Sunday Intercessions for the Church Year The Festival of the Holy Trinity, June 2nd, 1996 to The Reign of Christ, November 24th, 1996 by Michael Mills and Colleen Shantz Available as inter_a3.txt on LIFT UP YOUR HEARTS, at http://www.worship.ca, the home page of the ELCIC's Working Group on Worship. The following intercessions were written by Michael Mills, pastor at St. Philip Lutheran Church, Kitchener, Ontario and Colleen Shantz, doctoral student at St. Michael's College, University of Toronto. These intercessions are intended as expressions of our unity of faith and our solidarity in service, and relate the ELCIC Calendar of Emphasis and particular current concerns to the Church Year Calendar. Congregations may freely duplicate Sunday Intercessions for worship planners and congregational leaders. The artwork by Pastor Mills (contained in the printed edition) may also be freely duplicated. Copyright 1996 by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada -------------------- About These Prayers These intercessions are offered to help those whose high calling it is to lead prayer in the corporate worship of our congregations. In even the simplest of services, worship leaders will want to augment these petitions to include those concerns which uniquely reflect the life of their people: government decisions, neighbourhood issues, specific prayers for those who suffer illness or bereavement, a petition emphasizing the theme of the day's sermon, etc. These prayers have an internal logic. Generally, the first petition is for the church catholic, which includes different worshipping communities around the globe, as well as ELCIC missionaries overseas, mission congregations in Canada, and all bishops. The next petition embraces nations, often focusing on issues concerning peace and justice. Following this, petitions are offered for those in need, local parish interests, and catechumenal concerns. A final petition embraces special issues. During festivals, when the Brief Order for Confession and Forgiveness is omitted, the final petition is replaced with a prayer which is confessional in nature. While many of the intercessions reflect the familiar Litany type prayer, Collects are also offered. Worship leaders who want to acquaint their communities with these different prayer styles will find a handy resource in Gathered for Worship, section 9, Crafting the Prayers, copyright 1995, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. See also Crafting and Praying the Prayers available on the home page of the ELCIC's Interim Working Group on Worship at http://www.golden.org/worship. The intercessions (in the printed edition) have been formatted in large type for use in public worship. -------------------- The Holy Trinity, Year A June 2nd, 1996 Today we are using a litany-type prayer. A: At your word, O Christ, we have been sent to make disciples of all nations - baptizing and teaching. We ask for vision and humility for our task saying, "God of all people," and responding, "Hear our prayer." A: For Bishop Steven Kristenson on his upcoming anniversary of ordination, that he might model grace, acceptance and the depth of God's mercy in his daily work, especially for the unrighteous and those most undeserving of God's love. God of all people, C: Hear our prayer. A: For all teachers in the church, for our seminaries and colleges and for all who help Christ's living word become a spring of fresh water for others, that they might joyfully continue in their apostolic task. God of all people, C: Hear our prayer. A: For those who serve others, especially those who reach out to strangers with words of welcome and grace, that they might be strengthened in their witness. God of all people, C: Hear our prayer. A: For those who have been baptised and those who are preparing for Holy Baptism that they might joyfully walk in the way of Christ. God of all people, C: Hear our prayer. When the Brief Order for Confession and Forgiveness is omitted, the following is said: A: God of All People, you have set a table in our midst. Help us to remember those in our world who regularly are excluded from abundance: the poor, the homeless, the very old and the very young. Help us to become their servants so that their lives might be filled to overflowing. God of all people, C: Hear our prayer. P: Our greatest witness to your love, O Christ, is a commitment to justice. Grant that our lives might reflect your will. Amen. -------------------- Second Sunday after Pentecost, Year A June 9th, 1996 Today we are using a litany-type prayer. A: As Jesus was ridiculed for sitting at the table of prostitutes and tax collectors, so might Christ's church be likewise ridiculed. For courage we pray, saying, "Lord in your mercy," and respond, "Hear our prayer." A: For Bishop Marlin Aadland, Bishop William Huras and Bishop Richard Smith, on their upcoming anniversaries of ordination, that they might continue to uphold justice for the poor as the first calling of all Christians. Lord in your mercy, C: Hear our prayer. A: For this world and its many people, that we might actively seek to live together in peace. Lord in your mercy, C: Hear our prayer. A: For the unemployed and those who are demeaned in their work, that they might receive the respect that belongs to all of God's children. Lord in your mercy, C: Hear our prayer. A: For our own congregation, that as individuals we might learn to live more simply so that the abundance of God's good earth might be shared freely. Lord in your mercy, C: Hear our prayer. A: For all who come to the doors of our church seeking Christ's face, that they might have their hopes met in this community of faith. Lord in your mercy, C: Hear our prayer. A: For those who will go hungry tonight, that they might tomorrow be fed. Lord in your mercy, C: Hear our prayer. P: In a world which honors wealth, help those who follow