Prayers of the People: Proper 19A

Prayers of the People—Proper 19A (Anniversary of September 11, 2001)

Each of us is finally accountable to God.  So let us pray saying, “Lord, we are in need of your mercy; Have patience with us.”

Lord, we acknowledge that we all sin against our brothers and sisters in Christ.  Forgive us even as we forgive each other.  Help us to be merciful to each other in the Church.

Silence

Lord, we are in need of your mercy;

Have patience with us.

Lord, we acknowledge that we desire to repay violence with violence.  Open our hearts to forgive even those who commit evil acts towards us and towards those we love.  Help us to live mercifully in our world.

Silence

Lord, we are in need of your mercy;

Have patience with us.

Lord, we acknowledge we do not always appreciate the diversity of your creation.  Teach us to live in peace with each other and with your creation.  Help us to live mercifully with our world.

Silence

Lord, we are in need of your mercy;

Have patience with us.

Lord, we acknowledge that we do not love our neighbors as you love us.  Forgive us for placing ourselves as judge over others when judgment belongs to you alone.  Help us to accept the great mercy you choose to show others.

Silence

Lord, we are in need of your mercy;

Have patience with us.

Lord, we pray for those whose lives are broken by evil.  In your mercy remind them, that no matter what befalls them, they belong to you; you care for the brokenhearted.  Help us to share your love with all those who are hurting.

Allow the congregation to add their petitions and thanksgivings, followed by Silence

Lord, we are in need of your mercy;

Have patience with us.

Lord, today we remember those who died 10 years ago in our country.  And we remember those who have died since: the men and women of the armed services, the innocent bystanders, the first responders, and even those we have called enemies.  The dead belong to you, O Lord.  Even as we appeal to you to be merciful to us, judge all those who have died with mercy. 

Silence

Lord, we are in need of your mercy;

Have patience with us.