Trinity 8 General Prayer

Lord God heavenly Father we come before You in prayer, confident of Your steadfast love:

We confess that we often have vain hopes—trusting in the things of the world rather than in You. Forgive us our sins and grant us a sure hope in Your Son Jesus Christ.

Because Your Word is like fire and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces, grant that Your Church would always preach Your Word faithfully, that hard hearts would be broken in repentance and the fire of Your redeeming love would fill them.

Continue to raise up pastors who will proclaim to us the whole counsel of Your Word. Grant them courage to face the fierce wolves that tear Your flock apart by speaking twisted things.

Through Your good gifts of Word and Sacrament bestow Your grace upon us, that we would be built up in the Faith and obtain the inheritance promised to Your saints.

Grant us the Spirit’s gift of discernment so that we might be able to test what we hear spoken in Your name and measure it against the pure standard of Your Word.

Help us to do your will and believe in the One that You have sent to be our Savior. Through faith in Jesus grant us a place in Your kingdom now and forever.

We give You thanks and praise for Your steadfast love and especially for the measure of that love You have granted to John and Shana in their marriage. Grant that their love for one another and You would grow stronger each day.

Heavenly Father we know that Your right hand is filled with righteousness. Extend that hand to those in need and grant them Your mighty and merciful help. Heal the sick, comfort those who mourn, watch over and guide our nation, and grant rain to this dry land.

All of this and whatever else You see that we need; whatever is good for our neighbor and gives glory to You; grant to us dear Father in heaven for the sake of Your Son Jesus Christ in whose name we come before You today. Amen.