General Prayer Pentecost 7c Proper9

Gracious heavenly Father, the heavens declare Your glory and the sky above Your handiwork.  As we come to You in prayer, hear us for the sake of Jesus for we ask all things in his name:

Let Your peace flow to us like a river, comforting us with the promise that You graciously count us Your children through faith in Jesus Christ.  Especially do we pray that Your peace would calm the hearts and minds of those who are mentally ill and those who suffer from addiction.

Empower the witness of Your church as we bring the good news of salvation to all people and spread Your Word to the ends of the earth.  Especially do we pray that you would continue to raise up pastors and missionaries to preach the good news.

In our lives as Your people deepen our humility and strengthen our love for others so that we do not grow weary in doing good, but gladly bear one another’s burdens and fulfill the law of Christ.  When we sin lead us to repentance and when others sin grant us compassion and a desire to see them restored.

Remind our fellow citizens and the leaders of our nation that you will not allow Yourself to be mocked, but that we will reap what we sow.  As a nation let us sow peace and righteousness and holiness and a concern for all human life.  

Keep before our eyes the day of judgment and the necessity of enduring in faith unto the end so that we are exalted to heaven rather than brought down to Hades.  Prepare us for that day with a willingness to repent of our sins and a heart that trusts in Jesus for salvation.  Especially do we remember and give thanks for the faith that You granted to our sister Nancy who now rests from her labors in Your presence.

Lord, let Your almighty hand be known to Your servants and grant us all those material things You know that we need.  Cause our heart to rejoice and our bones flourish like the grass.  Show Your indignation against our enemies and protect our lives from harm.

Whatever else You see that we need; whatever gives glory to You and serves our neighbor; whatever works to our eternal salvation, grant to us dear Father in heaven for we ask it confidently in the name of Your Son Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.  Amen.