Sunday, July 27, 2014

General Prayer Pentecost 7a Proper 12



Gracious heavenly Father, we remember the wondrous works You have done and so we call upon Your name in prayer, in the glad confidence that You will hear us and answer for our good:

Bless the church here in this place and throughout the world as Your people make known Your deeds among the peoples.  Prosper the work of missionaries; encourage the persecuted; and grant us courage to bear witness to You as You give us opportunities.

Without any merit or worthiness on our part You set Your love upon us and have graciously chosen us to be Your own treasured possession.  By the mighty, nail-pierced hands of your Son Jesus You have redeemed us from slavery to sin and death and the power of the devil.  Grant us Your Holy Spirit so that we would love You and keep Your commandments and show ourselves to be Your people.

No matter what the circumstances of our life, help us to know and believe that you are working all things for our good and that nothing can separate us from Your love.  Grant help and healing to those who are weighed down by the trials of life:  healing for those who are ill; the necessities of life for those who are in need; protection for those who are in harm’s way; and comfort for those who mourn.  Especially do we remember Elsie as she mourns the death of her sister-in-law, Nancy.  Lift them up in the days ahead; grant them Your peace; and surround them with Your love.

When we suffer from misplaced priorities, grant us Your forgiveness and remind us that our life with You must come first for the value of your kingdom is everlasting.  Help us to show in our choices and values and finances that we count our life with as our greatest treasure.

We give You thanks for all of the earthly blessings that make our lives a joy and blessing.  Especially do we thank You for the gifts of marriage and family:  for Opie and Leslie as they begin their married life together and for John and Shana as they celebrate their wedding anniversary.  Grant that their love for one another and You would grow each day.

Whatever else You see that we need; whatever brings glory to You; whatever serves our neighbor and extends Your kingdom; grant to us der Father in heaven for we ask it in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

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