INTERCESSION FOR THE CHURCH YEAR Easter 2, 1999 + Reign of Christ, 1999 (Year A) These intercessions were composed by Richard Stetson (Winnipeg, Manitoba) with the assistance of program coordinator for worship, Mary Krieger. These prayers are intended as expressions of our unity in faith and our solidarity in service. They are designed to function as models for the local preparation of the Prayers of the People in the Sunday liturgy. As such, they will need to be adapted to local circumstance and need. For example, when the Brief Order for Confession is omitted, an additional petition of confession might be included. As well, contemporary concerns, together with local, regional and national issues, will need to be addressed at the time of preparation. Those who craft the prayers might consult Crafting the Prayers, Section 9 in the ELCIC's Gathered For Worship (1995) for helpful guidelines. Intercessions for the Church Year is produced under the direction of the Working Group on Worship of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. Congregations and other worshipping communities may freely duplicate Intercessions for assisting and presiding ministers, worship planners and other ministers. Copyright (c)1999 Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. published simultaneously on the World Wide Web at the ELCIC's worship site, Lift up Your Hearts, . Intercessions for the Church Year: New Developments in 1999 - 2000 This is the last set of Intercessions for the Church Year planned for publication. In 1999 - 2000, congregations will instead receive Prayers of Our Church, individual petitions of national concern to be inserted in the Prayers of the People each Sunday. Bishop Telmor Sartison has graciously agreed to prepare these for the use of the church. Congregations are encouraged to train lay leaders to prepare or assist in the preparation of the intercessions for their congregation if they have not already done so. A resource that should prove helpful is Sundays and Seasons (available from Augsburg Fortress.) This book offers materials useful to all worship leaders, both lay and clergy for composing prayers, preparing sermons, selecting music, preparing banners and liturgical decoration and much more. Helpful Resources Planning Worship: Worship Planning Calendar (1999-2000) On behalf of the Working Group on Worship, Pastor Wendell Grahlman (St James, Elmira, ON) has prepared a Worship Planning Calendar for the coming liturgical year - beginning Advent 1999. Enclosed in Communique, the Calendar lists the name of the day, lessons, colour, etc. in a manner which will be helpful to presiding and assisting ministers , altar guild members, acolytes and all others who plan or lead worship in the ELCIC. The Calendar is based on the ELCIC's Gathered for Worship (1995). SEASON OF EASTER 1999 SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER April 11, 1999 P or A: Gathered together let us place our needs and wants, our hopes and fears, and those of all people before our God, saying "Refresh our faith," and responding, "Take away all doubt." A: For all believers gathered today who believe even though they have not seen. We remember especially the national bishop, Telmor, and our synodical bishop, ________, that they may shepherd us faithfully and with courage. Refresh our faith. Take away all doubt. A: That all who serve communities and nations, especially the Government and Parliament of Canada, may not be deterred from seeking the good of all people and that the Creator's goal of peace for all may be recognized and advanced by human leaders and every citizen. Refresh our faith. Take away all doubt. A: That those who have no faith, or whose faith has been damaged by a betrayal of trust in the church, may receive a bearer of the peace and presence of Christ. Equip us with courage and sensitivity for such tasks. Refresh our faith. Take away all doubt. A: That the sick and all in need of our concern and prayers, especially we remember _______, be granted clear vision of your wounds, now glorified, received for our healing and salvation. Refresh our faith. Take away all doubt. A: We give thanks for all witnesses to Christ's resurrection. Like Mary Magdalene, Peter and Thomas, may their continuing witness refresh our faith. Take away all doubt. P: God of life, you have sent your son into our homes and lives that we may believe. Grant us and all the world life in his name. Amen. THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER April 18, 1999 P or A: Ransomed by the love of Christ and baptized for the sake of repentance let us come before God with the needs of all people, saying, "Host at our table," and responding, "Reveal your presence, Lord." A: For your people gathered here and in every Sunday celebration, open our hearts to your Word. May all those who preside at your table, our pastor(s) _______, our bishop _______, and our national bishop Telmor, bring the presence of Christ to us. Host at our table, Reveal your presence, Lord. A: For those who govern and have social responsibility, may they first care for the needs of those who are most poor and vulnerable. Send us forth as servants who will share the invitation to join you at your feast. Host at our table, Reveal your presence, Lord. A: For all who are called and sent as missionaries of your church, that they may find ways to share the good news of Christ in word and in service. Place the desire in our hearts to generously provide for their needs and the needs of those they serve. Host at our table, Reveal your presence, Lord. A: For those who are sick, _______, especially those who are dying, encourage their faith as in their weakness they rely on your strength. Let your presence go with us to them and comfort them with the medicine of immortality in your Holy Sacrament. Host at our table, Reveal your presence, Lord. A: For all who study and prepare for vocations in the church, may their hearts burn within them as you open for them the scriptures. For the ELCIC National Consultation on Internship to be held this week, for seminary interns and the congregations in which they learn, help them grow. Host at our table, Reveal your presence, Lord. P: Grant our prayers according to your grace and as is best for us and for all of your creation. Reveal yourself in the breaking of bread as you did for your disciples at Emmaus, in Jesus' name we pray. Amen. FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER April 25, 1999 P or A: We are God's people, the flock of God's pasture. For guidance and help in every need of our own and our neighbor, let us pray to God saying, "hear our prayer," and responding, "Good Shepherd be with us." A: That all who lead and serve your people may have the heart of a true shepherd, seeing their calling as that of Christ, to share life abundantly. Hear our prayer, Good Shepherd be with us. A: That the leaders of the nations, especially of our nation, and our provincial and local leaders may be filled with a shepherding spirit and not see citizens under their jurisdiction as those to be sheared and profited from, but as those to be honestly governed, nourished and protected. Hear our prayer, Good Shepherd be with us. A: That refugees and exiles may know the joy of being brought home, that the sick know the strength of your arms lifting and supporting them, especially we remember _______, that those who pass through the valley of the shadow of death may see in you the gate to eternal life. Hear our prayer, Good Shepherd be with us. A: Intensify our devotion to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. May our relationship with other Christians, especially our sisters and brothers in the Anglican Church of Canada enrich the devotion and mission of Christ's whole church. Hear our prayer, Good Shepherd be with us. P: We give thanks for all that have been members of your flock before us and have passed on the Shepherd's