Prayers of the People
October 9, 2016

The prayers we offer as a church body constitute a sacred time in which our hearts and minds are joined together as God’s children and are lifted heavenward. As Martin Luther said “God wants us to pray, and he wants to hear our prayers—not because we are worthy, but because he is merciful.” Let us seek that mercy beginning with a moment of silence.

Merciful Father, you have offered to your Church the faithful love for you and for one another that Ruth had for Naomi; the thankful worship of the Samaritan leper; and the bold, diligent and truthful witness of your servants Paul and Timothy. Raise up righteous leaders of the church and encourage each of us to be devout witnesses to others and not just to sit back and only observe or listen. Use your Church to show your graciousness and generosity toward those who fear you. Let us be a people called to action, not silence. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for this congregation – its people, young and old, Pastor Oman and its mission. Help us to show one another the love that Ruth bore for Naomi. Help us to be diligent in serving you, as Paul exhorted Timothy to be. Help us to adore, worship, bless and thank you for your merciful kindness, like that one leper. And in all these things, let us not judge other but enthusiastically encourage one another, friend and stranger so that we all may receive life and salvation. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all missionaries that they will remain steadfast and diligent in their labors, and tenderhearted in their care of your people. Bless, direct, strengthen and provide for the needs of all missionaries, neighboring Christian churches and national church body, so that your Word may be preached and your will done by all who serve you. Help us to remember, defend, assist, and walk with those Christians who are persecuted for their faith in Jesus. Grant that their faith, hope and love may be a shining witness in places of spiritual darkness whether abroad or in our own country. May all our lights shine. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray most urgently for our world, broken by evil and bruised by violence. Give us teachable hearts that rejoice in your commandments and direction – and strive to obey them. Your word is true yet we too often view it as outdated or flexible in comparison to pervasive social norms. Give wisdom, fairness, and common sense to leaders in our communities, states, and nation – and to those throughout the world who take counsel for the affairs of government, commerce, education, and whatever else affects your people in their everyday lives. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We remember before you all those who risk their lives to protect others; who defend life and liberty from chaos and danger; and who serve their country here or abroad. Give them integrity, courage, and competence. Return them safely and soon to their families; and grant healing and hope to all who are wounded in mind or body. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We prayer that our Father will not be far off, but instead tend to those who are suffering in mind or body or may be lost for whatever reason or ailment. Hear their cries and spur us to respond as your hands and heart in the world. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

We seek to be gracious and merciful to widows and widowers and to all whose hearts are embittered by loss and grief. Help others to not abandon or ignore them, but rather to walk with them in their sorrow and to show them friendship for sadness does not have an expiration date and we all need understanding. Let us lean on You, for when we are at our weakest. We praise you for all faithful witnesses, and ask that by grace we may join them in eternal joy and life when our days are ended. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Merciful Father, for always being there in every moment, we end these prayers thankful for your grace and mercy. In the name of Jesus Christ, the Lord and Maker of all that has been, is today and will be forever. Amen