you, O Christ, to honor the poor, for your name's sake. Amen. -------------------- Third Sunday after Pentecost, Year A June 16th, 1996 Today we are using a litany-type prayer. A: Christ came into our midst saying, "The Kingdom of God has come near." May we be bold to affirm this truth, praying likewise, "The Kingdom of God has come near" and responding, "Amen." A: For the baptised, that we might proclaim justice for those in prison and bring food to the hungry. For the Kingdom of God has come near. C: Amen. A: For the people of Canada, that we might freely give refuge to those who come to our country. For the Kingdom of God has come near. C: Amen. A: For those imprisoned by wealth, that they might be freed from the walls of fear. For the Kingdom of God has come near. C: Amen. A: For those in our community who are separated by unforgiveness, that they might be reconciled. For the Kingdom of God has come near. C: Amen. A: For the newly baptised, that, having received without payment, they might now give without payment. For the Kingdom of God has come near. C: Amen. A: For those who hang on to old injustices and ancient wrongs, that they might set their burdens aside and walk with a lighter step. For the Kingdom of God has come near. C: Amen. P: Give us eyes to see and ears to hear, O Christ, so that the Kingdom might be made known in our midst. -------------------- Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, Year A June 23rd, 1996 Today we are using a litany-type prayer. A: Because two sparrows are sold for a penny and even they do not go unnoticed by you, Gracious God, we boldly offer our prayers, saying, "Lord have mercy," and respond, "Christ have mercy." A: For all who gather around this table of mercy, that the body and blood of Christ might strengthen us in lives of compassion and service to others. Lord have mercy. C: Christ have mercy. A: For all who work to supply our daily bread. Lord have mercy. C: Christ have mercy. A: For the hungry and the starving. Lord have mercy. C: Christ have mercy. A: For those who feel themselves to be on the outskirts of our congregation - the lonely, the shy, the despised and those who have known ridicule, that they might be made welcome this morning in the sharing of the peace. Lord have mercy. C: Christ have mercy. A: That all catechumens might have the courage to live out their Christian vocations on a daily basis. Lord have mercy. C: Christ have mercy. A: For this faith community, that we might openly model forgiveness, acceptance and new life in Christ. Lord have mercy. C: Christ have mercy. P: Gracious God, help us not to harden our hearts, but rather always to turn to you. Grant that our prayers and our lives might be worthy of the name Christian. Amen. -------------------- Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, Year A June 30th, 1996 Today we are using a litany-type prayer. A: That we might be moved to share a cup of cold water in Christ's name we pray, saying, "Lord in your mercy," and respond, "Hear our prayer." A: For all who work for justice, both in and outside of the church, that they might be honoured as messengers from God. Lord in your mercy, C: Hear our prayer. A: For all who suffer for the cause of human dignity, that they might be strengthened for the sake of the gospel. Lord in your mercy, C: Hear our prayer. A: For all who hunger, that they might might be fed. Lord in your mercy, C: Hear our prayer. A: For those in our parish who are in hospital, especially _______________, that they might experience the healing presence of God. Lord in your mercy, C: Hear our prayer. A: For those who seek to follow Christ's teachings, especially the catechumens of our parish ________________, that they might be faithful in their calling. Lord in your mercy, C: Hear our prayer. A: For all who are baptised, that we might discover freedom in Jesus Christ by serving others. Lord in your mercy, C: Hear our prayer. P: Most loving God, even as we offer these prayers, we trust that your Spirit will lead us out of complacency into lives of active service. For the sake of Christ our Lord. Amen. -------------------- Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, Year A July 7th, 1996 Today we are using a litany-type prayer. A: Seeking wisdom we now present our petitions to God, saying, "Hear us good Lord," and responding, "Lord hear us." A: For the followers of Christ, that they might take seriously their call to spread the gospel by embracing the suffering of others. Hear us good Lord. C: Lord hear us. A: For all who search for wisdom, including: biologists, philosophers, artists and politicians, that they might have eyes to see. Hear us good Lord. C: Lord hear us. A: For fathers and mothers and those called upon to raise children who are not their own, that they might be filled with compassion and patient good humour. Hear us good Lord. C: Lord hear us. A: For _____________, our pastor, that s(he) might continue to serve our people with vision. Hear us good Lord. C: Lord hear us. A: For catechists and Sunday church school teachers, that they might model their faith in lives of peace-making and caring service. Hear us good Lord. C: Lord hear us. A: For those whose deaths we mourn, especially ______________, that in this Eucharist we might share with them the feast that has no end. Hear us good Lord. C: Lord hear us. P: God of Wisdom and Understanding, you hear our prayers and gently respond to our concerns. Help us to trust in your grace and help us to share that grace with others. Amen. -------------------- Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, Year A July 14th, 1996 Today we are using a litany-type prayer. A: God of love, you do not worry whether soil is fertile or rocky, you simply sow. Give us sufficient freedom from self-concern that we too might give freely regardless of another's deservedness. To you we pray saying, "Good