guidance in right pathways. May we all enjoy the fragrance and pleasantness of green pastures and still waters under your care and reign. Hear our prayers for the sake and in the name of Jesus, our Shepherd. Amen. FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER May 2, 1999 P or A: Trusting in God's guidance to pray rightly and justly, bring your petitions and intercessions before God saying, "Hear us, O God," and responding, "You are our way, our truth and our life." A: Build us into your spiritual house, your holy priesthood, that all of us may offer spiritual sacrifices that are pleasing to you and living-giving to others. Bring to your church unity and peace. Hear us, O God, You are our way, our truth and our life. A: Teach us responsibility to participate fully in our duties and privileges as Canadians and citizens of the world. Raise up leaders who will gladly and competently serve, never degrading or persecuting those with whom they disagree. Give unity to our country. Hear us, O God, You are our way, our truth and our life. A: Let those who are suffering or sick in any way, remember that whoever believes in your Son will not be put to shame and are always in the sight and mind of God. We remember especially _______, grant your peace. Hear us, O God, You are our way, our truth and our life. A: Guard us from temptation and give peace in believing to those who are anxious or depressed. Hear us, O God, You are our way, our truth and our life. P: Once we were no people, but now we are your people. Once we had not received mercy, but now we have received mercy. We thank you for your mercy and for answer to prayer. Give us courage to serve you clearly as did your deacon and martyr Stephen, through Jesus Christ our risen Lord. Amen. SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER May 9, 1999 P or A: Let us show our love for those whom Christ has taught us to love by offering our prayers for their needs and our own to God saying, "Hear us, O God," and responding, "Your mercy is great." A: You gather a people for yourself of those who are saved by baptism and faith. Increase the faith of your church that all may give faithful witness to your resurrection and presence in this world. We pray especially for all who preach the Word of God and all who witness in action and living. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. A: We pray for the leaders of this land and all other lands, that their hearts may be open to receiving your spirit of Truth and that truth's way in their governing may not be blocked by worldly ambition and desires. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. A: We pray for all seekers and inquirers, those who are groping for God and searching for the one in whom we live and move and have our being. May our church be a place where they and their questions are welcomed and met with honesty, gentleness and reverence. Bless all catechumens preparing for baptism or affirmation of faith. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. A: Jesus longed to be able to gather his followers together in safety as a mother hen gathers her chicks. Give strength, courage and love to all mothers and assist them in the task of caring for children. Bless them with joy. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. A: We pray for those who turn to you for healing, especially we name _______. Sustain the courage of the persecuted and oppressed. Comfort all who grieve and engrave your promise of eternal life on our hearts. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. P: Teach us your Great Commandment of love and let the Spirit guide us in praying for all that is needful. We give thanks for the witness of your saints. Like the apostle Paul, inspire us to serve you as unfailingly, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD May 13, 1999 P or A: Out of love for all the saints and concern for all creation, let us pray for our needs and the needs of all people, saying, "We glorify you." and responding, "Reign over us, O Christ." A: You have promised to draw all people to yourself. Let no member remain separate from the body. Unite your church and guide our bishops, pastors and all other leaders to draw closer to one another by coming closer to you. We glorify you. Reign over us, O Christ. A: He returned to your right hand so that he might be more fully present in the world. Bless all national, provincial and local leaders with God's presence that we may see your work and will accomplished for the peoples. We glorify you. Reign over us, O Christ. A: You have mercy on the weakness we show. Heal the wounds of our sins and restore the fullness of dignity in which you created the whole human race. We glorify you. Reign over us, O Christ. A: Your power and authority never fail. May your healing be sent forth to those in need. We name in particular _______. Send us to bring your touch and love to them that their faith and hope remain fixed in you. We glorify you. Reign over us, O Christ. P: God, we give you thanks that we are never left orphaned. Send us forth as witnesses in this community or to the ends of the earth and hear us graciously whenever we pray in the name of Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen. SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER May 16, 1999 P or A: Sisters and brothers, let us devote ourselves to prayer, asking for the gifts, guidance and grace of God for ourselves and those in particular need, saying, "God with us," and responding "Hear our prayer." A: Enable your church to journey forth in the light of Jesus' resurrection, disciplining ourselves to keep alert and resist evil. Make our leaders and pastors examples of this discipline and give them joy in their service. We pray especially for our synod's bishop _______, and our church's bishop Telmor. God with us, Hear our prayer. A: Make us bold as members of our communities to see clearly and to speak for the weak and the powerless because we belong to the crucified and risen Christ. And when we are reviled for the sake of Christ let your Spirit call to our minds that we are blessed. God with us, Hear our prayer. A: Establish sound government and honest elected leaders among us for the good of your people and the peace of your church. Bless the Government and Parliament of Canada, the legislative assembly of this province and our local government. God with us, Hear our prayer. A: Extend your healing touch and compassionate embrace to the sick, especially we remember _______, Strengthen any who have become weak in faith and steady those whose journey through this earthly life is coming to a close. God with us, Hear our prayer. A: We thank you for the prayerful expectation that marked the days until Pentecost for the chosen eleven, the faithful women, the brothers of Jesus and Mary his mother. Keep us in the same spirit and hope now and always. God with us, Hear our prayer. P: Awaken our hearts so that we may receive and become answers to prayer. May we work as Christ for the day when all the church is one as he and the Father are one. In Jesus' name. Amen. THE DAY OF PENTECOST May 23, 1999 P or A: In the last days the Spirit will be poured out on all flesh, our daughters and sons will prophesy, the young will see visions, the old will dream dreams. Let us pray for those days, for our salvation and that the needs of all will be supplied by God's providence until that day, saying, "Come Holy Spirit," and responding, "Jesus is Lord." A: Energize the one body and all its members. As we all were baptized into the one body of Christ, tear down all barriers between Christians. Enliven our witness and joy in the unity you give us. Come, Holy Spirit. Jesus is Lord. A: Renew the world and dazzle us with the sight of how manifold are the works of God! Cleanse and refresh the earth and teach us to treasure and preserve it as your varied and amazing work. Come, Holy Spirit. Jesus