LENT 5C	                           
March 25, 2007

Prayers for Worship
by Linda Kraft

Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
	        
Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, for all people
according to their needs.

Lord of all things old and new, turn us away from the old things that
confine us and control us.  Put your new purpose within us so that we might
serve you with joy and declare your praise.  Lord in your mercy, hear our
prayer.  (Isa 43:16-21)

God of the harvest, from your bountiful hand we have received blessing upon
blessing.  Direct us as we sow seeds of compassion among those who weep and
joy among those who sorrow.  Use us as instruments of your love.  Lord in
your mercy, hear our prayer.  (Psalm 126)

Righteous Lord God, sound your call to all who believe, that they might be
reassured in their faith and proclaim your eternal hope to each one they
meet.  Raise up faithful preachers, teachers, volunteers and workers who
will be bold in announcing your eternal plan to each one who is longing for
wholeness in their lives.  Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.  (Phil
3:4b-14)

Compassionate Lord, as your friends served you and tended to your needs,
help us to care for these friends and loved ones, that they might be
restored in you.

Are there others we should include in our prayers?

Scent their lives with your healing perfume and bathe them with your grace.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.  (John 12:1-8)

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