and faithful God," and respond "Hear our prayer." A: That the church might be first to welcome those rejected by society, let us pray saying, good and faithful God, C: Hear our prayer. A: That those who struggle to accept people on welfare might themselves never know poverty. Let us pray saying, good and faithful God, C: Hear our prayer. A: That those who are fearful of the future might find peace in Jesus Christ, let us pray saying, good and faithful God, C: Hear our prayer. A: That the members of this parish might be worthy custodians of the earth and its resources, let us pray saying, good and faithful God, C: Hear our prayer. A: That those who seek baptism in this place might serve Christ without hesitation, let us pray saying, good and faithful God, C: Hear our prayer. A: That the bread and cup we share might strengthen us all for service in the world, let us pray saying, good and faithful God, C: Hear our prayer. P: Freely have we received, O Lord, freely now may we give. For the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen. Eighth Sunday after Pentecost, Year A July 21st, 1996 Today we are using a collect-type prayer. A: In seeking to gather weeds, O Christ, we unwittingly uproot the good wheat that has been planted by you. For humility and patience in our journeys of faith we pray, saying, "For the sake of Christ," and respond, "Amen." A: Blessed are you, O Lord our God, Life-giver of all that is, for in your mercy you have given your disciples abundant grace. As we have richly received, help us to richly give so that all people might know of your abundance. For the sake of Christ. C: Amen. A: Blessed are you, O Lord our God, Maker of all things, for in your goodness you bring forth the fruit of the earth. Give your blessings to those who sow, plant, harvest and share with others the abundance that they themselves have received from you. For the sake of Christ. C: Amen. A: Blessed are you, O Lord our God, Healer of the world's sorrow, for in your great compassion you have called all people to you. Give us eyes to see Christ in the black, brown, red, yellow and white faces of our neighbours, and give us hearts to celebrate each other's goodness. For the sake of Christ. C: Amen. A: Blessed are you, O Lord our God, Light to the nations, for in your goodness you bring sight to eyes that are blind. Fill all catechumens with your Holy Spirit that they might encourage those of us who grow weary of keeping the faith. For the sake of Christ. C: Amen. A: Blessed are you, O Lord our God, for you walk with the hungry, the poor and the confused. Walk also with us, we pray, that we might die to our own needs and so give life to others. For the sake of Christ. C: Amen. P: You are with us in the sowing and the harvesting, Gracious God; be with us also, we pray, in the breaking of the bread. -------------------- Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, Year A July 28th, 1996 Today we are using a litany-type prayer. A: It begins as the smallest seed, yet the Kingdom of Heaven grows into the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree. Let us pray that it might also grow among us, saying, "In faith we pray," and responding, "Lord hear us." A: For Delores Hall and the people of Morobe, Papua New Guinea, that their vision of a peaceable kingdom filled with God's justice might be an inspiration to the Canadian church. In faith we pray, C: Lord hear us. A: For those who work to bring healing to our community; for pastors, doctors, counselors, social workers, nurses, and food bank volunteers, that they might be honoured for the work they do. In faith we pray, C: Lord hear us. A: For those members of our faith community who have AIDS and for those who care for them, that they might not be alone in their suffering. In faith we pray, C: Lord hear us. A: For those enrolled for baptism that they might take seriously their call to bring reconciliation and wholeness to our broken world. In faith we pray, C: Lord hear us. A: For all who gather at this table of the Lord, that we might be for one another a family in whose midst sins are forgiven and new beginnings are encouraged. In faith we pray, C: Lord hear us. P: Your Kingdom comes on its own, Loving God; we pray that it might also come to us. Amen. -------------------- Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year A August 4th, 1996 Today we are using a litany-type prayer. A: That as few as five loaves and two fish in our community might be enough to feed a multitude we pray, saying, "Lord in your mercy," and respond, "Hear our prayer." A: That Katherine Bergbusch and the people of Lima, Peru might experience abundance and joy both at their dining room tables and at the table of the Lord. Lord in your mercy, C: Hear our prayer. A: That 11% unemployment would be considered a scandal to our government and that the unemployed and working poor in our country might have their hope renewed. Lord in your mercy, C: Hear our prayer. A: That the church may be instrumental in alleviating the fear of the homeless and oppressed. Lord in your mercy, C: Hear our prayer. A: That a renewed sense of vocation might be established among the people of our parish and that a renewed vision for ministry might cause us to reach out to the people of our neighbourhood. Lord in your mercy, C: Hear our prayer. A: That the newly baptised might have courage to live out the promises of their baptism. Lord in your mercy, C: Hear our prayer. A: That those who suffer at the hands of the church might have their faith restored. Lord in your mercy, C: Hear our prayer. P: May those who come into this community of faith, O Lord, leave nourished, for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen. -------------------- Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost, Year A August 11th, 1996 Today we are using a litany-type prayer. A: You reach out your