THE PRAYERS, 

15^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 17, Cycle B (September 2, 2018)

Trusting, through the power of the Holy Spirit, in the goodness of our heavenly Father, let us pray in Jesus’ name for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Holy Lord, in this broken and fallen world, you array your Church in the armor of light and call it to words and deeds of valor. Make it a faithful, true, and bold doer of your strong Word. Form it into your strong fortress and safe haven for all who cry to you for help.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Strengthen the Church when it is attacked by those who despise your name. Grant that it should wield the weapons of the Spirit not in anger or retaliation, but in confident and humble witness to the Prince of Peace. Bless, protect, and guide missionaries of your Gospel throughout the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Prosper the words and work of this congregation, so that many might hear the Good News, turn to you, and live. Make your light, love and light shine through our words and deeds, and shed its healing radiance upon those around us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Thank you for the dignity of work, the joy of relaxation, and the opportunity to shape the raw material of your creation into useful or beautiful “secondary creations.” Give everyone who is able to work, the satisfaction and just reward for the honest labor of hand and mind. Help us to provide relief for those who cannot find employment; and teach us to honor even the smallest talent and effort that is done with an upright heart.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Shine the light of your countenance upon all who lead the nations. Give them such wisdom, humility and integrity that their people may confidently turn to them for justice and may live in safety.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Clothe in the armor of light all who risk their lives for the sake of defending the innocent and restoring justice and freedom. Heal their hurts; support their loved ones; and help this nation to use their skills for peaceable purposes when their tour of duty is ended.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant healing, hope, and strength to all who are afflicted by the forces of sin, evil, and death. We lift before you the needs of: {List}. Surround them with your holy angels; give refreshment, cheerfulness, and confidence to all who care for them; and restore them to the joy of fellowship with all of us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most gracious Father, we thank you for the lives of all the faithful departed who were, by grace, faithful doers of your Word. Grant that each of us may honorably wear the shining armor of light which you bestow upon your people; may rightly wield the weapons of the Spirit; may fight the good fight; and may lay hold of the life, joy, and crown won for us by the merits of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Captain and our Lord.

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, 

14^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 16, Cycle B (August 26, 2018)

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

A brief silence

Lord God, clothe your Church in the spotless raiment and trusty armor of Jesus’ righteousness. Make it his radiant and faithful bride, adorned with beauty, holiness, goodness and grace. Make it his valiant soldier, adorned with courage, integrity, faithfulness, and perseverance. In all circumstances, use it to draw many afar off to saving faith in Jesus, their Savior, Captain, Bridegroom and Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Defend and restore your Church when it is abused and persecuted for the sake of Christ. Exchange its sackcloth of suffering for the festal robes of salvation; and remove from it all stain of sorrow or sin. Bless, protect, and guide missionaries of your Gospel throughout the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless this congregation with your protection and favor. Make us ever mindful that as part of your Church on earth, we reflect Jesus’ name and character to the world. Keep us faithful, generous, and kind, sharing with others the gifts of the Spirit that you have given to us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Bless husbands and wives, parents and children, sisters and brothers, and all whom you have entrusted to us to cherish as family. Knit us together in enduring bonds of affection, respect and fidelity. Bring healing and peace to all households fractured by sin, sorrow, and suffering.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Conform the minds of earthly leaders to your commandments; and grant them strength to accomplish their responsibilities in accordance with your will. Remove from among us the allure of sin, the temptation of power, and the seduction of earthly gain. Teach us to live peaceably with one another, and to share generously and wisely the gifts of your creation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep safe all who stand in harm’s way on behalf of others, especially those in our military and all first responders. Give them cool heads and steady hands as they accomplish their duties, and grant success to all they do that serves your will. Give them swift and happy reunions with all who love them; and though we value and honor their service, we long for the day when that service is needed no more.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You hear the cries of the righteous, and of all who suffer. Hear, therefore, and graciously answer our prayers on behalf of all who are afflicted by pain, sorrow, loneliness, despair, abuse, or any other evil which troubles them, including: {List}. Give a spirit of compassion and gentleness to all who care for them; and restore them to communion with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We entrust our beloved dead into your faithful care, Dear Father. Ease the pain of those whose grief is raw and deep. And since we still walk by faith and not by sight, we pray that you would sustain us throughout our earthly pilgrimage with the Cross of your dear Son, and the grace and comfort of your Holy Spirit. Bring us, in your good time, into the bright courts of heaven, where we and all whom you have redeemed shall forever feast on Christ, our Living Bread and our Cup of Salvation.

