Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Prayers to use for National Day of Prayer - Thursday, May 2



PRAYERS, INTERCESSIONS, AND THANKSGIVINGS


For the Holy Spirit


Almighty and everlasting God, of Your great mercy in Jesus Christ You have granted us forgiveness of sin and all things pertaining to life and godliness. Send us Your Holy Spirit that He may so rule our hearts that we, being ever mindful of Your fatherly mercy, may serve You in holiness and pureness of living and may give You continual thanks for all Your goodness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, (181)


0 Lord God, heavenly Father, we give You thanks that of Your great goodness and mercy Your only-begotten Son became incarnate to redeem us from sin and everlasting death. Enlighten our hearts by Your Holy Spirit that we may forever give You thanks for Your grace and be strengthened in all times of tribulation and temptation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (182)


Almighty God, send Your Holy Spirit into our hearts that He may rule and direct us according to Your will, comfort us in all our temptations and afflictions, defend us from all error, and lead us into all truth that we, being steadfast in faith, may increase in all good works and in the end obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord,


O Lord God, heavenly Father, You gave Your only Son to die for our sins and to rise again for our justification. By Your Holy Spirit grant us newness of life that through the power of Christ's resurrection we may dwell with Him forever; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, (i 84)

O Lord God, heavenly Father, by the blessed light of Your divine Word You have led us to the knowledge of Your Son. Grant us the grace of Your Holy Spirit that we may ever walk in the light of Your truth and, rejoicing with sure confidence in Christ, our Savior, be brought unto everlasting salvation; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord,


Lord God, heavenly Father, let Your Holy Spirit dwell in us that He may enlighten and lead us into all truth and evermore defend us from all adversities; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, (186)


For divine guidance


Almighty and ever-living God, You make us both to will and to do those things that are good and acceptable in Your sight. Let Your fatherly hand ever guide us and Your Holy Spirit ever be with us to direct us in the knowledge and obedience of Your Word that we may obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, (187)


 Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with Your most gracious favor, and further us with Your continual help, that in all our works begun, continued, and ended ii You we may glorify Your holy name and finally, by Your mercy, obtain eternal salvation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (188)


 Almighty and everlasting God, direct, sanctify, and govern both our hearts and bodies in the ways of Your laws and in the works of Your commandments that through Your mighty protection we may ever be preserved in both body and soul; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (189)



Faith, hope, and love


Almighty God, grant us a steadfast faith in Jesus Christ, a cheerful hope in Your mercy, and a sincere love for You and one another; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (190)


Thanksgiving to God


Heavenly Father, God of all grace, govern our hearts that we may never forget Your blessings but steadfastly thank and praise You for all Your goodness in th: life until, with all Your saints, we praise You eternally in Your heavenly king¬dom; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (191)


Grace to use our gifts


Lord God Almighty, even as You bless Your servants with various and unique gifts of the Holy Spirit, continue to grant us the grace to use them always to Your honor and glory; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (192)


For guidance in our calling


Lord God, You have called Your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that Your hand is leading us and Your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (193)


Christian vocation


Heavenly Father, grant Your mercy and grace to Your people in their many and various callings. Give them patience, and strengthen them in their Christian voca¬tion of witness to the world and of service to their neighbor in Christ's name; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (194)



Against the love of money


Almighty God, heavenly Father, You have called us to be Your children and heirs of Your gracious promises in Christ Jesus. Grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may forsake all covetous desires and the inordinate love of riches. Deliver us from the pursuit of passing things that we may seek the kingdom of Your Son and trust in His righteousness and so find blessedness and peace; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (195)


Proper use of wealth


Almighty God, all that we possess is from Your loving hand. Give us grace that we may honor You with all we own, always remembering the account we must one day give to Jesus Christ, our Lord. (196)


Proper use of leisure


O God, give us times of refreshment and peace in the course of this busy life. Grant that we may so use our leisure to rebuild our bodies and renew our minds that we may be opened to the goodness of Your creation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (197)


