Prayers of the People Easter 5 Year A

​For Easter 5, Year A, the readings naturally lend themselves to a form shaped around trust, living stones, mercy, and Christ as the way. Since the Prayer Book allows original forms so long as the required subjects are included, a responsive prayer might work: strong congregational participation, clear theological movement, and language drawn from the appointed lessons. Sgsin, the Prayer Book requirement is coverage of the appointed subjects rather than use of one mandatory printed form.  

Prayers of the People

Easter 5, Year A

Let us pray for the Church and for the world, saying,
Risen Christ, hear our prayer.

For the Church of God, built upon Christ the living stone: that we may be joined together as a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, and a people called to proclaim the mighty acts of God.
Risen Christ, hear our prayer.

For all bishops, priests, deacons, and lay ministers; for Michael, our Presiding Bishop; Dorothy, our Bishop; and for all who serve in this parish: that their words and works may reveal the mercy and truth of Christ.
Risen Christ, hear our prayer.

For the nations of the world, and for all in authority: that they may seek justice, protect the vulnerable, restrain violence, and honor the dignity of every human being.
Risen Christ, hear our prayer.

For those who are rejected, silenced, persecuted, or cast aside; for victims of hatred, communal violence, and unjust judgment: that, like Stephen, they may be upheld by the glory of God and strengthened by the presence of Christ.
Risen Christ, hear our prayer.

For this community: that we may be a people of mercy, refusing vengeance, speaking truth with courage, and bearing witness to the light of Christ in the places where we live and serve.
Risen Christ, hear our prayer.

For all who are troubled in heart; for the sick, the grieving, the lonely, the anxious, and the dying; and for those we now name, silently or aloud.
Silence
May they know Christ as the way, the truth, and the life, and may their times be held in the hands of God.
Risen Christ, hear our prayer.

For those who have died, especially those we now remember.
Silence
Receive them into the many dwelling places of your Father’s house, where sorrow and death are no more.
Risen Christ, hear our prayer.

For ourselves: that we may long for the pure spiritual milk of your word, grow into the fullness of our baptismal calling, and offer our lives as spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Risen Christ, hear our prayer.

Concluding Collect

Risen and exalted Christ, you are the living stone rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in the sight of God: receive our prayers, calm our troubled hearts, and build us into a people of mercy, courage, and praise; that, following you as the way, the truth, and the life, we may proclaim your mighty acts and commend our spirits into the hands of the Father; with whom and the Holy Spirit you live and reign,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.


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