26 December 2009

A Prayer of the Church for St. John's Day

[based upon LSB Altar Book, p. 438]

Lord God, we offer You our common supplications for the well-being of Your Church throughout the world. So guide and govern it by Your Holy Spirit that all who profess themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life. Lord, in Your mercy, R.

Send down upon all ministers and upon the congregations committed to their care the healthful spirit of Your grace that they may please You in all things. Lord, in Your mercy, R.

Behold in mercy all who are in authority over us. Supply them with Your blessing that they may be inclined to Your will and walk according to Your commandments. Remember in Your kindness all who serve in our armed forces [especially...]. Lord, in Your mercy, R.

We humbly ask Your abiding presence in every situation that You would make known Your ways among us. Look in mercy on our enemies and grant them repentance and amendment of life, that with us they may extol Your grace. Lord, in Your mercy, R.

Preserve those who travel, satisfy the wants of Your creatures, and help those who call upon You in any need [especially those we have been asked to remember at this altar...]. Give them patience in the midst of their sufferings and according to Your will release them from their afflictions. Lord, in Your mercy, R.

Grant to all who commune today repentance for their sin, faith in Your promises, and hope in Your mercy, that they may receive the holy body and precious blood of Your Son in a worthy manner and to their abundant and eternal blessing. Lord, in Your mercy, R.

We remember with joy St. John and all the faithful departed and ask You to give us grace to commend ourselves into our Lord’s hands that, when the time of our departure from this world arrives, we may depart in peace. Lord, in Your mercy, R.

All these things and whatever else You would have us ask of You, grant them to us through Christ Jesus, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

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