|
12/03/06
Prayers of the People
Eternal God, as you led your people in ages past; you direct our journey
into the future. We give
you thanks that you came to us in Jesus Christ, and we eagerly await his
coming again that his rule may be complete and your righteousness reign
over the entire world. Then
we will feast at his royal banquet, and sing his praises with the choirs
of heaven. By your Spirit,
open our eyes to the generosity of your hand, and nurture our souls in
all spiritual gifts.
Have mercy on the old and the young, on unbelievers far and near, on the
godless and the idolaters who have not yet heard your name in truth.
Have mercy on the governments and the peoples of the earth, on
their perplexity as they search for peace and righteousness, and also on
the confusion we all experience as we try to understand the worries of
this world. Help us to see
the real presence of Christ in our lives, even as we suffer trials.
Have mercy on the countless persons who today suffer starvation, the
many who are persecuted and homeless, the sick in body and soul here and
in other places, the lonely, prisoners, and all those who suffer
punishment at the hands of others.
Bless us, here in your church. Guide
us to see your will in our lives. Grow
us in faith and service to our Lord Jesus Christ.
Give us passion and desire to share the gospel.
Have mercy on us all in the hour of trial and the hour of death.
Lord, because we believe with certainty that you have overcome,
and that with you we too have already overcome, we call upon you now.
Show us but the first step of the road to freedom, won at such a
cost.
In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen
|