You were going astray . . . but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls. (v.25)
Shepard of our souls, we rejoice that you seek us when we stray, and welcome us back into your flock. Amen.
Prayer concern: Shepherds, both literal (sheep herders) and figurative (pastors)
Psalm 23; Ezekiel 34:1-16; Luke 15:1-7
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. (v.1)
God of providence, help us to find sufficiency in the good things you provide and share them. Amen.
PS: Two deaths in our household ... named Energizer :)
Prayer concern: Generosity in the midst of abundance
Exodus 3:16-22; 4:18-20; 1 Peter 2:13-17
They devoted themselves to . . . teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayers. (v.42)
O Divine One, help us always to work for understanding and fellowship with one another. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Prayer concern: Congregations in conflict
Psalm 23; Exodus 2:15b-25; 1 Peter 2:9-12
{Jesus} said to them, "Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some {fish}." (v.6)
Dear God, when we are discouraged, help us listen to your voice giving us fresh ideas. Amen.
Prayer concern: Leaders of congregations in decline
Psalm 134; Exodus 24:1-11
Jesus came to Galilee, . . . "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near." (vv. 15-15)
Jesus, help us see your presence here and now in neighbors, creation, worship, scripture, justice, love, and life. Amen.
Prayer request: ELCA Churchwide staff
Isaiah 52:7-10; Psalm 57; 2 Timothy 4:6-11, 18
Come, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, who stand by night in the house of the Lord! (v.1)
God of Life, help us be open and attentive to your voice that talks to us even through silence. Amen.
Prayer concern: All who work by night
Genesis 18:1-14; 1 Peter 1:23-25
UFFDA: wrong video
Now that you have purified your souls . . . love one another deeply from the heart. (v.22)
God of life, teach us your truth, that we may develop hearts of genuine love. in Jesus we pray. Amen.
Prayer concern: Christian educators and teaching ministries
Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19; Isaiah 25:6-9; Luke 14:12-14
Then I called on the name of the Lord: "O Lord, I pray, save my life!" (v.4)
Holy God, save our lives from the death of despair, that we may rejoice in every moment. Amen.
Prayer concern: People living with a terminal illness
Isaiah 26:1-4; 1 Peter 1:13-16
Peter said to them, "Repent." (v.38)
Merciful God, thank you for helping us, through Jesus, to repent and become who you want us to be. Amen.
Prayer concern: People betrayed in relationships
Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19; Isaiah 25:1-5; 1 Peter 1:8b-12
{Jesus} answered them, "An evil and adulterous generation asks for a sign." (v.39)
Holy God, the splendor and majesty of creation reveal you! Help us to see you at work everywhere. Amen.
Prayer concern: Astronomers, ecologists, and other scientists
Psalm 114; Jonah 2:1-10
As all die in Adam, so all will be made alive in Christ. (v.22)
Eternal God, thank you for the gift of forever life through your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Prayer request: Grief counselors and morticians
Psalm 114; Jonah 1:1-17
Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord. (v.7)
Awesome God, we are humbled that you love us. May we always tremble with gratitude for your grace. Amen.
Prayer concern: All who do not know of God's love
Judges 6:36-40; 1 Corinthians 15:12-20
[God] has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (v.3)
God, you give us a living, transforming hope. Make us messengers of life in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Prayer concern: People and organizations that advocate for justice.
Psalm 16: Song of Solomon 8:6-7; John 20:11-20
In your presence there is fullness of joy. (v.11)
Abiding God, you are always near. Awaken our hearts to joy in this Easter season. Amen.
Prayer concern: Elementary school teachers
Song of Solomon 5:9 - - - 6:3; 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
My flesh will live in hope. (v.26)
Thank you for raising us up, God, to live in hope. Make us witnesses to your love for Jesus' sake. Amen.
Prayer concern: People facing physical and mental challenges
Psalm 16: Song of Solomon 2:8-15; Colossians 4:2-5
Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid." (v.10)
Creator God, you know our joys and our fears. In all things, remind us of your abiding love. Amen.
Prayer concern: Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24; Joshua 3:1-7
As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion. (v.12)
God of mercy, in the waters of baptism you clothe us with grace. Daily renew our life in you. Amen.
Prayer concern: Clothing donation ministries
Prayer concern: Clothing donation ministries
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24; Exodus 15:1-18
I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the Lord. (v.17)
Transforming God, let your word wash over us like spring rain. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
Prayer concern: People living with anxiety and depression
Exodus 14:1-31; 15:20-21; Colossians 3:5-11
But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. (v.8)
God of power and might, in our waiting fill us with your peace for the sake of Christ. Amen.
Prayer concern: The newly baptized
Genesis 22:1-18; Psalm 16; John 20:1-18
Who could have imagined his future? (53:8)
God, you know our grief. Abide with us for Jesus' sake. Amen.
Prayer concern: Those denied justice
Psalm 22; Hebrews 10:16-25; John 18:1 - - - 19:42
[Jesus said,] "Do this in remembrance of me." (v.24)
God, thank you for remembering us at your table of grace and sending us out forgiven and renewed. Amen.
Prayer concern: Those receiving first communion
Exodus 12:1-4 [5-10] 11-14; Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19; John 13:1-17, 31b-35
So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas. (v.26)
God of grace, turn our hearts toward all who hunger for forgiveness, for the sake of Jesus. Amen.
Prayer concern: Those who are imprisoned
Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 70; Hebrews 12:1-3
[Jesus said,] "Now my soul is troubled." (v.27)
Jesus, you share our humanity. Thank you for assuring us we can be human too. Amen.
Prayer concern: Those facing death
Isaiah 49:1-7; Psalm 71:1-14; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. (v.3)
God of heaven and earth, may our memories today lead us to praise you for Jesus' sake. Amen.
Prayer concern: Those bound by painful memories
Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 36:5-11; Hebrews 9:11-15
Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus. (v.5)
Triune God, you call us to community. Unite us in love for one another and for you. Amen.
Prayer concern: Lutheran camping ministries
Psalm 31:9-16; Lamentations 3:55-66; Mark 10:32-34
