Prayer of the Church

Prayer of the Church (Christian Worship, Page 32) M: Gracious God and Father, we praise you for the countless blessings, which we have received from your hand: the beauties of creation and the bounties of the earth, the joy of life and the pleasure of friendship, the good of work and the gift of rest, the privilege to share happiness and sorrow with one another. Above all we praise and thank you for your saving Word and for your Son’s body and blood, which you give to us to eat and drink in the sacrament. Through these means of grace, you send the Holy Spirit into our hearts and unite us to Jesus and to the whole Christian Church on earth. C: Strengthen us through this heavenly food; increase our trust in Christ and our love for one another. M: Great God and Lord, without your continuing help we easily waiver in our faith, lose courage, and grow careless in our watchfulness. The times and days are perilous. Give us strength to face the evils of each day with fresh confidence. Open our lips to speak of your grace, and move us to use the gifts that you give us to share your Word of salvation with all people. Protect and prosper the family, the school, the government, and all good institutions that you have established for the benefit of society. Remember in mercy those who are sick and suffering, and bring your healing to troubled homes and lives. C: Move us to pray for those in need and to help them with deeds of kindness. M: Hear us, Lord, as we bring you our private petitions. - - - M: Now, eternal God and Father, keep us in the saving faith, and so enable us to overcome all things through our Lord Jesus Christ. All: The Lord's Prayer