is Lord. A: Give peace to those who are brutalized by war, violence and bloodshed. Beat weapons into plowshares and take away the terror of those whose homes are destroyed and whose people are perishing without hope. Come, Holy Spirit. Jesus is Lord. A: Grant life and wholeness to any who are diminished by abuse, depression or sickness. We remember by name _______. O Giver of Life, do not abandon your own to the power of death. Come, Holy Spirit. Jesus is Lord. A: Gift us in whatever way you choose for the common good. Show us again and again that there are varieties of gifts but the same Spirit, varieties of service but the same Lord. Let us outdo one another in honoring one another's gifts. Come, Holy Spirit. Jesus is Lord. P: Hear our prayers and grant them as is best for all. Teach us always to call upon the name of the Lord and be saved, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. TIME OF THE CHURCH, 1999 HOLY TRINITY May 30, 1999 P or A: As we confess and celebrate the mystery of the Triune God among us, let us pray to the Holy Trinity for blessing and provision for the needs of all people, saying "O Holy Trinity, hear us," and responding, "Our God will bless us." A: For all who have been baptized in the Triune name, for our search to expand and enlarge our naming of God so that more and more people may recognize and praise the holy name with true joy. O Holy Trinity, hear us. Our God will bless us. A: For the peoples of the earth, that the dynamic of love which is God may draw us in and incorporate us all into the ongoing work of God's praise. O Holy Trinity, hear us. Our God will bless us. A: For the mystery of all creation, that as the Word of God is expressed good things come into being. Humankind is also part of that wonder. Do not allow us to destroy or misuse anything or anyone for whom you have given us responsibility. Teach us the honor and respect due to the earth and one another as your creations. O Holy Trinity, hear us. Our God will bless us. A: For infants and children, out of whose mouths your praise is sung. Let them be cared for and cherished. Let no one's conscience rest, afflict all with broken hearts while children and their families are still afflicted with poverty and despair in this country and in all the world. O Holy Trinity, hear us. Our God will bless us. A: For all who are sick or in need of any healing or grace that we may be in supportive and strengthening relationship to one another just as the persons of the Triune God. We pray in particular for _______. O Holy Trinity, hear us. Our God will bless us. P: Remove all doubt and fear. Affirm in us the faith that you are always with us to the end of the age and provide for your people according to your mercy and loving-kindness, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST June 6, 1999 P or A: As we follow Jesus our teacher and master, let us continually pray for our own needs and faithfully intercede for others, saying, "God of all promise," and responding, "Keep us in faith." A: We are privileged to be numbered among the countless spiritual descendants of Abraham and Sarah. Correct us when our actions communicate unbelief and may your gracious forgiveness renew our whole life in Christ. God of all promise: Keep us in faith. A: We are joined by our faith to sisters and brothers in many nations. Grant your people vision and make us instruments of your peace. Call us to common repentance for our failures and lack of trust and to common action for the good of all peoples. God of all promise: Keep us in faith. A: We are called to be servants; bishops, pastors, diaconal ministers and all the faithful. Open our eyes to loneliness, despair and needs of every kind, that we may see our responsibilities and opportunities to serve Christ in the poor and the broken-hearted. God of all promise: Keep us in faith. A: We are exhorted to visit the sick and the prisoners. Take time from us to be given to others and teach us ways to be more creative and effective in the use of the time we are given. We ask your care for those who have requested that we remember them in prayer, _______. God of all promise: Keep us in faith. A: The Evangelical Lutheran Women are meeting in synodical conventions at this time of year. We give thanks for their ministries and pray for continuing inspiration for their works of service and devotion. God of all promise: Keep us in faith. P: We are thankful to recall the faith of those who have gone before us: Sarah and Abraham, Paul your apostle, Matthew the tax collector, a long-suffering woman who reached out for her healing and a little girl snatched from death to life again. Increase our faith, surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses. They encourage us to receive and become part of answer to prayer, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST June 13, 1999 P or A: In a world where there is suffering we turn to God in prayer for our needs and those of every neighbor on earth, saying "God, you are merciful," and responding, "Hear our prayer." A: We are justified by faith and have peace with God in Christ Jesus. This makes us bold to serve one another and offer ourselves as living sacrifices, our true, spiritual worship. Make us continuously mindful of the needs of others. God, you are merciful. Hear our prayer. A: We have experienced the welcome of God in Holy Baptism. We ask to be hospitable to others, in the spirit of Abraham and Sarah who cared for stranger or friend and were blessed immeasurably. Make our homes, our congregation and our nation hospitable places for those seeking friendship, help or refuge. God, you are merciful. Hear our prayer. A: When the gift of a child is given to our family or community, may we say with Sarah, "God has given us laughter..." Create safe places and loving adults to care for and nurture these children and be examples to them of the way of the Lord. God, you are merciful. Hear our prayer. A: We are an apostolic church with an apostolic mission. Send us as laborers into your harvest, sharing good news and infusing the life of the world with the life of Christ. Equip us, and all the baptized, for this task. Strengthen us in your Word and at your table. God, you are merciful. Hear our prayer. A: There are among us the harassed and helpless, sheep without a shepherd, those crying out for healing. We remember especially _______. Let us all hear the good news of the kingdom and know the compassion of Christ. God, you are merciful. Hear our prayer. P: Thank you for those who have witnessed to their faith in all times and places, especially for those we love who have gone before us. Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his servants. May we learn to boast of our sufferings in Christ, and that our suffering produce endurance and endurance character and character hope that shall never disappoint us, in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST June 20, 1999 P or A: The death Christ died he died once for all, the life Christ lives he lives for all. Let us come before God asking for a share of Christ's life for all, saying, "by the power of God," and responding, "Let us walk in newness of life." A: United with Christ in a death like his through our baptism, make your church a place where people come to be freed from sin. Help all the baptized confess our faith and live our freedom day by day, in word and action, by the power of God. Let us walk in newness of life. A: Living as servants of Christ in this world, let us help those whom others have cast off. Where there are gaps in the social net, prepare people who will fill them in true care and creativity. Use us in your plan, by the power of God. Let us walk in newness of life. A: For fathers and all men who serve as providers and role models for children. Give them grace to be faithful in you and their children. May we all support one another faithfully. By the power of God, Let