Written for nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year C
Psalm 121 & Luke 18:1-8 (the widow and the unjust judge)
Where whence comes our help? Our help comes from God, the Eternal One, who made heaven and earth. Join me in our prayers of intercession. Pray with me.
God, you are, indeed, our help in times of need. We turn to you now, lifting up the cares and concerns in our lives and in our world, seeking your help.
Eternal One, Together we pray in faith.
We pray for those who struggle, embroiled in conflict: for nations, for families, for troubled souls. For [countries and places in turmoil or conflict], for perpetrators of violence and chaos, and for those who suffer at their hands. For those embittered by memories, and those embarrassed by shame.
Eternal One, Together we pray in faith.
We pray for those who long to rely upon your promises, who long to hold fast to the faith that you will rescue them, but who feel overwhelmed by things they cannot control, heavy with worry, drained by grief. We pray for the families of those who have died. Be their constant help. Hold them up in their time of need.
Eternal One, Together we pray in faith.
We pray for those struggling with ethical dilemmas and challenges, for those facing life-changing decisions, unsure of the path ahead. We pray for people moving away, for young adults looking for work and starting families, for children and youth facing social temptations, facing questions of identity and purpose.
Eternal One, Together we pray in faith.
We pray for those who face sickness and infirmity. Encircle them with your assuring peace and healing touch. We pray for widows and children, often voiceless and powerless, that we might be their voices persistently crying out for justice, speaking truth to power. Help us persevere and not give up, even when the outcome seems set and our efforts feel futile.
Eternal One, Together we pray in faith.
We pray for our church, for our members and visitors who come through our doors. Align our mission and purpose with yours, and grant us strength to persistently shine your light into our community.
Eternal One, Together we pray in faith.
In this moment of silence, hear the cares and concerns on our hearts. [silence] Eternal One, Together we pray in faith.
Eternal One, we lift our eyes to you, maker of heaven and earth, for it is in you that we find our help. Bless us and those for whom we pray.