hand, O Christ, and urge us to faith. Hear us now as we pray, "Lord, Jesus Christ" and respond, "We call to you." A: That here, in the church, enemies might learn how to become friends. Lord Jesus Christ, C: We call to you. A: That our members of parliament and other elected officials might lead by first becoming servants. Lord Jesus Christ, C: We call to you. A: That those who are burdened by guilt and anxiety might be set free. Lord Jesus Christ, C: We call to you. A: That the children of our parish might always feel welcome at the Lord's table. Lord Jesus Christ, C: We call to you. A: That trees, backyard gardens and compost bins might continue to increase in the cities of our country and so give witness to God's creative and redeeming presence in the world. Lord Jesus Christ, C: We call to you. P: As you cause the wind to cease, O Lord, so cause our fears to cease also. Give us faith enough to follow you. Amen. -------------------- Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost, Year A August 18th, 1996 Today we are using a litany-type prayer. A: Because of God's great mercy we are bold to call out our needs and hopes in prayer. Let us offer our prayers for the Church, for the world, and for ourselves as we strive to follow Christ, praying, "O God of mercy," and responding, "Hear our prayer." A: For the Church in an increasingly secular world, that we might be a welcoming home for those who have grown up outside of the faith community and an expression of God's grace to all. O God of mercy, C: Hear our prayer. A: For our provincial government, especially our premier __________, and our local representative ____________ that they may provide intelligent and compassionate health care for all those who need healing. O God of mercy, C: Hear our prayer. A: For all parents with children who have unique physical or social needs, that they might find in God a source of love and strength, and find in us a source of support for their struggle. O God of mercy, C: Hear our prayer. A: For the sick and the dying and those who watch over them, especially _____________, that they may be comforted. O God of mercy, C: Hear our prayer. A: For ourselves as we work to be faithful, that we might be open to the surprises of our relationship with God and always ready to see God with new and fuller knowledge. O God of mercy, C: Hear our prayer. P: O God, your son responded to the faithful boldness of the Canaanite woman. Help us to pray and live with courage like hers that we may experience your grace as fully as she did and discover the unexpected abundance of life that trusts in you. We pray trusting in your mercy. Amen. -------------------- Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost, A August 25th, 1996 Today we are using a litany-type prayer. A: Some say, "John the Baptist," others, "Elijah," still others, "Jeremiah or one of the prophets," but to us, O Christ, you are the Messiah, the son of the living God. In your mercy, hear our prayers. A: For the church, that those who serve in positions of authority might have their eyes opened to the power of evil, and have the courage to respond with confession and forgiveness. Lord, in your mercy, C: Hear our prayer. A: For our world, that the violence against women, which is so prevalent among us, might be identified for what it is, so that the healing power of Christ might begin to restore hope in the human family. Lord in your mercy, C: Hear our prayer. A: For those in our families and in this congregation who need to hear words of forgiveness from us. Lord in your mercy, C: Hear our prayer. A: For those contemplating baptism, that they might continue to wrestle with God's call. Lord in your mercy, C: Hear our prayer. A: That those of us who walk in fear of God's judgment might call to mind the gospel writer's words, "Christ was not sent to condemn the world, but, that through him, the world might be saved." Lord in your mercy, C: Hear our prayer. P: In you, O Christ, we have seen God. May our lives be lived with such grace that in us, others may see you. Amen. -------------------- Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost, A September 1st, 1996 Today we are using a litany-type prayer. A: Jesus called us to follow a difficult path marked by the way of the cross. Let us offer our prayers for the church and the world and all who seek God that we may be strengthened to live more faithfully. We pray, "Lord, in your mercy," and respond, "Hear our prayer." A: That the Church will repent of all the ways we seek comfort and ordinary respectability and learn, like Peter, that God is found wherever there is suffering and whenever we learn to give up our lives. Lord, in your mercy, C: Hear our prayer. A: That the people of South Africa may find healing as they continue to uncover the hatred and violence that was part of apartheid; and that divine wisdom might guide them as they respond to their past. Lord, in your mercy, C: Hear our prayer. A: That school teachers, daycare workers, babysitters, and all who care for children may return to their work refreshed, patient and compassionate, and that all of us will bring God's love to the children in our lives. Lord, in your mercy, C: Hear our prayer. A: That those throughout the Lutheran Church who will be enrolled as adult catechumens may find new life in the process and teach all of us by their example how to die to ourselves. Lord, in your mercy, C: Hear our prayer. A: That all we as members of _________ may learn what it means to "take up our cross" in our weekday lives. Lord, in your mercy, C: Hear our prayer. A: That those who struggle with their faith, with illness, and with depression may find companions for the journey. Lord, in your mercy, C: Hear our prayer. P: God of the cross, at times you speak to us with words of comfort and sometimes you call us to suffer for the sake of the gospel. Give us