Prayers for Worship 


Advent 3C


by Linda Kraft



Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, for all people
according to their needs.

Merciful God, your protection for your people knows no bounds of time or
place.  Yet, in this world there are those who live in fear.  Homes in our
neighborhoods are not free from violence.  Shelter is needed for the
homeless and hungry.  And, around the world your children hurt each other
because of pride and greed.  As St. Francis prayed: Lord, make us
instruments of your peace.  Where there is hatred, let us sow love. Where
there is despair, hope; and where there is sadness, joy.  Make your name
known through our actions.  Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.  (Zeph
3:14-20)

Strong and mighty God, you have done wondrous deeds for your creation.  You
are always to be praised.  Stir up within your children a respect for each
other and for you, so that all will live together in harmony and your ways
will be written on our hearts.  Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.  (Isa
12:2-6)

Joyous Lord God, you created us and all that exists and called it good.  As
we consider the ways we have turned against you and our neighbor, our family
and friends, we recognize our need for your forgiveness.  Renew us through
the healing power of your gift of love, and send us your peace that passes
all understanding.  Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. (Phil 4:4-7)

Powerful and loving God, you know we descendants in faith of Abraham and
Sarah are a broken people who need your healing touch.  We lift to you
these, your children, who need wholeness in body, mind or spirit...

Are there others we should include in our prayers?

Through your grace, though we don't deserve it, you make us whole.  When we
are seized by fear, give us your comfort and hope.  Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.  (Luke 3:7-18)

Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your
mercy; through your son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.


(Comments to Linda at Linda_Kraft@Ecunet.org.)

Linda Kraft, Pastor at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Trumbull, CT