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