Prayer for Worship
Proper 22B
by Linda Kraft

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

Lord, God of Hosts, be gracious to us.  Teach us to hate evil and love good,
to establish justice in your world.  Be with us as we share from your
bountiful gifts to us.  Make us generous in sharing our time, our talents
and our possessions with those who have less.  Lord, in your mercy, hear our
prayer.  (Amos 5:6-7,10-15)

Compassionate Lord, your love for this world you have created is never
ending.  Still, we tear this world apart with our resentment, prejudice and
fear.  Bring us together to discuss our differences with our neighbors.
Stop the hatred and the bloodshed of war.  We especially ask your continued
presence in  those lands where the news media says little of their turmoil;
here and in all places we ask peace.  Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
(Psalm 90:12-17)

Living God, as our great high priest, Jesus your son has passed through the
heavens.  We ask the gift of eternal life for all who trust in you.  We ask
your mercy and grace on those who mourn.  We beg your mercy for our brothers
and sisters who have died throughout the world.  Lord in your mercy, hear
our prayer.  (Hebrews 4:12-16)

Gracious God, you call us to come to you.  You promise us new life.  Be
present with those who need your healing touch today:
Are there others we should include in our prayers?
You alone have the power to restore us to life through forgiveness each day
and through your promise of salvation for eternity.  For you all things are
possible.  Help us know your will.  Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
(Mark 10:17-31)

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 kraftylynx@yahoo.com.
Linda Kraft, Pastor at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Trumbull, CT