Newness of life in Christ


Almighty God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness and put upon ourselves the armor of light now in the time of this mortal life in which Your Son, Jesus Christ, came to visit us in great humility, that in the Last Day, when He shall come again in glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (198)


Likeness to Christ


O God, by the patient suffering of Your only-begotten Son You have beaten down the pride of the old enemy. Now help us, we humbly pray, rightly to treasure in our hearts all that our Lord has of His goodness borne for our sake that following His blessed example we may bear with patience all that is adverse to us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (199)


For steadfast faith


Almighty God, our heavenly Father, because of Your tender love toward us sinners You have given us Your Son that, believing in Him, we might have everlasting life. Continue to grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may remain steadfast in this faith to the end and finally come to life everlasting; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (200)


Thanksgiving to God


Lord God, heavenly Father, from Your hand we receive all good gifts and by Your grace we are guarded from all evil. Grant us Your Holy Spirit that, acknowledging with our whole heart Your boundless goodness, we may now and evermore thank and praise You for Your loving-kindness and tender mercy; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (201)


For a right knowledge of Christ


Almighty God, whom to know is everlasting life, grant us perfectly to know Your Son, Jesus Christ, to be the way, the truth, and the life, that following His steps we may steadfastly walk in the way that leads to eternal life; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. (202)


Before the study of God's Word


Almighty God, our heavenly Father, without Your help our labor is useless, and without Your light our search is in vain. Invigorate our study of Your holy Word that, by due diligence and right discernment, we may establish ourselves and others in Your holy faith; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (203)


For spiritual renewal


Almighty God, You gave Your only-begotten Son to take our nature upon Himself. Grant that we, Your adopted children by grace, may daily be renewed by Your Holy Spirit; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (204)



Almighty God, grant that we, who have been redeemed from the old life of sin by our Baptism into the death and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ, may be renewed by Your Holy Spirit to live in righteousness and true holiness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (205)


For reconciliation


God of love, through Your Son You have commanded us to love one another. By the guidance of Your Word and Spirit, deliver us from impenitence and teach us the truth that we might confess our sins, receive Your forgiveness, and be reconciled to one another; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (206)


For deliverance from sin


We implore You, O Lord, in Your kindness to show us Your great mercy that we may be set free from our sins and rescued from the punishments that we rightfully deserve; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (207)


For aid against temptation


O God, You justify the ungodly and desire not the death of the sinner. Graciously assist us by Your heavenly aid and evermore shield us with Your protection, that no temptation may separate us from Your love in Christ Jesus, our Lord. (208)


In times of temptation


Almighty and everlasting God, through Your Son You have promised us forgiveness of sins and everlasting life. Govern our hearts by Your Holy Spirit that in our daily need, and especially in all time of temptation, we may seek Your help and, by a true and lively faith in Your Word, obtain all that You have promised; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. (209)


For control of the tongue


We pray You, O Lord, to keep our tongues from evil and our lips from speaking deceit, that as Your holy angels continuously sing praises to You in heaven, so may we at all times glorify You on earth; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (210)


For purity


Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden, cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of Your Holy Spirit that we may perfectly love You and worthily magnify Your holy name; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (211)


For faithfulness


Lord God, we thank You that You have taught us what You would have us believe and do. Help us by Your Holy Spirit, for the sake of Jesus Christ, to hold fast Your Word in hearts that You have cleansed that thereby we may be made strong in faith and perfect in holiness and be comforted in life and death; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (212)


Innocence of Life


O God, whose strength is made perfect in weakness, put to death in us all vices and so strengthen us by Your grace that by the innocence of our lives and the constancy of our faith, even unto death, we may glorify Your holy name; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (213)


Grace to love and serve God


O God, through the grace of Your Holy Spirit You pour the gifts of love into the hearts of Your faithful people. Grant Your servants health both of mind and body that they may love You with their whole heart and with their whole strength perform those things that are pleasing to You; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (214)