us walk in newness of life. A: For the elderly, the frail, the sad and the sick, especially we remember _______. May each receive renewed health and salvation, by the power of God. Let us walk in newness of life. A: For the unemployed that useful work may be offered to them. For all who are engaged in honest labor, that it provide for the needs of those who depend on them and bring honor to you. By the power of God. Let us walk in newness of life. P: Light of the world, before whom all is revealed, grant us the courage to lose ourselves for your sake that we may take up our cross and follow Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen. FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST June 27, 1999 P or A: Pray brothers and sisters that the needs of our neighbors in all the world as well as our own needs will be provided for, saying, "we put our trust in your mercy," and responding, "because of your saving help." A: We have been freed from sin and enslaved to God. May our daily work as well as our worship and praise show others to whom we belong. We dare to serve others because our God is strong. We put our trust in your mercy, because of your saving help. A: When we fail to be all you have created us to be, when we are hard-hearted, lead us to repentance and amendment of life. We put our trust in your mercy, because of your saving help. A: That those who govern us and all nations may receive your help to eliminate injustice and evil. We place those who are chosen to lead in your hands. We put our trust in your mercy, because of your saving help. A: With all whose lives bear witness to Christ; with all who minister in the church, with those who live with the poor and defenseless, with refugees and the oppressed, with the sick, particularly those who have asked for our prayers _______. We put our trust in your mercy, because of your saving help. P: Open our eyes and arms in welcome whenever you come to us Lord, in whoever you come to us. Answer our prayers as you judge best for us and for all. Amen. SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST July 4, 1999 P or A: Taking upon ourselves the yoke of Christ let us learn from him and pray for the needs of all people, saying, "Hear us, O God." and responding, "Your mercy is great." A: We are your people and ask that you teach us gentleness and humbleness of heart. We ask for leaders who are strong, gentle and humble like you. We pray for our bishop _______, and our national bishop Telmor and all convention delegates as the ELCIC prepares in convention in Regina this week. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. A: As governments look to the new millenium, may those who are strong find creative ways to help the weak and forgive the oppressive debt of the poorest. The life of the world is in your hands. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. A: When we do not do what we want, but do the very thing we hate, deliver us from confusion and sin by the power of Jesus, that we may receive forgiveness and offer you thanks.. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. A: When we are challenged to go to new places and take on new responsibilities, give us courage through the example of Rebekah who left home and kindred to marry Isaac and bring him comfort. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. A: That those who are vacationing find true refreshment and rest. Give those who are traveling to convention and on holidays, safe journeys and joyful homecomings. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. A: We pray for all who are victims of bad policy or prejudice in our society, for prisoners, for the suffering, especially those who turn to you as source of wholeness and healing. We pray especially for _______. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. P: For all these things and for whatever else that you see that we need we ask your mercy and love. Help and those for whom we pray in Jesus' name. Amen. SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Sunday, July 11, 1999 P or A: Guided by the lamp of God's Word, let us pray for the needs of all and the peace of the world, saying, "Hear our prayer," and responding, "Light our path." A: As the ELCIC national convention closes in Regina, we ask for God's blessing on the decisions that have been made in good faith and care for the life of the church and the world, and for unity and energy for renewed discipleship. Hear our prayer. Light our path. A: We pray for Bishop Telmor, for the National Church Council and staff who will work with the priorities and tasks decided by the church in convention. Give them vision and satisfaction in the work to be accomplished and all members of the church a sense of ownership and responsibility for the mission of Christ. Hear our prayer. Light our path. A: We pray for families, that there may be a sense of unity and common purpose in their life. May love rule in our homes. May respectful family life be one of the foundations of the life of your church, making all people, young or old, single or married, welcome and secure within the family of God. Hear our prayer. Light our path. A: As the needs of the vulnerable and the weak become apparent make our society immediately responsive for their protection and care. May the sick be treated in such a way that promotes their healing and peace of mind. We remember particularly _______. Hear our prayer. Light our path. A: Bless the fields that were sown with seasonable weather and growth and may faith also grow among us and within us. Hear our prayer. Light our path. P: May the God-pleasing Spirit of Christ live in us. Grant our prayers according to your abundant mercy and love for your creation. Let us live in the power of Christ's resurrection, in his name we pray. Amen. THE EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Sunday, July 18, 1999 P or A: As creation waits with eager longing for the revelation of the children of God, let us pray for God's love and care for all people, saying, "You know our restless thoughts, O God," and responding, "Lead us by your hand." A: May our dreams and visions lead us as they did your servant Jacob to the gate of heaven. Inspire your people on the journey we have undertaken to serve you. You know our restless thoughts, O God. Lead us by your hand. A: We pray for those who suffer under a spirit of slavery, all who are oppressed, all who are addicted to any substance or behavior. We ask you to free them and to keep us and our children safe from temptations and danger. You know our restless thoughts, O God. Lead us by your hand. A: We pray for those who suffer under persecution or illness. Give them relief and strength of heart. Give us courage to stand with them and minister to their needs. We remember before you _______. You know our restless thoughts, O God. Lead us by your hand. A: Teach us to grow and prosper where you have placed us, in the daily tasks you have given us. Take away our anxiety about the weeds of life and give us patience and hope in our salvation. You know our restless thoughts, O God. Lead us by your hand. P: We ask that our prayers may be answered and that the whole creation attain the glory of the children of God. We ask this in the name of the Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. ST. JAMES THE ELDER, APOSTLE Sunday, July 25, 1999 P or A: In hope of the kingdom of heaven where the reign of God will bring justice and peace, we pray to God for the needs of all people, saying, "God, have mercy," and responding, "Hear our prayer." A: When James and John sought the places of honor when your reign begins, you taught them that the leader of your people must be ready to serve everyone. Give to your church bishops, pastors, congregational, synodical and national leaders with servant hearts and minds. God, have mercy. Hear our prayer. A: Your world also needs servant leaders. Crush the pride