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, 

13^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 15, Cycle B (August 19, 2018)

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

A brief silence

Lord God, nourish the Church with your words of Spirit and life. Fill it with the Body and Blood of your dear Son. Make its members children of your heavenly light, filled with wisdom and righteousness. By that same light, guide those who do not yet know you, to the salvation you desire for all people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Give wisdom, graciousness and prudence to all who are persecuted for Jesus’ sake; and use their witness to strengthen our faith and to call their tormentors to repentance and salvation. Bless, protect, and guide missionaries of your Gospel throughout the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Feed the members of our church with the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear of the Lord, and joy in your presence; and grant that we gladly and graciously share this feast with our families, neighbors, friends, and communities.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

We ask your blessing upon parents, foster-parents, and all who care for the precious lives of your little ones. Fill them with the bounty from Wisdom’s table, so that they may raise up their children in godliness and integrity.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

As Wisdom sets her feast before everyone, move the hearts of our earthly leaders to heed her invitation and sit long at her table. Give them the sustenance they need to think, speak, and act in accordance with your will, so that all who are entrusted to their care might prosper and live in peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for the service of those in our military, and all first responders. Give them wisdom, courage, and competence in dangerous situations. Heal those who are wounded, and shelter those who fall in the line of duty. Bring swiftly and safely home those whose work is not yet done; and grant us all your peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You hear the cries of the righteous, and of all who suffer. Hear, therefore, and graciously answer our prayers on behalf of all who are afflicted by pain, sorrow, loneliness, despair, abuse, or any other evil which troubles them, including: {List}. Give a spirit of compassion and gentleness to all who care for them; and restore them to communion with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O gracious heavenly Father, we praise and adore you for the eternal life won for all whom you redeem through the death and resurrection of your dear Son. Especially we remember our beloved dead, including: {List}. Strengthen our faith and fill us with your Holy Spirit, until that day when with all your people, especially those we love and miss the most, you raise us up to life everlasting in your glorious Kingdom.

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, 

14^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 16, Cycle B (August 26, 2018)

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

A brief silence

Lord God, clothe your Church in the spotless raiment and trusty armor of Jesus’ righteousness. Make it his radiant and faithful bride, adorned with beauty, holiness, goodness and grace. Make it his valiant soldier, adorned with courage, integrity, faithfulness, and perseverance. In all circumstances, use it to draw many afar off to saving faith in Jesus, their Savior, Captain, Bridegroom and Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Defend and restore your Church when it is abused and persecuted for the sake of Christ. Exchange its sackcloth of suffering for the festal robes of salvation; and remove from it all stain of sorrow or sin. Bless, protect, and guide missionaries of your Gospel throughout the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless this congregation with your protection and favor. Make us ever mindful that as part of your Church on earth, we reflect Jesus’ name and character to the world. Keep us faithful, generous, and kind, sharing with others the gifts of the Spirit that you have given to us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Bless husbands and wives, parents and children, sisters and brothers, and all whom you have entrusted to us to cherish as family. Knit us together in enduring bonds of affection, respect and fidelity. Bring healing and peace to all households fractured by sin, sorrow, and suffering.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Conform the minds of earthly leaders to your commandments; and grant them strength to accomplish their responsibilities in accordance with your will. Remove from among us the allure of sin, the temptation of power, and the seduction of earthly gain. Teach us to live peaceably with one another, and to share generously and wisely the gifts of your creation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep safe all who stand in harm’s way on behalf of others, especially those in our military and all first responders. Give them cool heads and steady hands as they accomplish their duties, and grant success to all they do that serves your will. Give them swift and happy reunions with all who love them; and though we value and honor their service, we long for the day when that service is needed no more.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You hear the cries of the righteous, and of all who suffer. Hear, therefore, and graciously answer our prayers on behalf of all who are afflicted by pain, sorrow, loneliness, despair, abuse, or any other evil which troubles them, including: {List}. Give a spirit of compassion and gentleness to all who care for them; and restore them to communion with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We entrust our beloved dead into your faithful care, Dear Father. Ease the pain of those whose grief is raw and deep. And since we still walk by faith and not by sight, we pray that you would sustain us throughout our earthly pilgrimage with the Cross of your dear Son, and the grace and comfort of your Holy Spirit. Bring us, in your good time, into the bright courts of heaven, where we and all whom you have redeemed shall forever feast on Christ, our Living Bread and our Cup of Salvation.