For those who care for others


Most merciful Father, You have committed to our love and care our fellow human beings and their necessities. Graciously be with and prosper all those who serve the sick and those in need. Let their service be abundantly blessed as they bring relief to the suffering, comfort to the sorrowing, and peace to the dying. Grant them the knowledge that inasmuch as they do it unto the least of the Master's brethren, they do it unto Him; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. (215)



For humility


O God, You resist the proud and give grace to the humble. Grant us true humility after the likeness of Your only Son that we may never be arrogant and prideful and thus provoke Your wrath, but in all lowliness be made partakers of the gifts of Your grace; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (216)


For patience


O God, by the patient endurance of Your only-begotten Son You beat down the pride of the old enemy. Help us to treasure rightly in our hearts what our Lord has borne for our sakes that, after His example, we may bear with patience those things that are adverse to us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (217)



Answer to prayer


Almighty God, since You have granted us the favor to call on You with one accord and have promised that where two or three are gathered together in Your name You are in the midst of them, fulfill now the prayers of Your servants, granting us in this world knowledge of Your truth and in the world to come life everlasting; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (218)


 Almighty God, You have promised to hear the petitions of those who ask in Your Son's name. Mercifully incline Your ears to us who have now made our prayers and supplications to You, and grant that those things that we have faithfully asked according to Your will we may receive to meet our need and bring glory to You; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (219)


For a blessed death


Almighty God, grant Your unworthy servants Your grace, that in the hour of our death the adversary may not prevail against us, but that we may be found worthy of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (220)



Blessedness of heaven


Almighty, everlasting God, You gave Your only Son to be a High Priest of good things to come. Grant unto us, Your unworthy servants, to have our share in the company of the blessed for all eternity; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (221)


Hope of eternal life in Christ


Almighty, everlasting God, Your Son has assured forgiveness of sins and deliverance from eternal death. Strengthen us by Your Holy Spirit that our faith in Christ may increase daily and that we may hold fast to the hope that on the Last Day we shall be raised in glory to eternal life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (222)




CIVIL REALM


Good government


Eternal Lord, ruler of all, graciously regard those who have been set in positions of authority among us that, guided by Your Spirit, they may be high in purpose, wise in counsel, firm in good resolution, and unwavering in duty, that under them we may be governed quietly and peaceably; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (223)



For the nation


Almighty God, You have given us this good land as our heritage. Grant that we remember Your generosity and constantly do Your will. Bless our land with honest industry, truthful education, and an honorable way of life. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil course of action. Grant that we, who came from many nations with many different languages, may become a united people. Support us in defending our liberties, and give those to whom we have entrusted the authority of government the spirit of wisdom, that there may be justice and peace in our land. When times are prosperous, may our hearts be thankful, and in troubled times do not let our trust in You fail; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (224)



Responsible citizenship


Lord, keep this nation under Your care. Bless the leaders of our land that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to the other nations of the earth. Grant that we may choose trustworthy leaders, contribute to wise decisions for the general welfare, and serve You faithfully in our generation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (225)



For responsible leaders


O merciful Father in heaven, from You comes all rule and authority over the nations of the world for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do well. Graciously regard Your servants, those who make, administer, and judge the laws of this nation, and look in mercy upon all the rulers of the earth. Grant that all who receive the sword as Your servants may bear it according to Your command. Enlighten and defend them, and grant them wisdom and understanding that under their peaceable governance Your people may be guarded and directed in righteousness, quietness, and unity. Protect and prolong their lives that we with them may show forth the praise of Your name; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (226)


Collect for peace


O God, from whom come all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works, give to us, Your servants, that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey Your commandments and also that we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may live in peace and quietness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (227)


In times of war


Almighty God, You alone can establish lasting peace. Forgive our sins, we implore You, and deliver us from the hands of our enemies that we, being strengthened by Your defense, may be preserved from all danger and glorify You for the restoration of tranquility in our land; through the merits of Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior. (228)



