Prayer of the Church (from this morning’s chapel service)
In our prayers we remember Deaconess Shaina Wurdeman (who works here at CTSFW as Deaconess Admission Counselor) as she mourns the death of her grandmother.
We also remember the family of the Rev. Dr. Dean Bell, a member of our Board of Regents, as they, and we, mourn his death. (Dr. Bell received an honorary doctorate at our graduation exercises a few short weeks ago; his daughter accepted the honor on his behalf, as he was unable to attend.)
We remember our international students in Nigeria and Ethiopia who are seeking visas to study here and Ellen Hoerlle, daughter of Renato, who celebrates her birthday in Brazil today.
We pray too for all those affected by the storms and flooding, especially in the state of Oklahoma. (Yesterday, the news showed that every county in the state was under a state of emergency.)
Confident of our Lord’s return, let us approach our Father’s throne of mercy on behalf of the Church and of all people.
Gracious Lord God, amid shouts of joy we celebrate Your Son’s ascension into heaven where He is now seated in majesty at Your right hand. Grant Your Church steadfastness in these gray and latter days that she may hold to the truth and boldly confess the saving name of Jesus.
Even as Your beloved Son intercedes on behalf of His Church, so has He commanded us, His kingdom of priests, to pray for others. Hear us, O Lord, as we implore You to show mercy to those in need:
• to the sick, the lonely, and the depressed, grant relief;
• to the dying and those who mourn, especially Shaina and her family, and to the family of Dean, bring comfort;
• to the hungry and homeless and unemployed, send Your aid;
• to all those adversely affected by the damaging floods and tornadoes, grant protection and hope;
• to all women who bear children, give protection,
• to husbands and wives and their families, grant steadfastness of purpose,
• and to single parents who raise their children alone grant strength.
Almighty Father, in mercy You continue to grant us daily bread, supplying us with what we need before we even ask. Teach us to acknowledge You as the good Giver of all that we have and to give thanks for all Your benefits:
• for healthy bodies and for restoration to health following illness, we praise Your name.
• for safety during childbirth and for the mercy You show to our children as they grow, and for the birthday of Ellen, we bless You.
• for gainful employment and joy in serving our neighbor, we give You thanks.
• for a free nation where we live under the protection of the law, we thank You for Your mercy.
• for the opportunity of international students to study here and to grow in their confession of the faith, we give you thanks.
Teach us ever to be content, whether we have plenty or are in need, so that we may learn to trust that You will sustain us in all things.
O Lord, heavenly Father, we here remember the sufferings and death of Your dear Son, Jesus Christ, for our salvation. Praising His victorious resurrection from the dead, we draw strength from His ascension before You, where He ever stands for us as our own high priest. Gather us together, we pray, from the ends of the earth to celebrate with all the faithful the marriage feast of the Lamb in His kingdom, which has no end. Graciously receive our prayers, deliver and preserve us. To You alone, O Father, be all glory, honor, and worship, with the Son and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.