ears to hear your voice and courage to live ever more faithfully in following the difficult path that brings us closer to you. We pray through Jesus Christ. Amen. -------------------- Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost, A September 8th, 1996 Today we are using a collect-type prayer. A: You have promised that where two or more of us are gathered in your name, you will be in our midst, O Christ. May we be certain of your presence now as we pray our heartfelt "Amen." A: God of Love, you see the suffering of your people and suffer with them. Be with Pastor Brian Rude in El Salvador as he ministers among people with AIDS. Help him to discover hope in the face of death. For the sake of Christ. C: Amen. A: God of the Poor, you desire that all might have life and have it abundantly. Where your children suffer inhuman wages, sub-standard medical care and inadequate housing, be quick to bring your blessing, justice and peace. Use us as agents of your salvation. For the sake of Christ. C: Amen. A: God of Faithfulness, be with all in our parish who wrestle with questions of faith. Let them know that if death cannot separate you from your children, neither can doubt nor even unbelief. For the sake of Christ. C: Amen. A: God of New Life, your goodness fills our world to overflowing. Let your Holy Spirit rest upon the catechumens of our parish, especially _____________, as they seek to renounce the evil one and live as children of God. For the sake of Christ. C: Amen. A: God of Death and Resurrection, your arms embrace all people. Help those who have lost their spouse, their child or a parent find new hope and give them your Spirit to aid them in their grief. For the sake of Christ. C: Amen. P: As we turn to you for help, O Lord, help us also to turn to our sisters and brothers in faith. May we be for one another a community in whose midst you become flesh. Amen. -------------------- Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost, A September 15th, 1996 Today we are using a litany-type prayer. A: That we might be moved to forgiveness not seven times, but seventy times seven, we pray saying, "God of Forgiveness," and respond, "Hear our prayer." A: That the church might confess hurtful doctrine, exclusive practice and misguided zeal and be the first to make restitution, we pray saying, God of Forgiveness, C: Hear our prayer. A: That the leaders of the nations and the poor of the earth might sit down at table and rejoice together, we pray saying, God of Forgiveness, C: Hear our prayer. A: For all suffering the death of a loved one, who mourn words they did not speak when they had opportunity, that they might now gently forgive themselves. God of Forgiveness, C: Hear our prayer. A: That those in our parish who bear grudges for other members of Christ's church might be reconciled today as we share the peace. God of Forgiveness, C: Hear our prayer. A: That all who seek baptism might daily be transformed by God's extravagant grace. God of Forgiveness, C: Hear our prayer. A: That those who are unloved in this world; those who are outcast and friendless, might experience Christ's gentle compassion in this community of faith. God of Forgiveness, C: Hear our prayer. P: For courage to forgive others as we, ourselves, have been forgiven, we humbly pray. Amen. -------------------- Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost, A September 22nd, 1996 Today we are using a litany-type prayer. A: Jesus revealed God's Kingdom in parables and by healing the sick and sharing his table with all who came to him. Let us pray for God's Kingdom to come more fully in the world saying, "Your Kingdom come," and responding, "Your will be done." A: For the Church throughout Latin America, that they may be strengthened in their ministry as they uphold the poor and speak to their governments about God's justice; and for the Church in the rest of the world, that we might find meaningful ways to support and uphold them. Your Kingdom come, C: Your will be done. A: For governments and corporations that they might see job creation as their responsibility and the building up of the human community as their bottom line, Your Kingdom come, C: Your will be done. A: For the unemployed that they may find meaningful work and be treated with dignity, Your Kingdom come, C: Your will be done. A: For all those who work hard in the church: ELW groups, altar guilds, property committees, financial officers, teachers, church councils, those who visit the sick and shut-in, that they may be rewarded with a renewed sense that they are working in God's kingdom, Your Kingdom come, C: Your will be done. A: For the sick and those with special needs, especially ___________, that God might nourish them with friendships and hope, Your Kingdom come, C: Your will be done. A: For our parish, that all of us may learn to measure people by God's infinite love and not by society's standards of usefulness, Your Kingdom come, C: Your will be done. P: Abundant God, you invite us to celebrate your generosity. Help us to repent of our miserly stewardship of your grace and teach us to live as if your Kingdom were already here in its fullness. We pray, trusting in your mercy through Jesus Christ. Amen. -------------------- St. Michael and All Angels, A September 29th, 1996 Today we are using a litany-type prayer. A: That grace and compassion might be ours we pray, saying, "God of Earth and Heaven," and respond, "Hear us as we pray." A: That the church might suffer with the poor and the dying and so discover its own life. God of Earth and Heaven, C: Hear us as we pray. A: That those who govern might be moved by the cries of the hungry to share this world's abundant bread. God of Earth and Heaven, C: Hear us as we pray. A: That the elderly might be models of servanthood and suffering love for all the people of God. God of Earth and Heaven, C: Hear us as we