For peace in the world


Heavenly Father, God of all concord, it is Your gracious will that Your children on earth live together in harmony and peace. Defeat the plans of all those who would stir up violence and strife, destroy the weapons of those who delight in war and bloodshed, and, according to Your will, end all conflicts in the world. Teach us to examine our hearts that we may recognize our own inclination toward envy, malice, hatred, and enmity. Help us, by Your Word and Spirit, to search our hearts and to root out the evil that would lead to strife and discord, so that in our lives we may be at peace with all people. Fill us with zeal for the work of Your Church and the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which alone can bring that peace which is beyond all understanding; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (229)


For our enemies in times of war


Forgive, we implore You, O Lord, our enemies, and so change their hearts that they may walk with us in sincerity and peace; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (230)



For peace in times or war


O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, defend us, Your humble servants, from all the assaults of our enemies that we, surely trusting in Your defense, may not fear the power of any adversary but may rejoice in Your abiding protection; through the might of Jesus Christ, our Lord. (231)


Following an uprising, conflict, or war


Gracious God and Father, though Your Son, Jesus Christ, came to bring us Your heavenly peace, violence and conflict still rage among Your children on earth. We thank You that in Your mercy and goodness You have caused recent violence [in location 1 to come to an end. Bring a restoration of calm and security, and heal the wounds that have been inflicted. Preserve the peace that has come so that what has been laid waste and made desolate can again be planted and built up. Open Your fatherly heart and bountiful hand to help all in need. Grant that we all may live together in unity and peace, and let all hatred and ill will be remembered no more. Give us that peace which the world cannot give, and grant us grace that, delivered from all conflict and strife, we may live in harmony and safety, and finally, having gained the eternal rest of the saints in glory, may praise and bless, worship and glorify You forever; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (232)


Armed forces of our nation


Lord God of hosts, stretch forth Your almighty arm to strengthen and protect those who serve in the armed forces of our country. Support them in times of war, and in times of peace keep them from all evil, giving them courage and loyalty. Grant that in all things they may serve with integrity and with honor; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (233)



Industry and commerce


Lord Jesus Christ, as once You shared in our human toil and thus hallowed the work of our hands, bless and prosper those who maintain the industries and service sectors of this land. Give them a right regard for their labors, and grant them the just reward for their work that they may find joy in serving You and in supplying our needs; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (234)


Agriculture


Almighty God, You bless the earth to make it fruitful, bringing forth in abundance whatever is needed for the support of our lives. Prosper the work of farmers and all those who labor to bring food to our table. Grant them seasonable weather that they may gather in the fruits of the earth in abundance and proclaim Your goodness with thanksgiving; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (235)


Time of drought


O God, most merciful Father, without Your care and preservation all things wither and die. Open the windows of heaven and send bountiful rain on us to revive and renew the land. Graciously hear our prayer that we may praise and glorify Your name forever and ever; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (236)


Times of unseasonable weather


Lord God, gracious and merciful Father, because You have promised that You will hear us when we bring You our cares, we implore You not to deal with us according to our sins but according to Your mercy. Send seasonable weather so that in due time the earth may yield her increase. Remind us ever to receive with thanks our daily bread, trusting You as our gracious God; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (237)


Thanksgiving for rain


Most gracious God and Father, we thank and praise You for sending rain to water the earth, causing it to be fruitful and to bring forth food in plenteous supply. Teach us ever to remember that we do not live on bread alone in order that we may receive Your blessings with thanksgiving and Your Word with grateful hearts; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (238)



HOME AND FAMILY


For home and family


Visit, O Lord, the homes in which Your people dwell, and keep all harm and danger far from them. Grant that we may dwell together in peace under the protection of Your holy angels, sharing eternally in Your blessings; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (239)


For those to be joined in holy matrimony


Heavenly Father, You established matrimony and desire that it be kept holy. Behold with Your favor   name   and   name , who intend to have their union blessed by Your Church (on   date ). Grant them Your grace that they may begin their wedded life in You, live according to Your Word, and rejoice in Your strong love and enduring blessing; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (240)


