Easter 4b General Prayer

Gracious heavenly Father, we come to You in prayer in the glad confidence that You will hear us and answer us for we ask all things in Jesus’ name:

As a church and school and as individual Christians, give us the courage of the apostles so that we would boldly teach the faith and speak the saving name of Jesus Christ to those who do not know him as Lord and Savior.  As we do so, empower our speaking by the Spirit and grant us the same result, that those who hear the word of the Gospel would believe it.

Watch over all of those who are persecuted and imprisoned and face death on account of their confession of the resurrected Christ and assure them that they rest safely in Your hands.  Grant that the authorities You have ordained in the state, and especially in our own nation, would love justice and protect the innocent and ultimately serve Your saving will. 

Continue to grant healing and wholeness in the name of Jesus Christ to those who are ill and those who mourn.  Especially do we remember Kay and Elsie and Wayne who need healing and strength and Hilda’s family who mourn her passing.  Come to the aid of the people of Nepal and through the generosity and witness of Christians who provide help and resources help them to know You as their God.

Because Jesus Christ laid down his life for us, remind us that we are to lay down our lives for others through service and sacrifice.  Grant us hearts that are open to the needs of others and open our hands to share with those in need some part the world’s goods You have entrusted to us.  Bless the social ministries of the church as they care for those who lack the necessities of life.

When we fail to live as Your people and our hearts condemn us, reassure us by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ that we truly are Your forgiven people.  Empower our lives by Your Holy Spirit so that we would love what pleases You and keep Your commandments and build our lives on the cornerstone of Jesus Christ.  Especially do we pray for Rachel and Lisa as they graduate from college and begin a new phase of their life, that You would keep them close to You and guide them on life’s journey.

We thank You heavenly Father that You have graciously made us sheep of the flock of the Good Shepherd.  Give us spiritual wisdom so that we would always know Jesus and hear his voice and flee the ravenous wolves who deceive and ravage his flock.  Bless and guide all pastors so that they would shepherd his flock with love and wisdom and compassion.

Whatever else You see that we need; whatever is good for our neighbor and glorifies You; whatever extends the kingdom of Your Son; grant to us dear Father in heaven for we ask it in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.