Prayers of the People, A2C

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel!
You have looked favorably upon your people
and redeemed us;
you have raised up a Savior
and restored to us the joy of salvation.
Be present with your people, we pray.
Be present with those who are longing for redemption,
for those struggling with sin,
for those carrying guilt,
for those suffering the effects of sin
in every imaginable way.
Be present with your people,
and place your healing hand upon them,
that they may know newness of life.

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel!
You spoke through prophets of old
that we would be saved from our enemies
and from the hand of all who hate us.
Be present with your people, we pray.
Be present with your prophets
and give them discernment to hear your voice,
courage to speak truth to power
and strength to stay the course
in a world where the voices 
of those who dissent 
are silenced by those who abuse power.
Be present with your people, O God,
and help them to hear the prophets 
when they speak. 
Open their ears, we pray.
Open their hearts.
Help them to discern the difference
between false prophets and real ones.
Help them to listen for and follow
your law of Love above all else.

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel!
You showed mercy to our ancestors
and remembered your holy covenant;
you rescued us that we might serve you
in holiness and righteousness.
Be present with your church,
that we might serve you without fear,
that together in the unity of the Spirit
of the risen Christ,
we might prepare the way
for your return. 
Help us to shine your light
​in the midst of darkness
and grant us hope
in the places where we cannot see.