Holy God, gracious Father, You established the marriage covenant and desire that we keep it holy. We pray Your blessing upon   name  and   name , who have pledged their loving commitment to each other. Help them to prepare for their exchange of vows that with You as their God they may live in marriage to Your honor and their blessing; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (241)


For those who are married


O Lord God, at the creation of Adam and Eve You instituted and blessed marriage as the union of a man and a woman and commanded that it be held in honor by all. Grant Your blessings to all married couples (especially   names ) that their life together may be blessed with wisdom, purity, self-sacrifice, and love; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (242)

Most gracious God, we give thanks for the joy and blessings that You grant to husbands and wives. Assist them always by Your grace that with true fidelity and steadfast love they may honor and keep their marriage vows, grow in love toward You and for each other, and come at last to the eternal joys that You have promised; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (243)


For those who are separated


Father of mercies and God of all consolation, come to the aid of those who are separated. Give them the power of Your Holy Spirit to attend to the counsel of Your Word that, finding a renewed unity of purpose in their marriage, they may be reconciled to one another; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (244)


Estranged and divorced


Look with mercy, O Lord, on Your servants for whom the bond of wedded love and faithfulness has been broken. Where they have sinned, grant them repentance that they may receive Your forgiveness and live in the mercy of Your healing power; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (245)


Care of children


Almighty God, heavenly Father, You have blessed us with the joy and care of children. Give us calm strength and patient wisdom that, as they grow in years, we may teach them to love whatever is just and true and good, following the example of our Savior, Jesus Christ, our Lord. (246)



For young persons


Gracious Father, Your Son grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and all people. Bless, guide, and govern the children and young people of Your Church by Your Holy Spirit, that they may grow in grace and in the knowledge of Your Word. Grant that they may serve You well and usefully, developing their talents not for their own sakes but to Your glory and for the welfare of their neighbor. Protect and defend them from all danger and harm, giving Your holy angels charge over them; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (247)

Almighty God, gracious Father, You are without beginning and without end, the Lord of all generations. Guide our youth that they may number their days and to apply their hearts to eternal wisdom. By Your Word and Spirit increase their faith. Lead them to make godly choices and ever to strive for holiness of living, that they may faithfully serve You and finally come to the joys of heaven; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (248)


Adoption of children


Merciful Father, because of Your great love revealed in Christ, You called us to the household of faith in Your Son, Jesus, our Savior, and chose us to be Your own dear children. Grant Your grace to all who have adopted children that, finding in them a special blessing, they may nurture them as Your chosen ones; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (249)


For children in crisis


Almighty God, our heavenly Father, be a source of strength and hope for the children in our families. When they stray, protect them from all danger and grant Your abiding presence. Guide them by Your Word into paths of wisdom and righteousness, and send Your holy angels to watch over them, that the evil one may have no power over them; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (250)



For the aged


Almighty God and gracious Father, in Your mercy look on those whose increasing years bring them weakness, anxiety, distress, or loneliness. Grant that they may always know care and respect, concern and understanding. Grant them willing hearts to accept help and, as their strength wanes, increase their faith with the constant assurance of Your love through Jesus Christ, their Savior. (251)


Asking a blessing at mealtime


Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of food You have provided and for all those whose labor brings Your blessings to our table. We pray that at this meal we may be strengthened for Your service and together may await with joy the feast You have prepared for all the faithful in Your eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (252)


For those who are moving


Lord God, Your gracious presence attends Your people wherever they go. Be with those whose lives are in transition as they move from a familiar home to a new community. Support them in times of challenge or loneliness, and surround them with caring Christian people so that they may find welcome and peace in their new location and joy in Your ongoing kindness and love; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (253)




IN TIMES OF NEED


For the sick


O Father of mercies and God of all comfort, our only help in time of need, look with favor upon Your servant(s)   names) . Assure   him/her/them   of Your mercy, deliver   him/her/them   from the temptations of the evil one, and give him/her/them  patience and comfort in   his/her/their  illness. If it please You, restore   him/her/them   to health, or give   him/her/them   grace to accept this tribulation with courage and hope; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (254 alt.)


