Prayers for August 19, 2012
Computer Build Sunday
Opening Prayer: Eternal God, your mercy is everlasting, your goodness eternal. Your name endures to all generations. As we gaze at the stars, they dance to your music; the moon shines, reflecting your glory. We greet the sunrise and rejoice in creation. Tasting the rain, we affirm how you care for us. Touching the sand, we are in awe of your power. You enliven our senses to the scope of your grandeur. We give you all honor as we worship your name. Jesus taught us to pray……
Prayer for Illumination: Psalm 119: “Make me understand the way of thy precepts, and I will meditate on thy wondrous works.”
Lord and Creator of every wondrous light of heaven. Grant to us that light giving Spirit to understand your precepts, that we may meditate on all your works: the judgments, the victories, the captivities, the redemptions. And catch the reflection of your lovingkindness in every rising sun, in crystal frost and snow, in summer night, in glowing sea. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayers of the People: Father above, whose glorious dwelling is in the heavens, even when the light of heaven is hid by dark clouds. Ever to you, O Father Above, is our praise, honor, and thanksgiving. From your hand comes every blessing. Therefore, before your heavenly temple we offer our prayers of intercession.
Father above, giver of every good and perfect gift, we pray for the church, wherever it is gathered this Lord’s Day. Particularly we pray for our own congregation. Grant that its witness may be sure, its teaching apt, its fellowship open, and its doctrine sound. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Father above, in your service is our highest joy. We pray for the ministry. We ask your presence with the preachers of our land as they open to us your Word. Ever deepen their understanding of the Scripture, and their ability to rightly divide the word of truth. We remember as those who lead the service of praise, the organist and those who offer special music. Fill them with your Spirit, that there be melody in their hearts as well as in the songs they perform. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Father above, we pray for all peoples. You are a God over all. The heavens are telling your glory, and your Word is heard to the end of the world. Grant that the gospel of the risen Christ may be proclaimed this day to every people in every tongue. Grant that in this community, those who have no peace, those who are alienated, those who are alone, might find reconciliation, through the faithful witness of your people and the fellowship of your house. We offer now our joys, concerns, and thanksgivings……Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Father above, we pray for our nation. King above all gods. You have been our strength, our rock, our fortress. You have been the god of our forefathers and foremothers, and still in you we trust. Grant that our nation might be ever faithful to you, Great God, our King. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our Prayer.
Father above, God of all comfort. We pray for those who suffer, for those who endure poverty, for those burdened with debt, for the crippled, the sick, the troubled and tormented. Grant the easing of their pain. Grant them healing, and grant them peace. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Our prayers we present in the name of Jesus, our Great High Priest, who has entered into the heavenly sanctuary to present our prayers before you. To him and you, through the power of the Holy Spirit, be all glory and honor now and forever more. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication: Eternal God, you redeem us in Jesus; we can boldly approach you. Sustained by his word to us, we are enabled to serve. Impelled by your Spirit, we respond to your commands. Direct and guide as we seek to accomplish your will. We bring our offerings; use them for your purpose. We dedicate our time; fill it with your presence. We give ourselves; satisfy your intentions. All that we have, we present to you.
