Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, for all people according to their needs.
Lord have mercy. Long ago your people turned away from the ways your servant Moses taught them. They disregarded your love for them and acted on their own desires. Guide us, gracious Lord, to listen for YOUR voice among the many we hear today, that we might be drawn to your own responses of love and your will for peace. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. (Exodus 32:7-14)
Lord have mercy. Your loving kindness embraces each human being on this earth. In this time of pain and confusion, help us to have compassion on each person you have made. Wash us from our desires for revenge and retribution and cleanse us with the fire of your judgment. Hide your face from our sins and blot out all our iniquities. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. (Psalm 51:1-10)
Lord have mercy. Strengthen us and use us as your servants, as your faith-filled messengers of grace and love. In our own great pain, do not let us forget the suffering of those who live in constant fear of violence, the ravages of hunger, addiction, illiteracy, imprisonment and poverty. Open our hearts so that we might once again feel the joy of sharing from our bounty as we strive to do your will among all your children. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. (1 Timothy 1:12-17)
Lord have mercy. Gracious God, even Jesus' enemies recognized your welcome for sinners. We are all sinners. Seek us out and find us with your forgiveness and give us hope. We especially remember before you today the family and friends of the victims of Tuesday's terrorism. We lift those who are still searching for missing family, friends and co-workers. We ask you to strengthen the rescue and recovery workers, the investigators and the counselors who are dealing with the continuing devastation. We pray for the children, Lord, that their parents and guardians will be able to comfort them and help them find hope in the future. We pray for those whose hearts are hardened, that the power of your love will be able to turn them from their evil ways. And we pray for one another, Lord, that we might draw together today, receiving your comfort, so that we might pass that comfort on to everyone whose lives we touch.
Are there others we should include in our prayers?
Strengthen us in the knowledge that your love includes each person ever created, and that each one who comes to you will find peace. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. (Luke 15:1-10)
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, Stafford Springs, CT
Secretary, Slovak Zion Synod, ELCA
Board Member: ELCA Division for Higher Education and Schools