Prayer of the Day

Stir up the wills of your faithful people, Lord God, and open our ears to the words of your prophets, that, anointed by your Spirit, we may testify to your light; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you 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, fill our mouths with laughter and our tongues with shouts of joy as we bear witness to the great things you have done. Give your church a spirit of gladness as we gather and as we are sent. Merciful God,

receive our prayer.

Let the trees of the field sing your praise. Protect forests, orchards, rainforests, and all wooded areas from disease and deforestation. Keep us grateful for their gifts of oxygen, food, shade, and shelter. Merciful God,

receive our prayer.

You love justice and promise your favor to those who are oppressed, brokenhearted, and incarcerated. Grant wisdom and compassion to those who work for public safety and all who work for peace with justice. Bring an end to war and violence.  Merciful God,

receive our prayer.

Give us strength to pray for our world without ceasing and provoke us toward love and good deeds for all who are in need.  Empower us as helpers and advocates, and bring healing of body, mind, and spirit to those who need it, especially those we name before you now… Merciful God,

receive our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

With gratitude we rejoice in the saints (especially) who witnessed to your life in all circumstances, and in whom your Spirit was not quenched, even in death. Through them, teach us always to hold fast to what is good. 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