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

Immortal Teacher, speak to us so that we may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Awaken us to listen eagerly for your teaching. Be present with preachers and teachers of your word, that they may speak according to your holy will. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. (Isaiah 50:4-9a)

Gracious Lord, your mercy protects the simple. You deliver our souls from death, our eyes from tears and our feet from stumbling. Guide us to walk before you every day. Curb our tempers, restrain our hurtful desires and guide us to always do your will. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. (Psalm 116:1-9)

Merciful Judge, keep our tongues from restless evil. Tame us so that we might look on all your children as gifts from you. Your love is a blessing to people of all nations, all economic levels, and with different abilities to learn. Teach us to overcome our prejudices and to bless you through our acceptance of others. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. (James 3:1-12)

Rescuer and Comforter, you know the pain when someone you love is broken. Your son, Jesus, was rejected, tortured and killed. In your compassion you raised him from death into eternity. Be present with these, your children who need your care...

Are there others we should include in our prayers?

As Jesus was raised from the dead to the glory of new life, raise these and all who are hurting. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. (Mark 8:27-38)

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