The Prayer of the Church is provided in the form of bid and petition in order to include a large number of requests. Additional petitions can easily be added based on local need.
P: Since our Father in heaven has promised to hear whatever we ask in the name of His Son, our living Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, let us lift up our voices to the God of all mercy, praying for the needs of all people.
P: For the holy Church, that the gates of hell would not prevail against her, let us pray to the Lord:
C: Lord, have mercy
P: For all the baptized, that they may daily repent of their sins and live in the grace of Christ’s forgiveness, let us pray to the Lord:
C: Lord, have mercy
P: For those who do not know Christ, that God would turn their hearts, using us to tell them the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection, let us pray to the Lord:
C: Lord, have mercy
P: For our nation, that God would continue to defend us from our enemies, let us pray to the Lord:
C: Lord, have mercy
P: For our president and the Congress, that they may govern wisely as they strive both to defend our liberties and to protect us from harm, let us pray to the Lord:
C: Lord, have mercy
P: For those whose vocation it is to protect our nation and our communities, that God would watch over them as they carry out their duties, let us pray to the Lord:
C: Lord, have mercy
P: For those who continue to bear the scars of the attacks upon our country ten years ago, that God would grant them rest, refreshment, and peace, let us pray to the Lord:
C: Lord, have mercy
P: For a spirit of forgiveness and forbearance, that God would remove far from us the personal desire for vengeance, let us pray to the Lord:
C: Lord, have mercy
P: For the millions around the world who live under repressive regimes, that God would ease their suffering and grant them rulers who deal honestly and with compassion, let us pray to the Lord:
C: Lord, have mercy
P: For those in every part of the world who suffer violence at the hands of terrorists, that God would rescue the innocent from the neverending threat of violence; let us pray to the Lord:
C: Lord, have mercy
P: For those who know the pangs of hunger because of famine and lawlessness, especially the people of Somalia, that God would rescue them in their time of need, using us to give of our bounty to serve them, let us pray to the Lord:
C: Lord, have mercy
P: For our enemies, those close to home and those scattered around the world, that God would both thwart their wicked plans and, through His Word and Spirit, turn their hearts so that they might live, let us pray to the Lord:
C: Lord, have mercy
P: For all those in need (especially _______________), that God would grant healing, strength, comfort, and hope, let us pray to the Lord:
C: Lord, have mercy
P: For all those who have gone before us (especially _______________), let us give thanks to God. That He would keep us firm in the faith until our life’s end, let us pray to the Lord:
C: Lord, have mercy
P: *Finally (pause), Grant peace, we pray, in mercy, Lord Peace in our time, oh, send us! For there is none on earth but You, None other to defend us. You only, Lord, can fight for us.
P: Into Your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in Your mercy, through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
C: Amen.
*Note: The prayer for peace is taken from Lutheran Service Book 777 or 778. Instead of the pastor reading it, it may be sung by congregation, choir, or soloist.
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