of the haughty and open the minds of political leaders to the plight of the needy and poor. Open our hearts to one another that our own sense of identity may make a contribution to the larger society and not become a source of nationalism, regionalism or racism. Grant broad vision to all gathered for the Global Mission Event this week at the University of Lethbridge. God, have mercy. Hear our prayer. A: Our weakness does not always allow us to pray as we ought. We ask that your Spirit come, according to your promise to pray in us with sighs too deep for words when our strength is dissipated and mind fatigued. We ask the comfort of this grace especially for the sick and the depressed who have no one to turn to but you. Bless those we remember today, _______. God, have mercy. Hear our prayer. A: Teach us the preciousness of your reign coming among us and in us. Give us wisdom to treasure the things both old and new that are pleasing to you. God, have mercy. Hear our prayer. P: .We ask your blessing on those for whom we pray and for all gathered here who are looking to you for grace. Teach us to value the pearl of great price and to give everything we have to possess it, for the sake and in the name of Jesus, your Wisdom. Amen. THE TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Sunday, August 1, 1999 P or A: Christ sees to the needs of the crowds. Let us bring our needs and those of all people before God saying, "Show us your marvelous loving-kindness," and responding, "Hear our prayer." A: You choose leaders to provide for your people, yet at times they come to you downhearted and empty-handed. Let us bring forward whatever talent and treasure we have, ask the blessing of Christ and see how graciously you provide in every need. Show us your marvelous loving-kindness. Hear us, we pray. A: You call forth leaders for the nations. May we be governed in peace and with justice. Defeat plans for war and intimidation. How long will the poverty-stricken and the brutalized wait for your jubilee of freedom? Show us your marvelous loving-kindness. Hear us, we pray. A: We struggle with our destiny as your daughters and sons. We ache for a way to make a difference in the world and honor your name and creative purpose. We need courage to stand firm and not give up until we have received your blessing. Bless the Lutheran Student Movement Canada now at their conference in Saskatoon Show us your marvelous loving-kindness. Hear us, we pray. A: We know of the compassion of Jesus for the sick among the crowds he encountered. We ask for that compassion and healing in our lives and for all who suffer from addiction, depression or illness. We remember those who have asked for our prayers: _______. Show us your marvelous loving-kindness. Hear us, we pray. P: Guide us in the truth of Christ. Confirm us in your Holy Spirit. Use us to provide for the needs of all, so that baskets of pieces that are left over, may be gathered and saved so that nothing may be lost. Amen. THE ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Sunday, August 8, 1999 P or A: In our fears and in our joys we remember the strength of Christ and cry out to God for all the needs of the world, saying, "To all who call, God is generous.," and responding, "Lord, save us." A: Let your church be a place of refuge for those who have been tossed about in storms of life. Grant that all people may know Christ's saving presence in the Word proclaimed and the sacraments celebrated. Bless your servants who come proclaiming good news. To all who call, God is generous. Lord, save us. A: The winds of war and storms of violence brutalize whole peoples. We pray for peace among the nations and wisdom for leaders. Make us your tools for reconciliation, show us what we can do. To all who call, God is generous. Lord, save us. A: Families are under pressure and need to remind one another of their affection and need for one another. Help all the members of God's family; young, old, single, married, divorced, widowed, learn to support one another and give the gift of family new dimensions in the world. To all who call, God is generous. Lord, save us. A: Illness and disease trouble all peoples. We remember those who have asked for our prayers _______. For your healing for bodies, minds and heart we pray. To all who call, God is generous. Lord, save us. A: Jesus needed time to go aside, to be alone with the Father and to pray. As we take time for rest and refreshment, do not let us neglect our spiritual needs. Keep us from being too busy to take time for spiritual renewal. To all who call, God is generous. Lord, save us. P: We give thanks for those saints who called on you to save them from imprisonment, pain and uncertainty. Let their examples comfort and encourage us, In Jesus name, we pray. Amen. MARY, MOTHER OF OUR LORD Sunday, August 15, 1999 P or A: As people of faith we open ourselves to God and pray for the needs of all, expecting the response of God to change us, saying, "Hear our prayer," and responding, "We magnify your name." A: That your church may be filled with your praise that the servants of your Word begin. For the faithful ministry of our bishop _______, and our national bishop Telmor , diligent pastors and other ministers we are truly grateful. Hear our prayer. We magnify your name. A: With thankful hearts we recall the beauty of the creation you have provided, the crops maturing for harvest, the gardens providing their weekly bounty. Let them remind us of your goodness. Hear our prayer. We magnify your name. A: For the Government and Parliament of Canada, and for all nations where justice is honored and equality among citizens is practiced. Hear our prayer. We magnify your name. A: For those who go without basic human rights and freedoms, that the power of God may bring down the oppressors and lift up the poor and persecuted. Hear our prayer. We magnify your name. A: The lonely, the weak and the sick are in need of your compassion, O God. We remember especially _______. For healing that comes in the way that pleases you. Hear our prayer. We magnify your name. P: Your servant Mary faithfully received your word and sang her praise of you, O God. May we faithfully receive the answers you give to our prayers and join Mary in praise because you are good, in the name of Jesus. Amen. THE THIRTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Sunday, August 22, 1999 P or A: Let us pray to God, through Christ and in the Holy Spirit for our needs and the needs of all people, saying, "Hear us, O God," and responding, "We trust in your compassion." A: We pray for the faith of Peter which provides so firm a foundation for your holy church. Teach us all to freely confess your name and your messiahship with our words and our actions. Give peace to those whose faith is troubled. Hear us, O God. We trust in your compassion. A: We pray for rulers who place heavy burdens on their citizens and do not respect God or humankind. Soften their hearts and change them into servants of their people and justice. For those who suffer for their ethnic origins or religion we ask for relief and new pride in themselves. Hear us, O God. We trust in your compassion. A: As there is one body with many members, we ask for the gift of unity for your church. Guide us in the quest for your church's reunion and we pray for all faithful Christians. Let our relationship with the Anglican Church of Canada be mutually helpful and supportive. May it lead to new forms of unity with others as well. Hear us, O God. We trust in your compassion. A: For children throughout the world, that they may be welcomed into homes and families, looked after and nurtured well, and that any child in danger may be found by a protector the way the infant Moses was found and protected by Pharaoh's daughter. Hear us, O God. We trust in your compassion. A: For any who suffer in body or spirit, remembering especially _______. Hear us, O God. We