Prayer of the Church
Second Sunday after the Epiphany
19 January 2025
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Let us pray for the whole Church of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs.
Heavenly Father, Your Son shed His blood to redeem us and make us His holy and spotless Bride. Sustain us in faithfulness, and increase our desire for Him alone. Turn our hearts from every false god, that we may receive the full joy of life with Christ, now and forever. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father, lead all pastors and church leaders to imitate the servants at Cana and do as Christ instructs. Give them boldness to preach the Law and the Gospel rightly, and graciously provide for all their earthly needs. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father, we give You thanks for the gift of marriage and family. Make the relationship between each husband and wife a picture of Christ’s ceaseless love for His Bride, the Church, that we may live in Your forgiving love. Grant parents Your care as they raise their children, and give every father and mother a zeal that points them constantly to Your ways and Your forgiveness. Fill children with obedience, respect and love for their parents. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father, guide and give wisdom to the nation and our president, the governor of this state, and all judges and magistrates. Protect those who serve us as firefighters, police, disaster workers and medical personnel. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father, remember the sick and those who care for them, the dying and those who mourn, and those who struggle with mental illness. Heal them according to Your will, and grant comfort and peace in their trials. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father, recall Your people from the temptation, strife and captivity of this world. Return them to the rich land of Your Church, where the fruits of Your Son’s precious death flourish. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord God, heavenly Father, we thank You that of Your grace You have instituted holy matrimony, in which You keep us from unchastity and other offenses. We implore You, send Your blessing on every husband and wife. Do not let them provoke one another to anger and strife, but let them live peaceably together in love and godliness. Strengthen them with Your gracious help in all temptations, and help them to rear their children in accordance with Your will. Grant us all to walk before You in purity and holiness, putting our trust in You and leading such lives on earth that, in the world to come, we may have everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.