Prayer of the Day

Almighty and most merciful God, your bountiful goodness fills all creation. Keep us safe from all that may hurt us, that, whole and well in body and spirit, we may with grateful hearts accomplish all that you would have us do, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Amen.

Prayers of Intercession

In gratitude and humility, let us join together in prayer on behalf of all of God’s creation.

A brief silence.

Gracious God, we give you thanks for bishops, pastors, and deacons, especially bishops Susan, Jason, and Jean.  Inspire leaders of the church to proclaim your mighty deeds, that your saving faith may be known to all. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Majestic God, we give you thanks for land and water, seedtime and harvest. Break down boundaries we construct between ourselves and the rest of your creation. Bring renewal and restoration to places affected by pollution and deforestation. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Mighty God, we give you thanks for those in our community, nation, and world who work for justice and peace. Guide those who govern to act on behalf of those marginalized by race, ethnicity, or religion. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Merciful God, we give you thanks that you hear the cries of those in need. Restore to community those who are stigmatized by illness, feel rejected, or who live in isolation. Send healing to all who suffer (especially those we name before you now…). Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Faithful God, we give you thanks for all those who use their gifts as leaders in youth ministry.  Bless all those, both youth and leaders, who are at Luther Village this weekend.  Strengthen them in their faith and empower them by your Spirit. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Eternal God, we give you thanks for your faithful people who have gone before us to your glory. Renew our trust in your eternal promises of mercy, redemption, and new life. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

With grateful hearts we commend our spoken and silent prayers to you, O God; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

Blessing of the tree(s)

Friends in Christ: Today we give thanks and we seek God’s blessing as we begin to plant some new trees.  As we do so, please join me in prayer:

Almighty God, in giving us dominion over things on earth, you made us coworkers in your creation.  As we gather today, we give you thanks for your goodness to us and to all that you have made.  We ask your blessing upon these trees that we are planting.  Grant all that is needed for them to grow and to thrive, that generations still to come may continue to praise you for your bounty; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Adapted from Sundays and Seasons 2022