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, 

13^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 15, Cycle B (August 19, 2018)

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

A brief silence

Lord God, nourish the Church with your words of Spirit and life. Fill it with the Body and Blood of your dear Son. Make its members children of your heavenly light, filled with wisdom and righteousness. By that same light, guide those who do not yet know you, to the salvation you desire for all people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give wisdom, graciousness and prudence to all who are persecuted for Jesus’ sake; and use their witness to strengthen our faith and to call their tormentors to repentance and salvation. Bless, protect, and guide missionaries of your Gospel throughout the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Feed the members of our church with the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear of the Lord, and joy in your presence; and grant that we gladly and graciously share this feast with our families, neighbors, friends, and communities.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

We ask your blessing upon parents, foster-parents, and all who care for the precious lives of your little ones. Fill them with the bounty from Wisdom’s table, so that they may raise up their children in godliness and integrity.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

As Wisdom sets her feast before everyone, move the hearts of our earthly leaders to heed her invitation and sit long at her table. Give them the sustenance they need to think, speak, and act in accordance with your will, so that all who are entrusted to their care might prosper and live in peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for the service of those in our military, and all first responders. Give them wisdom, courage, and competence in dangerous situations. Heal those who are wounded, and shelter those who fall in the line of duty. Bring swiftly and safely home those whose work is not yet done; and grant us all your peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You hear the cries of the righteous, and of all who suffer. Hear, therefore, and graciously answer our prayers on behalf of all who are afflicted by pain, sorrow, loneliness, despair, abuse, or any other evil which troubles them, including: {List}. Give a spirit of compassion and gentleness to all who care for them; and restore them to communion with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O gracious heavenly Father, we praise and adore you for the eternal life won for all whom you redeem through the death and resurrection of your dear Son. Especially we remember our beloved dead, including: {List}. Strengthen our faith and fill us with your Holy Spirit, until that day when with all your people, especially those we love and miss the most, you raise us up to life everlasting in your glorious Kingdom.

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, 

12^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 14, Cycle B (August 12, 2018)

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

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, feed your Church with the life of your dear Son; and by the power of your Spirit, raise it up on the last day as the very Bride of Christ. Grant that all pastors, priests, bishops, and theologians may feed your people with your living Word, so that many taste and see your graciousness, and are forever blessed for trusting in you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant strength, encouragement, and refreshment to all whose lives are in danger because they name Jesus as Lord. Make their witness shine the light of your judgment and your forgiveness in the hearts of their persecutors. Use your missionaries to feed many hearts with the Word of life and salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Turn the hearts of all in this parish toward you, their life and salvation, their living bread and eternal hope. Bless our words and deeds, our worship and fellowship; and use them to glorify your name and nourish the hearts of our neighbors with food that satisfies.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Keep in your care all who are single by choice or by circumstance. Help them to find their joy and fulfillment in serving you, and in strengthening the ties of Christian love that bind one to another.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Raise up among us wise and faithful rulers who are guided by your Word and anointed with your Spirit. Incline their ears to the cries of the needy, and to the instruction of your prophets. Help us all to know that true justice and lasting peace are founded upon your commandments alone; and give us strength to live accordingly.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Strengthen, guide, and shield those who serve in our military, and all who stand in harm’s way on behalf of others. Bless their families and friends; and help all of us to appreciate and honor their service and their sacrifice. Grant them swift and joyous reunions when their task is done.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You fed Elijah in the wilderness, and he journeyed forty days in the strength of that food. We pray that you would grant the bread of health and salvation those who dwell in the wilderness of suffering; that you would strengthen them in their pilgrimage; and that you would surround them with compassion, friendship, encouragement; and that you would keep them steadfast in faith and strong in hope. Today we especially plead on behalf of: {List}.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We bless you for the lives of all those who have trusted in you, and who now taste and see the full measure of your gracious care – including: {List}.  Give us true and trustful hearts; draw us all to Christ, our Living Bread, our Resurrection and our Life; and raise us up at the last day to rejoice in the fullness of the salvation you have prepared for your people.

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, 

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.