Prayers for Worship
Prayers for Worship
Proper 14
by Linda Kraft

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

Strong God, when we’d like to run away from our troubles, you seek us out and bring us new life. Like Elijah you invite us to eat and drink, to be refreshed and ready for all challenges. We pray for those who do not know your life-giving hope. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. (1 Kings 19:4-8)

Saving God, we want to honor you and bless your name at all times, we want to exalt you because of your generosity. But trouble in our homes, in our nation and around the world makes us afraid to live each day with joy. We pray for those who live in fear for their lives. Bring them peace. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. (Psalm 34:1-8)

Forgiving God, we confess that we don’t always tell the truth to our neighbors; our anger causes us to sin; we do not honor our selves or others with our words and actions. Teach us to be kind to one another and tenderhearted, forgiving one another as you have forgiven us. Take away prejudice and fear and teach us to love. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. (Ephesians 4:25-5:2)

Loving Creator, through your Son you have taught us that you want to refresh and renew us, to strengthen and comfort us. Yet, some of your children are hurting and need your healing touch. Today we lift for your care:

Are there others we should include in our prayers?

You have promised us new life in you, fresh each day and into eternity. We hunger for your healing touch. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. (John 6:35, 41-51)

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