Intercessions upon the Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers them from them all.  Let us pray for the Church of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs. 

For the baptized, that set free from sin’s bonds by the Holy Spirit, we may witness with joy to Him who is the Lamb of God and who has taken away this world’s sin.  Lord, in Your mercy, R.

For all who serve the Ministry of the Word, that God give them grace to speak that Word without fear of those who oppose it, witnessing to God’s Law and Gospel in all the world.  Lord, in Your mercy, R.

For our nation and its leaders and for David and all who serve in the armed forces, that they might be protected from evil and strengthened and upheld in every good deed.  Lord, in Your mercy, R.

For those who suffer persecution for confessing Christ, that the Holy Spirit strengthen them for a good witness and uphold them in their faith.  Lord, in Your mercy, R.

For all who cry to the Lord for healing and comfort, especially for ... that each might know the solace of Christ’s presence and healing according to His perfect will.  Lord, in Your mercy, R.

For all who come to the altar today, that in the Body and Blood of the Savior, they might taste the forgiving love of God, be set free from sin’s shackles, and know the peace that passes all understanding.  Lord, in Your mercy, R.

For St. John the Baptist and all the faithful departed, we lift our song of praise, and ask that we too may be faithful unto death that we may receive with them the crown of life and feast with Christ forevermore.  Lord, in Your mercy, R.

All these things and whatever else You know that we need, grant to us, O Father, for the sake of Him who both died and rose again and who now lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.