Prayer of the Day

Teach us, good Lord God, to serve you as you deserve, to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labor and not to ask for reward, except that of knowing that we do your will, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Amen.

Prayers of Intercession

Trusting in God’s abundant mercy, let us offer our prayers for a world in need.

A brief silence.

God of Wisdom, you entice your church to speak truth that challenges false notions of peace. Keep all of us centred in Christ as the Lutheran and Anglican churches meet in convention this week.  Strengthen our leaders and bishops, and guide us by your Spirit. God, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Under your watch not even a sparrow goes unnoticed. Safeguard plant and animal habitats threatened by melting glaciers, rising oceans, and receding coastlines. Amplify the voices of those calling for responsible stewardship of the earth’s resources. God, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Our world is enduring violence and destruction. Rescue your people in nations experiencing conflict or crisis (especially in East Africa and Ukraine). Thwart the efforts of those who sow chaos and terror, and guide those working to bring about peace and reconciliation. God, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

You have counted even the hairs of our heads. Reassure anyone experiencing poverty, homelessness, unemployment, or exploitation that every life has value. Look favorably upon all who seek your healing (especially those we name before you now…). Answer us, for your steadfast love is good. God, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Today, as we remember our grads, we give you thanks for the gifts and talents that you have bestowed upon each one of them.  Guide and strengthen them as they enter this new phase in their lives. Today we pray especially for Brittney as she graduates from law school.  Renew her in your Spirit and in your love.  God, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

All who have died with Christ also live with him. We give thanks for (Philipp Melanchthon and) all the saints whose faithful confession inspired our own discipleship, and raise us, with them, to eternal life. God, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Receive our prayers and answer us, O God, in the name of Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Evangelical Lutheran Worship

Blessing of Graduates

The following order is used after the prayer after communion, before the final blessing.

In each of our lives, we pass some significant milestones that set the stage for the next phase in our journey. Graduation from high school is one of these milestones. Today we want to honor those who are moving through this special time of accomplishment, transition, and change, and to show them that we, as their community of faith, stand with them and support them as fellow believers in Jesus Christ.

Graduates may be introduced by a leader or may introduce themselves.

The leader addresses the graduates and the assembly.

A reading from Jeremiah:

11For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. 12Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. 13When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart, 14I will let you find me, says the LORD, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, says the LORD, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.

(Jeremiah 29:11–14a)

The leader continues with these or similar words.

Graduates: This is a special time in your life, and we are happy and proud that you have reached this milestone in your life. As a community of faith, we celebrate with you and give thanks for God’s gifts in you as you move from this accomplishment into the next phase of your life. We also want you to know that wherever you go and whatever you do next, you are going forward with our prayers for God's continued guidance, protection, and faithfulness.

The leader prays for God's blessing with these or similar words.

Gracious God, we give you thanks for your presence in the lives of our graduates. You have guided these young men and women. You have sustained them. You have shared in their laughter and wiped away their tears. You have given them direction, and have offered them hope. Your Holy Spirit has lifted them up. (Today we pray not only for those who are here with us, but also for those who are unable to be present today.)

Continue to bless them. Let them know you are always with them as they go move on from high school. Guide their steps. Hold them in your hand. Give them the gifts they need through faith.

Amen.

The presiding minister gives a small token to remember that the congregation is praying for them and supporting them.

This (pocket crosses) is a small token so that you will remember God’s presence with you, and also that this congregation is praying for you in whatever comes next.

The leader prays for God's blessing with these or similar words.

May the Lord bless you and keep you.

May the Lord watch over you and keep you safe.

May the Lord guide your every step.

May you always know of our unending love for you. Amen.

Adapted from sundaysandseasons.com 2023