty, and establish justice and safety here and abroad. Show them your steadfast love; direct their deeds in righteous pathways; and restore them to their loved ones when their task is done.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Teach all who suffer in body, mind or spirit, to turn to the One who made the deaf hear, the blind see, and the lame walk. We especially pray for: {List}. Give them such confidence in you that they truly do not worry about anything, but lift their needs to you by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. Grant your peace to them and all who love them, and guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, as we await the coming of your Son in glory, we also await a joyful reunion with our departed oved ones. Help us to comfort and cheer those whose hearts are heavy with grief. Make us gentle, faithful, joyful and steadfast in love. Fulfill the promise made to your prophet: that you will rejoice over your people with gladness; renew us in your love; and exult over us with loud singing as on a day of festival. Remove from us the disaster of sin, evil, and death, so that we will not bear reproach for it.  And bring us, with all who have been redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus, into your everlasting home, where we shall rejoice in your goodness forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all these things; for all we lift before you in the silence of our hearts; and for everything that you know we need, we pray in the name and power of our Lord Jesus Christ, and commend into your mighty and merciful hands.

Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, December 9, 2018: 2^nd Sunday in Advent

For the Church, the world, for one another, and for the sake of all people, let us pray to the Lord.

A brief silence

Dear Father, at times we experience your love as a refiner’s fire. You burn away our sins and purify our bodies, hearts, minds, and spirits to perfectly love you and our neighbor. Though we tremble beneath your chastening touch, we thank and praise you for not abandoning us to our sins. In your tender compassion, let your Sun of Righteousness dawn upon us, to make our lives bright with holiness and joy, righteousness and peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bring to completion that good work which you have begun in the Church. Refine its words and purify its deeds. Make its pastors and bishops your heralds of Messiah’s close approach. Produce a harvest of righteousness, repentance, and faith in its people. Purify the hearts of your persecuted servants. Let their suffering be a fragrant offering to you; and let their witness shine like gold before their tormentors.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We ask your blessing upon all who give gifts to the poor, especially to children. Grant joy in the giving and delight in the receiving. And let each gift become a small token of your lavish gift of salvation and forgiveness, bestowed in your own beloved Son Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give the people of this congregation hearts overflowing with love, and minds filled with wisdom and sound judgment. Bless all who participate in ministries of service, comfort, and care; so that those to whom they minister experience the blessing of Christ himself.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our elected and appointed leaders. Grant that, unlike Herod, they heed the words of John the Baptist, acknowledge you as their sovereign Lord, and govern with wisdom. Teach all of us to be honest, generous and humble stewards of your gifts. Give us that peace which is the hallmark of your Kingdom in our midst.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

John spoke wise words to soldiers who came to him for baptism. Grant integrity, courage and competence to all who take up arms in defense of life and liberty, especially {List}. Use them to restore safety and justice in dangerous places. Spare them from death; heal them in mind and body; strengthen their families; and bring them home swiftly when their task is done.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Remove the burden of pain, fear, and sorrow from the backs of all who suffer in any way. Most especially we lift before you the needs of {List}. Bring them into a broad and spacious place where they may rejoice in your goodness and give thanks for their deliverance.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Merciful Father, we entrust into your never-failing care our beloved dead, especially: {List}. Ease the sorrow of those whose grief runs deep. Revive our spirits, direct our days and our deeds in your peace, and make us abound in love and in every good work. Strengthen our hearts with the gift of your Spirit, so that we may be blameless at the coming of Jesus. And gather us, with all the redeemed, into your eternal Kingdom, where we shall rejoice in your goodness and righteousness forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all these things; for all we lift before you in the silence of our hearts; and for everything that you know we need, we pray in the name and power of our Lord Jesus Christ, and commend into your mighty and merciful hands.

Amen.