pray. A: That, nourished at the table of the Lord, this community here gathered might learn to generously feed others. God of Earth and Heaven, C: Hear us as we pray. A: That all who have been welcomed into the catechumenate might be filled with the Spirit of Wisdom. God of Earth and Heaven, C: Hear us as we pray. A: That we in the church might recognize the prophets among our own people. God of Earth and Heaven, C: Hear us as we pray. P: That we might forgive, love, serve and grow together as one body, we offer our prayers to you, O Christ. Amen. -------------------- Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost, A October 6th, 1996 Today we are using a litany-type prayer. A: That we might be faithful stewards of the resources of the earth, let us offer our prayers to God saying, "For this we pray," and respond, "Amen." A: For the churches of the world, Orthodox, Protestant and Roman, that we might be united in our commitment to serve this planet and its people. For this we pray. C: Amen. A: For __________ our premier, and all provincial leaders, that the increased powers transferred to them from the federal government might be used to feed, shelter and protect the poor. For this we pray. C: Amen. A: For our world, that all living creatures might enjoy clean water and fresh air. For this we pray. C: Amen. A: That those newly baptized might lead lives worthy of the name Christian. For this we pray. C: Amen. A: That the abundance of the earth might first be distributed to the hungry and the poor. For this we pray. C: Amen. A: That the congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada might eat and drink at Christ's holy table every Lord's day and so be reminded of God's call to be about the business of regularly feeding the hungry in our midst. For this we pray. C: Amen. P: Having been made in the image of God, let us pray for the ability to serve in the image of God. Amen. -------------------- Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost, A October 13th, 1996 Today we are using a litany-type prayer. A: That we might willingly join Christ's banquet table and, as willingly, welcome others, let us pray, saying, "Lord in your mercy," and respond, "Hear our prayer." A: For all who are baptized, that we might learn to love one another because of our differences, not in spite of them. Lord in your mercy, C: Hear our prayer. A: For this world which does not seem to tire of war and killing, that it might embrace the vision of peace proclaimed by the church. Lord in your mercy, C: Hear our prayer. A: For those in need of our prayers: the unemployed, the under-employed, the weary, the sick, the sorrowful and the homeless, that they might know fullness on earth as in heaven. Lord in your mercy, C: Hear our prayer. A: For all catechumens, that they might join government leaders, leaders of the church, those who are baptized and non-church groups in building a society of compassion and justice. Lord in your mercy, C: Hear our prayer. P: God of Grace, give us courage to set a table for all people, regardless of race or class or gender, for the sake of Christ. Amen. -------------------- A Day of Thanksgiving, Year A October 14th, 1996 Today we are using a litany-type prayer. A: With joy and thanksgiving we offer our prayers to God saying, "God of All Good Gifts," and respond, "Hear our prayer." A: For all who share in the work of the gospel: teaching, healing, mourning and rejoicing with Christ's holy people, that they might be strengthened in their ministry. God of All Good Gifts, C: Hear our prayer. A: For our Prime Minister, _______________ and our Premier, ________________ , that their work might be characterized by compassion for those in need. God of All Good Gifts, C: Hear our prayer. A: For those who sow, plant and harvest the land, that they might be honoured for their work. God of All Good Gifts, C: Hear our prayer. A: For our parish, that we, as individuals and as a congregation, might be actively committed to peace and justice, using our resources to bring new life where there is poverty, hopelessness and human misery. God of All Good Gifts, C: Hear our prayer. A: For catechumens and those preparing for baptism, especially __________, that they might receive generously of the gifts of the Spirit. God of All Good Gifts, C: Hear our prayer. A: For those who work in industry and labour unions, those who clerk in stores and offices, and those who are self-employed, that they might experience meaning and dignity in their labour. God of All Good Gifts, C: Hear our prayer. P: God of Earth and Heaven, all good things come from you. Teach us how to share from our abundance so that none of your children know want. For Christ's sake. Amen. -------------------- Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost, A October 20th, 1996 Today we are using a litany-type prayer. A: In love God hears our prayers for ourselves and the world in which we live. Let us then offer our petitions, responding, "Lord, hear our prayer." A: For the Church, that we may learn that caring for creation and for our neighbors is part of Christian faithfulness, let us pray to the Lord. C: Lord, hear our prayer. A: For elected officials and civil servants, that they may use our taxes to meet the needs of those who require their help most urgently, let us pray to the Lord. C: Lord, hear our prayer. A: For the rich, that God might give them insight as they try to be good stewards of all that is in their care, let us pray to the Lord. C: Lord, hear our prayer. A: For those who struggle with matters of conscience in their jobs or in response to their government, that they might discern God's will and be given the courage to act on it, let us pray to the Lord. C: Lord, hear our prayer. A: For the youth of our congregation, that they might continue to grow in faith and the ability to choose wisely, let us pray to the