Let us join together during this time of prayer adding our voices to the masses that call upon you. In this moment of silence we lift up our personal petitions asking the Lord to be merciful to his people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, have mercy on your church. We long to see You and talk to You face-to-face, just like Adam and Eve did before they sinned, and just like Jesus did throughout His life. Move us so that we love others as You first loved us and examine the shadow of bias, fear, and hatred that may be in our own speaking or acting. Let your example change our hearts to love You with all of our heart, strength, and mind, and our neighbors as ourselves. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, have mercy on everyone who wrestles with temptation. Forgive us when we follow our own desires, plans and preferences, not your will. Let us commit ourselves into your care, and resist the promptings of the Evil One with humble faith and patient reliance upon Jesus, who was in all things tempted as we are, yet without sin. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, have mercy on the nations and leaders of the world, especially our own. Forgive any greed, blindness, or arrogance that drives decisions and policies. Forgive the cruelty, suspicion and hatred that fuel wars. Forgive the selfishness, apathy, and prejudice that allow us to neglect the least of our sisters and brothers. Create new hearts within us; and grant us that peace which only you can give. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, have mercy on those in our military, and all first responders. Forgive them when they their hearts become hardened by love of war and twisted by hatred of enemy. Heal, guide and strengthen them to act in accordance with your will; and grant them a swift and joyous homecoming. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, have mercy on our persecuted brethren throughout the world. Forgive them when their anguish curdles into bitterness, retribution, or loss of faith. Strengthen and heal them, so by their witness, you lead their tormentors to repentance and true faith. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Lord, have mercy on all who are challenged in mind, body and soul. Restore them to health, hope, and fellowship with all who love them; and renew their faith in you, their Savior and Lord. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, have mercy on the dearly departed. We thank you for your abundant mercy to each of those that have died trusting in your promises. Fill us that we too will rely on the heavenly Father and His Word. And when the long Lent of this life is complete and the hour of our death draws near, by grace through faith, take us to Yourself forever so that we can see You Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, have mercy as we leave this place and be by our side. As we see our sinfulness, we thank You that we have forgiveness and life in You. We lift our prayers to you trusting your promise to hear us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.