 O Lord, You are the great Physician of soul and body; You chasten and You heal. Show mercy to Your servant(s)   names) . Spare   his/her/their  life (lives) and restore   his/her/their  strength. Even as You gave Your Son to bear our infirmities and sicknesses, deal compassionately with Your servant(s) and bless him/her/them  with Your healing power. We commit   him/her/them   to Your gracious mercy and protection; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (255)



O Lord God, by the example of Your blessed Son, grant us grace to accept patiently the sufferings of the present time in full assurance of the glory that shall be revealed to us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (256)


Heavenly Father, ruler of all things, Your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, healed all manner of infirmities and cured all manner of diseases. Mercifully help Your servant name in body and soul and, if it be Your will, free him/her from his/her  sickness that, restored to health,   he/she  may with a thankful heart bless Your holy name; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (257)


For a sick child


Almighty God, Father in heaven, watch over Your child   name  now afflicted with sickness. Mercifully spare the life You have given. Relieve   his/her pain, guard   him/her  from all danger, and restore   his/her  health according to Your gracious will, that   he/she  may be raised to a life of faithful service to You; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (258)


For those undergoing surgery


Lord Jesus Christ, hear our prayers on behalf of Your servant(s)   names   as _ he/she/thev  undergoes(undergo) surgery. Bless   him/her/them   with faith in Your loving kindness and protection. Endow the surgeon(s) and the medical team(s) with ability and skill so that, according to Your will, this surgery may bring Your servant(s) to a full restoration of health and strength; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. (259 alt.)


For those who have undergone surgery


Lord Jesus Christ, we thank and praise You for hearing our prayers on behalf of Your servant   name , who has (successfully) undergone surgery, and for giving to the surgeon(s) and the medical team(s) special skills to attend to   his/her/their needs. According to Your good pleasure, restore   him/her/them  fully to health and strength that we may rejoice in Your gift of healing; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. (260)

For those who minister to the sick


Lord God, be with the doctors and nurses and all others who minister to the needs of those who are ill. Through their wise and compassionate service, grant relief to the suffering and hope to the afflicted so that all may know of Your boundless care; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (261)


For one near death


Eternal Father, You alone make the decisions concerning life and death. We ask You to show mercy to Your servant   name , whose death seems imminent. If it be Your gracious will, restore   him/her  and lengthen   his/her  earthly life; but if not, keep   him/her  in   his/her  baptismal grace and in Your abiding care. Give him/her a repentant heart, firm faith, and a lively hope. Let not the fear of death cause   him/her  to waver in confidence and trust. At Your chosen time, grant him/her  a peaceful departure and a joyous entrance into everlasting life with the glorious company of all Your saints; through Jesus Christ, our Savior. (262)


For those who mourn


Lord God, maker of heaven and earth and giver of life, we thank You for all the mercies You granted to our   brother(s)/sister(s)   ,    name(s) , during   his/her/their earthly life (lives), especially for calling   him/her/them   to faith in Jesus Christ. Comfort the survivors who mourn   his/her/their  death(s) with the hope of the glorious resurrection and a joyful reunion in heaven. Keep us mindful that we are mortal so that we will ever be prepared to die in the faith and finally receive the glory promised to all who trust in Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. (263)

Almighty God, Father of all mercies and giver of all comfort, deal graciously with all those who mourn that, casting every care on You, they may know the consolation of Your love; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (264) 


Time of bereavement   


Heavenly Father, into whose keeping we entrust our loved ones, help us to look to You in our time of sorrow, remembering the cloud of faithful witnesses with which we are surrounded. Grant that we may one day share in the joys of those who now rest in Your presence; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (265)               



At a sudden death


0 Lord God, by this sudden death of  name(s) . You have shown that Your thoughts are not our thoughts nor Your ways our ways. We thank You for the blessings of body and soul that You bestowed on the departed. Comfort the members of  his/her/their  family who mourn   his/her/their  death, and assist us ever to prepare for Your final summons when we will depart and be with Christ in blessedness and glory; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. (266)




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