Here’s
a pastoral prayer for Lent 5C. It comes
from the LCA Worship Planning Page. (See below for link.)
Pastoral Prayer for Lent 5, Year C
Our Lord received Mary's offering. Let us come before
God our Father and offer our prayers for the world, knowing that he will hear
us for Jesus' sake.
Gracious heavenly Father,
we offer you our thanks, praise and love through Jesus Christ our Lord, who
gave himself for us. Thank you for your holy church which you sustain with your
powerful, life giving word. Bless your church throughout the world that all
your people may celebrate the coming days of holy week with true faith and
devotion. Be especially with those who are preparing for baptism and
confirmation this Easter.
Lord in your mercy:
hear our prayer
Your Son accepted the
service of Martha, the friendship of Lazarus, and the devotion of Mary: bless
your people everywhere who serve you in all kinds of different ways:
·
for those who serve in the church, as presidents, pastors, church
workers and lay people;
·
for those who serve in the home, as parents and care-givers and
home-makers;
·
for those who serve in the workplace, as employers and employees;
·
for students and school children who serve by learning for the future;
·
for those who volunteer their services in the community;
·
for those who offer friendship;
·
for those who pray, fast, or give generously of their time and money;
·
for those who befriend the disadvantaged;
·
for those who whose work is dangerous.
Bless the service of all
your people, and assure them that you are well pleased with their work.
Lord in your mercy:
hear our prayer
Show your kindness to those
who serve in similar ways, but do not yet know you, or that they serve you.
Reward them with your grace, open their eyes to see you, and grant them true
faith, hope and love.
Lord in your mercy:
hear our prayer
Speak to the consciences of
those who plan some evil – show them that honesty is better than falsehood, and
that peace is better than violence. Give to our political leaders and citizens
alike a deep commitment to goodness and mutual well-being. Keep us all from the
greed and false compassion of Judas.
Lord in your mercy:
hear our prayer
Your Son drew close to
Lazarus and raised him from the dead: be near all people who are close to
death, and grant them faith in you. Strengthen all who are preparing for the
death of a loved one, that they may make the most of the time left to them. And
help all who work among the dying: the doctors, nursing staff, chaplains and
volunteers who work in hospices and nursing homes.
Lord in your mercy:
hear our prayer
Heavenly Father, Mary honoured the Lord with her gift
of perfume. May we honour you in our lives by honouring all who are in need;
through Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the
Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
~
posted on the LCA Worship Planning Page.
http://www.lca.org.au/worship/cowadmin/?attachment_id=3964
