Prayer of the Church
Fourth Sunday in Lent (Laetare)
30 March 2025
Let us pray for the whole Church of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs.
Blessed Lord, You give sight to the blind, You open the ears of the deaf and You make the lame to walk. In the darkness of sin, we cry to You. Open our ears by Your Word, our minds by Your Spirit and our hearts by Your grace, that we may know You and give You thanks for all Your benefits to us in Christ. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father, bless Your Church, Jerusalem on high, who is our mother in Christ until Christ is fully formed in us. Bless all pastors, that they may be faithful stewards of Your mysteries, and guide all who bring the message of salvation to those who have not heard. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord God, Creator of the waters above, receive our thanksgiving for Holy Baptism, whereby You have united Jew and Gentile in the death and resurrection of Your Son. Enliven our confidence in the gracious gift, that we may continue together in its comfort and power. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Almighty Father, uphold in mercy all authorities, especially parents and the civil servants of our nation. Strengthen our homes, and keep families firm in the Christian faith. Preserve our nation from wickedness, and uphold order and justice for a peaceful life. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Merciful Father, Your heavenly care extends to all Your children, especially those in depth of need. Let them find sustaining food for body and soul and such healing as Your gracious will provides. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
O God, look in kindness upon the afflictions of the poor and hungry. Feed them for the sustenance of their bodies, and reveal to them the riches of Your loving kindness as You provide their salvation through the mercy of Christ. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Heavenly King, You provided food from heaven for Israel during their days of wandering in the wilderness. So give us also the true food of heaven, the body and blood of Jesus Christ, that we may be sustained in our faith and in hope during our days of pilgrimage through the wilderness of this world until finally we behold Your glory with our own eyes. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord God, heavenly Father, grant us always to trust in Your promises, that we may be true sons of the free woman and heirs with Christ; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.