Prayer of the Day

Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. By your merciful protection awaken us to the threatening dangers of our sins, and keep us blameless until the coming of your new day, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

Prayers of Intercession

With hope and expectation, we offer our prayers for the church, the world, and all who await God’s day of restoration.

A brief silence.

God of grace, call your church into holy fellowship as we await the restoration of all things. Reenergize your faithful people to live with hope and compassion, especially those who serve as missionaries near and far. Center us on your promise to come among us and make all things new. Merciful God,

receive our prayer.

All creation signals your presence, O God: the vastness of the cosmos, the turn of the seasons, and living things that both rest and flourish. Rekindle our commitment to care for the earth. Merciful God,

receive our prayer.

Let the nations tremble at your holy presence, that justice and liberation prevail in all corners of the earth. Restore peace to nations in conflict (especially Ukraine and Israel & Palestine), teach righteousness to corrupt leaders and systems, and bring stability to areas facing uncertain futures. Merciful God,

receive our prayer.

Enrich the spirits of all who feel hopeless, fearful, or despairing. Stay close to those who await healing or relief (especially those we name before you now…). Deliver all in any need. Merciful God,

receive our prayer.

We give thanks for our new members, whom you have drawn to yourself by the love of Jesus.  Keep us close together in your Spirit, in the breaking of bread and the prayers, and in service to others.  Merciful God,

receive our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

You have sent out your angels and gathered your faithful people from every time and place, calling them into one fellowship of saints. Bless the witness of those who dwell in your eternal presence (especially Francis Xavier, whom we commemorate today). Merciful God,

receive our prayer.

Listen to these and all our prayers, O God of hosts, and restore us with your great and everlasting mercy, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Adapted from sundaysandseasons.com 2023