Easter 6C General Prayer

Gracious heavenly Father, open our ears to hear the cry of those around the world who need to hear the Gospel.  Prosper and protect all those who share the Gospel in foreign lands.

As You guided Paul and Silas in the way You wanted them to go, so guide and direct our own congregation as we consider the opportunities for mission and service You place before us.

Continue to open the hearts of all of those like Lydia who hear the Good News of salvation so that they can believe in Jesus and be saved.  Remind us that our witness begins with those who are closest to us.

When we are discouraged by persecution and opposition set before our eyes of faith the vision of the church as You see it:  radiant and without blemish and having Your glory.  Protect those in Your church who are persecuted for their faith.

Raise up faithful pastors and teachers who will faithfully work to build Your Church on the foundation of the prophets and apostles. 

We give You thanks and praise that the Holy Spirit has written our names in the Lamb’s Book of Life through faith in Your Son Jesus Christ.  Help us to walk in Your light until we reach heaven.

You have promised that the honor of nations and the gory of kings belongs to You.  Guide us and our fellow citizens in this election year so that we choose leaders who will do Your will.

Because nothing unclean or detestable or false will enter into Your presence, forgive us each day by the blood of Jesus and empower us in holy living.  Grant that our lives would be so different than the sinful world around us that those who know us would ask us about the reason for the hope we have.

Help us to believe the promise of Your Son Jesus that whatever we ask in his name, You will give to us because we are Your children through faith in Him.  As You were with Jesus, so be with us, particularly those who are suffering the tribulations of this world.  Grant healing to those who re ill and comfort those who mourn and meet the needs of all those who suffer want. 

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