Lord. C: Lord, hear our prayer. A: For the people of __________, that those who meet us will see the goodness of the gospel in our actions and commitments, let us pray to the Lord. C: Lord, hear our prayer. P: God, you are sovereign over all of creation. Help us to live in gratitude and faithfulness, knowing that all good gifts come from you and all that we have is yours. We pray through our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, Amen. -------------------- Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost, A October 27th, 1996 Today we are using a collect-type prayer. A: That we might be moved to love God and our neighbour, let us lift up our voices in prayer with a bold, "Amen!" A: God of Compassion, you fill your church with people of heart. Help all Christians to seek fullness for one another, even suffering for the well-being of their sisters and brothers. For the sake of Christ. C: Amen. A: God of the Poor, you desire that none should go hungry. Guide the wills of politicians and lawmakers so that their decision making embraces the weakest members of our society. May their work give honour to you. For the sake of Christ. C: Amen. A: God of This Congregation, you humble the proud and raise up the weak. Help us to outdo one another in love so that no distinctions separate us from communion with you and your own people. For the sake of Christ. C: Amen. A: God of All People, you invite the nations to pick up their cross and follow you. Be with the catechumens of our parish, especially _____________, that they might be strengthened in their resolve to be your servants. For the sake of Christ. C: Amen. A: God of the Living and the Dead, you are our hope. Be with all those in our parish who are grieving the loss of loved ones, especially _____________. Grant that their darkness might be turned to light. For the sake of Christ. C: Amen. P: God of the Outcast and Lowly, we have failed to welcome into our midst those who hunger. Help us to die to our self-serving ways so that we might serve others in your name. Amen. -------------------- Reformation Day, Year A October 31st, 1996 Today we are using a litany-type prayer. The response to the petitions in today's prayer is the verse, "O Lord hear my prayer, O Lord hear my prayer, when I call answer me..." It is found in With One Voice (Hymn 772, verse 1). It can also be found in Hymnal Supplement 1991 (Hymn 793). If With One Voice or Hymnal Supplement is not an option in your parish, the responses "Lord in your mercy," and "Hear our prayer" are appropriate. A: That the church of Jesus Christ might continue to uphold life in the face of the consumerism and greed which brings so much death to our world. C: WOV 772 - O Lord , Hear My Prayer A: For refugees and all who flee persecution, that they might receive a generous welcome at Canada's border. C: WOV 772 - O Lord, Hear My Prayer A: For those who follow in the path of Luther by seeking to break down walls that divide, both in the church and in the world, that they might continue to bear witness to God's radical grace. C: WOV 772 - O Lord, Hear My Prayer A: For catechumens and all who study the life-giving word of Christ, that they might continue in their work for the sake of the gospel. C: WOV 772 - O Lord, Hear My Prayer When the Brief Order for Confession and Forgiveness is omitted, the following is said: A: Because we have denied the Spirit wings by keeping silent in the face of bigotry and hatred, we seek forgiveness, O Lord. Help us to speak your truth even when that truth is unpopular. C: WOV 772 - O Lord, Hear My Prayer P: The Spirit of God brings life to the whole world. We offer our prayers in the hope that God's Holy Spirit might also bring life to us, the church. Amen. -------------------- All Saints Day, Year A November 1st, 1996 Today we are using a collect-type prayer. In recognition of all God's saints you may wish to have several members of your community each offer one of the petitions on this day. A: Today we celebrate the lives of God's faithful people from all generations and places. Let us join our prayers with the saints throughout the world, responding to each petition with "Amen." Person 1: God of All Saints, you adopt us in baptism and nourish us through your supper and your community the church. Bless Telmor and __________, our bishops, _________, our pastor, and all who are ordained that they may live out their calling to serve your people with joy and humility. We pray through Jesus Christ, C: Amen. Person 2: God of All Blessings, from the mountainside Jesus taught us the way of life that brings truth and meaning. Grant that we may live a life of blessing by providing for the poor, comforting those who mourn, listening to the voice of the meek, striving for justice, making peace, giving and receiving mercy, and upholding the righteous who are persecuted. We pray through Jesus Christ, C: Amen. Person 3: Saving God, in your love you make us all saints through baptism. Bless all who are preparing for that sacrament or for affirmation of their vows. May they grow in their experience of the abundant life that comes in relationship with you. We pray through Jesus Christ, C: Amen. Person 4: God of Creation, you breathed life into the darkness and chaos. Bring new life to those who dread the future—the sick and those who care for them, prisoners and those awaiting trial, the depressed—that they might know that nothing in the future is beyond the reach of your redemptive hand. We pray through Jesus Christ, C: Amen. Person 5: God of Forgiveness, you embrace all who turn back to you. Teach us your ways of reconciliation so that we will learn to forgive one another and to treasure the forgiveness you have granted us. We pray through Jesus Christ, C: Amen. P: God of All Saints, you have raised up poets and prophets, parents, musicians, labourers, liberators, and organizers. For your