trust in your compassion. P: Help us present ourselves as living offerings, to be alert and ready to receive every answer to our prayers, and become answers to the prayers of others, through Christ our Lord. Amen. THE FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Sunday, August 29, 1999 P or A: Loving one another in mutual affection and outdoing one another in showing honor, let us pray for the needs of all people, saying, "Let our hearts seek God," and responding, "Turn our hearts to you, O God." A: Make us aware of the holy ground on which we stand before you, O God. Deepen our worship, our awe before the fire of your presence. Receive your church's offering of praise and prayer, blessing those who lead it, presiders, assistants, readers, and musicians. Let our hearts seek God. Turn our hearts to you, O God. A: O Great I AM, look upon the desperation of poor nations, deep in debt. Send them deliverers and teach us to live so that our consumerism does not compound their misery and we learn to share resources with those left with nothing. Let our hearts seek God. Turn our hearts to you, O God. A: You send us those in need so that we may serve Christ in them. We pray for prisoners and those who work with them in rehabilitation and chaplaincy. Free any whom our society has wrongly imprisoned and bring hope to all who wait for them. Let our hearts seek God. Turn our hearts to you, O God. A: We remember those who suffer from illnesses, especially those who may be living out their final days. Give both them and us patience and perseverance in prayer. For the sake of these we name _______, let our hearts seek God. Turn our hearts to you, O God. A: Many are preparing to return to places of learning. Make teachers wise and students eager to learn and show respect and honor for one another. Prepare us all to receive the Wisdom of God. Let our hearts seek God. Turn our hearts to you, O God. P: Help us to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep, living in harmony with one another and entrusting all our needs and loved ones into your care, through Christ our Lord. Amen. THE FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Sunday, September 5, 1999 P or A: Love does no wrong to a neighbor. In a spirit of love let us pray for the needs of neighbors near and far and for our own needs saying, "God in your mercy," and responding, "Hear our prayer." A: Unite your church and support those in ministry in the congregation, synod and national church. In places where conflict has disrupted congregational life bring confession of sin, forgiveness and reconciliation so that your name may be glorified. God in your mercy, hear our prayer. A: Guide our own government in contributing toward providing honest and meaningful work for people in every region. Make employers, corporations and stockholders mindful of their workers needs as well as profits, making decisions that are good for our society and environment. God in your mercy, hear our prayer. A: Let none who break your commandments and exploit those who are weaker rule over others. Break the power of tyrants and give your people in every place peace and security. God in your mercy, hear our prayer. A: May our daily work provide for our needs and give us something to share with those in need. May it bring us closer to you. God in your mercy, hear our prayer. A: We pray for those who are sick that Christ's healing and comfort may be present and strengthen them. For those who have asked for our prayers _______, God in your mercy, hear our prayer. P: Trusting that salvation is nearer now than when we first became believers, we ask to live honorably and with concern for others, placing ourselves and them in your care, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. THE SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Sunday, September 12, 1999 P or A: Mindful of our debt to God, let us offer our intercessions and thanksgivings saying, "God, hear your people," and responding, "Hear us in mercy." A: We are the people you have saved by bringing us through the waters of baptism and giving us the gift of faith. Miriam and Moses sang your praise for their deliverance through the Red Sea. May the servants of your church, bishops, pastors, musicians, youth workers, diaconal ministers, all rightly lead the praise of your delivered people. God, hear your people. Hear us in mercy. A: We are the people you have called to deal justly with one another. Jesus taught us to pray for the forgiveness of our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Make our nation and community signs of justice and forgiveness from the heart in the world. God, hear your people. Hear us in mercy. A: We are the ones who know we can come to you with our every need. We entrust the powerless, the homeless and the sick to your care and ask to be shown the good work you have prepared for us to do. Bring wholeness and health to those whose hope is in you, _______. Whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. God, hear your people. Hear us in mercy. A: We are the people you have taught to welcome the weak in faith, though not for arguments over opinions. Make our church a place where good news is spoken, faith is modeled and honest questions may be explored with one another openly, not judgmentally. God, hear your people. Hear us in mercy. A: We are the people who are chosen to be light and salt in the world. Give us a true sense of accountability before you for the way that we use the treasure, time and talents you have given. We dare not squander them. We ask only to do what is faithful in our stewardship. God, hear your people. Hear us in mercy. P: We will all stand before your judgement seat, O God. Never allow us to despise or judge a brother or sister in Christ, but deal with each charitably, seeing their needs as important as our own. Answer our prayers as is best for us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. THE SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Sunday, September 19, 1999 P or A: Boasting only in Christ Jesus, let us pray to lead a life worthy of the gospel and bring our needs and those of all people to God saying, "Hear us, O God," and responding, "graciously hear us." A: God who sees to the needs of your people, we pray for the leaders of congregations, the pastors and bishops, that they may not be afflicted with a people who complain of their leadership and God's. May their ministries give them joy as long as they serve faithfully. Hear us, O God, graciously hear us. A: We ask your grace for the work of the World Council of Churches. Bless Bishop Telmor as he serves on the WCC Central Committee and bring to mind the community that sisters and brothers in Christ truly share wherever in the world we may be. Hear us, O God, graciously hear us. A: Much of our world is hungry. Like the manna for the Israelites in the wilderness, let us find what God has provided for those in deep need. Grant a good harvest to those in the world who need it most, and let them praise your goodness. Hear us, O God, graciously hear us. A: Teach us the meaning of Jesus' words, "The first shall be last and the last shall be first." We strive to be first and detest being last. Help us to value the last and the least as much as you do, and learn our task of service to them. Hear us, O God, graciously hear us. A: We ask your compassion for any who suffer in any way. Touch them with your mercy. Send us to them with your love. We have been asked to pray for these: _______. Hear us, O God, graciously hear us. A: We pray for the dying and ask you to show us that living is Christ and dying is gain. Prepare us all throughout our life for our final hour. May it be a peaceful one without shame or reproach. Hear us, O God, graciously hear us. P: We ask you for progress and joy in faith. Be with us and in us and answer our prayers in good ways in good time, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. THE EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Sunday, September 26, 1999 P or A: Looking not to our own interests but to the interests of others, let us bring the needs of all people before God saying, "Hear us, O God," and responding, "Make our joy complete." A: Let us be willing workers, daughters and sons. Let all of your church know its happiness is in serving our neighbor and worshiping you. Let our faith propel us into the service of others. Hear us, O God, make our joy complete. A: Let the mind of Jesus Christ be in the leaders of the nations. We pray especially that governments will see as their mandate the equal justice and protection of all and that no citizen will lack basic housing, food or health care. Help us share the resources we have fairly. Hear us, O God. Make our joy complete. A: Take away selfish ambition and conceit. Help us come to full accord in our national and provincial political processes. Bring unity to your church, divided and broken. Hear us, O God. Make our joy complete. A: Give encouragement in Christ and consolation from love to those who are ill or in need of your special care in any way. We name those in need we know _______. Take us with you to bear your love and consolation to the sick and the poor. Hear us, O God. Make our joy complete. P: Enable us both to will and to work for your good pleasure. Oh God, grant our prayers as you see best for us and for all peoples and bless those in particular need through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. THE NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Sunday, October 3, 1999 P or A: Straining forward to what lies ahead, we bring our intercessions and thanksgivings to God saying, "God, hear us," and responding, "Let our prayer come to you." A: Teach us, your church, to know what it means to count all things as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus as Lord. May our pastors, bishops, and lay leaders model this attitude and way of being. God, hear us. Let our prayer come to you. A: Your law is the basis of all human society. Show the observance of your law as the gateway to your grace and to true human community for all nations and peoples. God, hear us. Let our prayer come to you. A: Make us dependable tenants in your vineyard, taking our tasks seriously and wishing to serve well the one who has placed us here. Be gracious to us in our failings and sins. Let your law guide us and drive us to Christ for forgiveness and grace. God, hear us. Let our prayer come to you. A: Look to the needs of your most weak and vulnerable ones, O compassionate One. We have been asked to pray for _______. Help us to share in your work of mercy and healing and let us know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his suffering. God, hear us. Let our prayer come to you. P: We give thanks for your law and for the grace that has come to us in your living Word, Jesus Christ. Hear our prayers for those in need and grant us your salvation, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. THE TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (CELEBRATION OF THANKSGIVING DAY) Sunday, October 10, 1999, P or A: We offer our prayers with thanks and praise saying, "God, you are gracious," and responding, "Let us live thankful lives." A: We have gathered around the proclamation of your Word. Your holy table nourishes our spirits. May your Word and sacraments motivate deeds of service and love out of gratitude for your salvation. God, you are gracious. Let us live thankful lives. A: You have placed us in a good land with many resources and majestic beauty. Make us grateful for the task of stewardship of creation. Help us to preserve and develop rather than waste and destroy the riches you have provided. God, you are gracious. Let us live thankful lives. A: You have placed us in relationships to one another, parent, child, spouse, family member, companion, friend, brother and sister in Christ. These are also precious resources in our life. Help us cherish the people who share our life, care for them and never cause them pain. God, you are gracious. Let us live thankful lives. A: We offer our worship and our daily work to you. Make it significant for us and for others. May it be a form of praise to you and honor your holy name. God, you are gracious. Let us live thankful lives. A: We know that we often take healing in our own life and the lives of others for granted. Make us mindful of the miracle of the healing process in our bodies, minds and spirits. We pray for those in need of healing: _______,. When their healing comes, let us praise you. God, you are gracious. Let us live thankful lives. P: We remember all whose thankful lives have touched ours. May this time of national thanksgiving become time when new hope and plans emerge for distribution of our resources so that all may join in this celebration. All this we ask of you, in Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. THE TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Sunday, October 17, 1999 P or A: Remembering one another with thanksgiving and the needs of all people let us pray saying, "Let us proclaim the greatness of our God," and responding, "God's name is great and awesome." A: We are your holy people, O God, set apart for works of faith and labors of love. Open our eyes, hearts, and hands to the good work you have prepared for us to do. May the worship of all gathered here and the worship of our daily work be pleasing to you. Let us proclaim the greatness of our God. God's name is great and awesome. A: We pray for good government for ourselves and for all nations that promotes security and peace. May all citizens be taxed fairly and may we see paying our taxes as part of our care and support for others. Let us proclaim the greatness of our God. God's name is great and awesome. A: We pray for missionaries and Volunteers in Mission. They communicate the gospel in word and deed to those who have need of your care. May the steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ which empowered St. Paul also empower and encourage them. Let us proclaim the greatness of our God. God's name is great and awesome. A: We trust you to be gracious and show mercy. We commend to your unfailing grace and mercy those who are sick or in some special need: _______. You are our rock and our refuge. Let us proclaim the greatness of our God. God's name is great and awesome. P: Make our faith a light for others, that we may honor you in every way, at all times. Hear the prayers we offer for the sake and in the name of Jesus, your Son, our brother. Amen. THE TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Sunday, October 24, 1999 P or A: Recalling the grace and mercy of God, let us pray for the needs of all people saying, "Satisfy us by your loving-kindness in the morning," and responding, "and we shall be glad all our days." A: That your church may worship and serve you well, grant us leaders who after the example of the apostle Paul are gentle, going among their people like a nurse tenderly caring for her own children. We ask this grace especially for our bishop _______, and for our national bishop Telmor. Satisfy us by your loving-kindness in the morning, and we shall be glad all our days. A: For the afflicted and poor of the earth who are waiting for the mercy of God, we ask how long they must wait. Let a true spirit of jubilee come down over the world so that those with nothing need wait no more. Satisfy us by your loving-kindness in the morning, and we shall be glad all our days. A: You have said you shall love your neighbor as yourself, is one of the greatest commandments. Teach us to love ourselves in a healthy way so that all our relationships may be enriched. Take away relationships or co-dependencies that damage love and heal the wounds of those who are hurt by them. Satisfy us by your loving-kindness in the