Here’s
a prayer of petition and intercession, inspired by the suggested scripture
readings for the second Sunday after Epiphany (Year A). It was written by Richard Bansemer, and
posted on the Lutheran Forum.
Prayers of the People: Epiphany 2A
(inspired by Isaiah
49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11,
1 Corinthians 1:1-9,
John 1:29-42)
You
command us, Heavenly Father, through your prophet Isaiah to listen and pay
attention, for we are far away from you. The sharp tongues of the prophets do
not let us have a glib faith. Your Son, our Savior, has been sent as our light
in a dark world.
Let
us walk: In the light of the Lord.
Father
God, you listen to us like you listened to the Psalmists when we sing our
songs, cry our laments, and put our trust in your gracious mercy. Help us
delight in your will. Put your law and your help in our hearts, that we may
rejoice in your steadfast love.
Let
us walk: In the light of the Lord.
We
thank you, Lord Jesus Christ, that you have called us to be saints together. As
we grow in our faith in your Body, the church, fill us with your spiritual
gifts, that we may not be lacking in zeal or courage.
Let
us walk: In the light of the Lord.
Lamb
of God, John the Baptist proclaimed that you take away the sin of the world.
Take away our sin, our selfishness, that we may be your people in a world that
needs you more than it can admit. Help us take no offense in the fact that we
need you too.
Let
us walk: In the light of the Lord.
Open
our ears, Holy Spirit, that we may hear your call through the Scriptures, the
preaching of your word, the singing of your inspired hymns, and the praying of
our prayers. When we hear you call, may we walk with you as readily as Andrew
and Peter.
Let
us walk: In the light of the Lord.
We
bring before you those whom we know need healing, hope, and heavenly help. As
we name them in our hearts or aloud, touch them, and us with your presence
_____.
Let
us walk: In the light of the Lord.
Make
all our petitions selfless, like those you taught us to pray. Amen.
~ written by Richard Bansemer, and posted on the Lutheran
Forum website. http://www.lutheranforum.org/prayers/year-a/Prayers_for_the_Epiphany_Season/