saints who have gone before us and those among us now we give you thanks. Strengthen all your people to live as gracefully, powerfully and faithfully as you have created us to be. We pray through Jesus Christ. Amen. -------------------- Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost, A November 3rd, 1996 Today we are using a litany-type prayer. A: That the greatest among us might become servants of all, we offer our prayers to God saying, "Let us pray to the Lord," and respond, "Lord have mercy." A: That Bishop Telmor Sartison, Bishop ____________ and all who hold office in the church might be guided in the ways of justice and peace, let us pray to the Lord. C: Lord have mercy. A: For a reduction in arms, an end to warring, and new avenues of employment for the people of the earth, let us pray to the Lord. C: Lord have mercy. A: That the youth of our congregation might be honoured as servants of Christ and so be exalted among us, let us pray to the Lord. C: Lord have mercy. A: That the members of our congregation might be reconciled to one another, eagerly desiring each other's well-being, let us pray to the Lord. C: Lord have mercy. A: For an end to the chasm that separates the rich from the poor, let us pray to the Lord. C: Lord have mercy. P: Lift up the weak and humble the proud, O Lord, that together we might stand before you as one people, for Christ's sake. Amen. -------------------- Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost, A November 10th, 1996 Today we are using a litany-type prayer. A: Because we do not know the day nor the hour when Christ will come, let us be diligent in prayer saying, "Lord in your mercy," and responding, "Hear our prayer." A: For Christians everywhere, that we might not lend at interest, but freely give our money to those from whom we expect no return, so that the Kingdom of Heaven might be made known among us. Lord in your mercy, C: Hear our prayer. A: For the leaders of the nations, that they might come to the aid of the earth's starving poor. Lord in your mercy, C: Hear our prayer. A: For all who are losing their lives in pursuit of worldly gain, that the truth might set them free. Lord in your mercy, C: Hear our prayer. A: For the members of our parish family, that they might be able to share some of their wealth in support of the ELCIC's Global Hunger and Development Appeal, so that some of the hunger in the human community might be alleviated. Lord in your mercy, C: Hear our prayer. A: For those enrolled for Holy Baptism, that the life-giving waters of Christ might bind them to the world God made: the earth, the sea and all their creatures, so that with creation itself they might join in holy praise. Lord in your mercy, C: Hear our prayer. A: That faithful women would continue to be honoured among us as ordained pastors and servants of Jesus Christ. P: Even as we await your coming in glory, O Christ, you are present among us in bread, wine, water, word, and community. May hospitality and grace fill our gathering to overflowing, so that your presence is felt by all who meet at this, your table of friendship. Amen. -------------------- Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, A November 17th, 1996 Today we are using a litany-type prayer. A: Let us pray to Christ saying, "Lord have mercy." A: For the liberation of all humanity from fear, disease, poverty, war and death, let us pray to Christ. C: Lord have mercy. A: For our once-fertile soil, that it might be restored to its God-given fullness, so its fruit might bring life to all people, let us pray to Christ. C: Lord have mercy. A: That people of all races might live together in peace, let us pray to Christ. C: Lord have mercy. A: That the people of our parish would join all people of good will in bringing an end to poverty, discrimination, injustice and oppression, let us pray to Christ. C: Lord have mercy. A: That catechumens and all who study scripture might proclaim the gospel message by example, let us pray to Christ. C: Lord have mercy. P: Into your hands, O God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy, through Jesus Christ. Amen. -------------------- The Reign of Christ, Year A November 24th, 1996 Today we are using a litany-type prayer. A: We are called to build God's Kingdom on earth. To this end let us offer our prayers saying, "Let us pray to the Lord," and respond, "Lord, have mercy." A: That all baptised Christians might daily be about the work of forgiving sins, building up the community of disciples, dying to their own needs and celebrating life, let us pray to the Lord. C: Lord, have mercy. A: For those who hold positions of authority in government, that they might recognize that both poor and rich alike are made in the image of God. Let us pray to the Lord. C: Lord, have mercy. A: That those who live in fear of the future might be given courage to trust more boldly still in God's continuing presence in our world, let us pray to the Lord. C: Lord, have mercy. A: For members of our parish who are in hospital, especially __________, that in their suffering they might know Christ's holy presence. Let us pray to the Lord. C: Lord, have mercy. A: For all who have been baptised in our parish this year: ______________________, that they might continue, both to speak the gospel, and be received as messengers of Jesus Christ. Let us pray to the Lord. C: Lord, have mercy. When the Brief Order for Confession and Forgiveness is omitted, the following is said: A: Because we have failed to work for justice by helping those who come to our country as refugees to find homes, by building bridges with the poor, and by honouring rest and recreation as time to rebuild our community, we seek God's forgiveness. Together, let us pray to the Lord. C: Lord, have mercy. P: God's Kingdom comes without our praying for it, but we ask in our prayers, that it may come also to us. Amen.