Christ the King Sunday, (November 20, 2016)

In the power of the Spirit, let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

Most Holy Father, you are pleased to make the Church into the Body of which Christ Jesus is the head. Give to the Church your Spirit, so that by your Word and holy Sacraments; through faithful teaching and acts of selfless charity, many may be delivered from the domain of darkness; receive forgiveness and redemption; and be transferred into the Kingdom of your beloved Son. LIYM

Make this congregation your treasured possession; and form us in the image of Jesus – holy, righteous, and obedient to your commandments. Thank you Father for this church, for pastor Oman, and all that serve and worship here. Help us to always be a welcoming congregation and may those that enter feel the presents of your spirit. May we all use our time, treasures and talents to draw all people to the foot of his Cross; to proclaim his love; and to help those around us to truly realize God’s love and faithfulness. Let us not fail to give honor, complete respect, and adoration to him as our King, our living Head, our Savior, and our God. LIYM

Guide, protect and encourage your missionaries, so that they do not grow weary in announcing the close approach of the Kingdom of heaven in the person of your Son, Jesus Christ, the Savior and King of all nations. Bless our national church body and our sister congregations and synods, and shape their members into faithful citizens of their King’s domain.
Unite the suffering of your persecuted people to the Passion of Christ. Let the whole world, and especially their tormentors, clearly see his strong saving love in their actions, and hear his words of forgiveness and life on their lips; and turn to him as Savior, King, and Lord. LIYM

The nations rage and are in a tumult; spears, bows, guns and bombs defy your holy will and beset your people throughout the world. Speak clearly to our rulers: “Be still; and know that I alone am God.” Help all leaders to submit to your commandments. Be the strong and mighty fortress to the poor and weak; the innocent and righteous; and to all who long for peace, justice, health and mercy to be established in every land. We especially ask for peace and unity for our nation. May our leaders work together for the betterment of all people according to their needs. And by your Spirit’s wise guidance, teach every heart to gladly acclaim Jesus as King of kings and Lord of all nations; that his peace may rule undisturbed in all the world. LIYM

We pray this day for our enemies; for criminals; evildoers and hatemongers; and for those we find it hardest to forgive. Let the words of Jesus – “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” – be on our lips, even when it is hard to say or even to believe them. And let his words and holy Passion work on their hearts, subduing them to his will and shaping them in his image, so that Christ Jesus, crucified, dead, buried, risen and ascended for the forgiveness of sins, might truly be all in all. LIYM

O Lord, make war to cease in all the world; break the bow, and shatter the spear, and burn the shields with fire. We lift up prayers for those in the military, in police, fire, or emergency forces equip them to do their duties with integrity, competence, wisdom and courage. May there be renewal of respect to those that serve. Preserve them in safety; heal their wounds of body, mind or spirit; bring them home safely and soon; and use them in new ways to the benefit of our communities and nation. LIYM

Exalt yourself, O Lord; be the refuge and strength of all who are afflicted by danger, disease, disaster or
despair. This day, we remember before you: Be their very present help in time of trouble; and make their hearts glad. We esp. lift:

Dear Father, we thank you that on his Cross, your Son promised Paradise to any who, like the repentant thief, turns in faith to him. We entrust to you our loved ones who have died and now rest from their labors. Help us to comfort one another; to encourage each other to trust and follow Jesus even through death’s dark vale; and to pray with constant hope and perfect faith,
In the power of the Holy Spirit, we entrust our prayers and petitions into your hands, gracious Father, for the sake of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.