morning, and we shall be glad all our days. A: Nurse and relieve those who are suffering from illness or grief. We name those who have asked for our prayers _______. When you turn us back to dust and say, "Go back, child of earth," give us good courage and hope. Satisfy us by your loving-kindness in the morning, and we shall be glad all our days. P: Show your servants your works and your splendor to their children. We commend ourselves and all people's needs into your care, though Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. REFORMATION DAY Sunday, October 31, 1999, P or A: Depending on grace, let us place before the Triune God our needs and those of all people saying, "Hear us, O God," and responding, "Continue your task of reformation." A: O God of Jacob, our stronghold, your people are gathered here hoping in your mercy. We give you thanks for the law of faith and that we come to you in Jesus Christ. Reform your people continually, teaching us more about what it means to be justified by God's grace as a gift. Hear us, O God. Continue your task of reformation. A: We pray for the communion of churches gathered in the Lutheran World Federation. We are a part of this communion and ask that you guide its work within the community of Christ. Bless our General Secretary, the Rev. Ishmael Noko and Pastor Arthur Leichnitz, the North American Regional Expression Officer of LWF in their task of informing and motivating our common tasks. Hear us, O God. Continue your task of reformation. A: Hasten the day when not only the house of Israel may have your law within them, written on their hearts, but all peoples. When you are known by all, forgive our iniquity and do not remember our sin. Hear us, O God. Continue your task of reformation. A: We pray for war to cease, especially those fueled by religious and ethnic divisions. Smash the weaponry of those who plot violence and take away the terror of their victims. Hear us, O God. Continue your task of reformation. A: We pray for the sick and for those who care for them. Give nurses and doctors, health care workers, administrators, and politicians vision and compassion as they seek to meet the needs of others. We pray for those now in particular need of health and healing: _______. Hear us, O God. Continue your task of reformation. P: We give you thanks for the work of reformers in church and society. We are no longer slaves, but free because of their courage to proclaim this word. We commend all ongoing reform and the needs of your people into your strong and eternal arms, through Jesus Christ, our righteousness and our salvation. Amen ALL SAINTS' DAY Sunday, November 7, 1999, P or A: Within the communion of saints we call on the eternal Trinity and offer our prayers saying, "We bless you, O God," and responding, "We praise your holy name." A: With angels and archangels, the families of your chosen people, prophets and apostles, the martyrs and witnesses of Christ, we your people join in reverent worship. We bless you, O God. We praise your holy name. A: We give thanks for the communion of saints on earth and for the community that is developing among Christians of differing backgrounds. We thank you for the growing sense of communion between Lutherans and Anglicans in Canada. May that be a sign of greater reunion of Christians ahead. We bless you, O God. We praise your holy name. A: Many of your saints have been rulers and governors, social workers and reformers. We ask that examples of faith and love like Francis of Assisi, Elizabeth of Hungary, Martin Luther King, Jr. Mother Theresa of Calcutta and the Lutheran Deaconess movement may continue to inspire others to take up God's cause. We offer ourselves in your service and we bless you, O God. We praise your holy name. A: We as that the needs of the poor, the mourners, the meek and the hungry will be met. Show them the blessing you provide for each in her or his need. We remember those who have asked for our prayers, _______. We commend them to your compassion. We bless you, O God. We praise your holy name. P: All our needs are known to you, O God. Receive our prayers and grant them as you see best for us and for all people. Blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen. THE TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Sunday, November 14, 1999 P or A: We lift up our eyes, as a servant to our master and pray for our needs and those of all people saying, "Hear us, O God," and responding, "We depend on your mercy." A: We do not know on what day or at what hour Christ will return. Let your church be continually occupied with encouraging one another and building one another up. You have not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through Jesus our brother and Lord. Hear us, O God. We depend on your mercy. A: Your people have had more than enough of contempt, too much of the scorn of the indolent rich, the derision of the proud. Raise up women and men who will lead nations and people, bring mutual respect, peace and security for all. Equip us as citizens of Canada and the world to offer our gifts and services when they are needed. Do not allow us to hide our talents Hear us, O God. We depend on your mercy. A: For those in need of wholeness and healing we pray to you. Take us to them as messengers of your love and allow us to touch them with your care. We pray for the terminally ill, people with cancer or AIDS, who ask only for moments free from pain. We remember those we know who need you _______. Hear us, O God. We depend on your mercy. A: We thank you that we are children of the light and of the day. Make us love the light rather than the darkness. Keep us mindful of all that we say and do that it may be glory and honor for you. Hear us, O God. We depend on your mercy. P: You have entrusted so much to us as your children. Guide us in our use of all that you give. Care for those for whom we pray and see to our needs as may be best for us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. CHRIST THE KING (OR REIGN OF CHRIST) Sunday, November 21, 1999 P or A: Knowing our God as the Shepherd King we turn to prayer for our own needs and those of all people saying, "Shepherd us, God," and responding, "from death to life." A: You have gathered us into a people to call your own. May our leaders who shepherd in your name, bishops, pastors, and lay ministers and leaders, be gifted with your wisdom and justice. May they be persons after your own heart and the heart of your people. Shepherd us, God, from death to life. A: The nations long to be guided in the paths of righteousness. Give politicians and civil servants renewed vision and energy for their work of preparing and implementing policies for the welfare of all citizens give us ways to do more with less and not to exhaust our resources and imagination. Shepherd us, God, from death to life. A: You have charged us with the care of the hungry, the stranger, the naked, the sick, the prisoner. Show us the blessing in showing this care. Open our eyes to see you in those without any other hope. Shepherd us, God, from death to life. A: We ask that the sick and the dying remember the glorious hope to which we are called, the glorious inheritance among the saints. Comfort and heal according to your great wisdom and mercy. Remember those who have asked our prayers _______. Shepherd us, God, from death to life. A: Prepare us for the day when the Son of Man comes in glory with all his angels. May we be ready to welcome him, our lamps burning, our lights shining. Prepare our hearts and minds for the day when we shall meet our God, trusting in the amazing grace we have received. Shepherd us, God, from death to life. P: God is good and God's mercy is everlasting. In that sure and certain knowledge we commend ourselves and all for who me pray to that eternal mercy, through Jesus Christ who reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit now and forever. Amen.