Prayer of the Church – Pentecost 3C (Proper 5)

When our Lord saw the widow whose only son had died, he had compassion on her. Let us bring our needs and the needs of the world to our compassionate God.

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your beloved Son whose heart goes out to all people in need. Strengthen your church in its suffering with the presence and power of Christ.

Lord, in your mercy:hear our prayer.

Our Lord said to the widow, 'Don't cry' and he gave back her only son. Enable your church to walk with those who weep, and to speak the life-giving gospel appropriately. Open ears and hearts to receive the gospel with faith, and to welcome your only Son as their life and hope.

Lord, in your mercy:hear our prayer.

Our Lord touched the coffin of the dead man. Protect and encourage all who help others in need. Let them know that their service is your work, and let them do it in your name with joy.

Lord, in your mercy:hear our prayer.

Our Lord met the dead man at the town gate and raised him to life. Wherever there is loss and grief, sickness and suffering, want and deprivation, trouble and war anywhere in the world, provide what is needed for health and peace.

Lord, in your mercy:hear our prayer.

The crowd praised God for the wonder they had seen. Bring praise to the lips of people today for the great blessings you shower on us every day. In your mercy continue to provide all that we need in this country for healthy life. Send us a good season, fill our dams and reservoirs, guide our parliaments and leaders, correct all that is wrong, and overflow our praise to you.

Lord, in your mercy:hear our prayer.

Our Lord nurtured the particular disciples he called and he loved them. Nurture our church and all its people, its pastors, lay workers and teachers, its volunteers and supporters. Protect our general President and all who lead our church. Sanctify the ministry of our congregation, grow our love for each other, and strengthenour walk with Christ as his disciples today.

Lord, in your mercy:hear our prayer.

God of comfort, in mercy listen to all our cries for help. Assure us that you are always with us, and strengthen us in true faith and in perfect love toward others through Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose name we pray and who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.