May 12, 2019 – Fourth Sunday of Easter
The following prayers have been adapted for congregational use by Rebecca Garber
We invite you to include the Anglican and the Roman Catholic Bishops of your region in your prayers.
Anglican Bishops:
- Bishop Logan McMenamie, Diocese of British Columbia
- ArchBishop Melissa Skelton, Diocese of New Westminster
- Bishop David Lehmann, Diocese of Caledonia
- Bishop David Lehmann, Diocese of Kootenay
- Bishop Barbara Andrews, Diocese of The Territory of the People
Roman Catholic Bishops:
- Archdiocese of Vancouver – Archbishop Michael Miller
- Diocese of Kamloops – Bishop Joseph Nguyen
- Diocese of Nelson – Bishop Robert Bourgon
- Diocese of Prince George – Bishop Stephen Jensen
- Diocese of Victoria – Bishop Gary Gordon
Prayers for May 12, 2019 – Forth Sunday of Easter
Let us remember your acts of grace as we pray for new life within the church and all believers, the world, and those in need.
A moment of silence
To the words “Turn our sorrow into strength” you are invited to respond “Hear us, we pray.”
Let us embrace the wisdom of our tradition even as we open our hearts to the new ways you are working within the church and in the world. Anoint us with the power of our belief in being fully alive and overflowing with hope.
Turn our sorrow into strength. Hear us, we pray.
Let us walk the earth, feeling the ground supporting our feet and the sun and wind wafting over us. Breathe in the smell of cedar or sage, the pine needles of the forest floor or the hot sand and ancient rocks. Treasure the water flowing through rivers and streams, the ocean tide moving in its rhythm. Heal places suffering destruction caused by floods, typhoons, storms and mudslides.
Turn our sorrow into strength. Hear us, we pray.
Let us say yes to leaders willing to take on the mantle of servanthood and peace. And make us rise up against religious extremists of all stripes who choose violence and terrorism as means to exert their version of truth. Teach us how to surrender to the good without giving in and giving up.
Turn our sorrow into strength. Hear us, we pray.
Let us bring strength and perseverance to those facing hunger, thirst, illness, and economic struggle. Bring deep calm to those who live with chronic sickness, anxiety, and worry. We pray for those we name aloud or silently within our hearts.
(include those listed in the bulletin for prayers)
Turn our sorrow into strength. Hear us, we pray.
Let us continue the endless movement towards equality between women and men. Use women of faith to lead us in ways of strength and compassion. Bless mothers and all those who provide nurturing care to others. Protect victims of sexism, abuse, gender-based violence, and marginalization because of gender identity or sexual orientation.
Turn our sorrow into strength. Hear us, we pray.
Let us rejoice in our work with the Anglican Church of Canada and Bishop (name bishop in your region), the Roman Catholic churches and Bishop (name bishop in your area) and our own Bishop Greg. We offer prayers for the churches of our synod, especially Lutheran Church of the Cross in Victoria and Pastors Lyle McKenzie and Lyndon Sayers and Good Shepherd in Victoria.
Turn our sorrow into strength. Hear us, we pray.
Let us know deeply and absolutely that all things can work together for good in those who seek you and follow your ways. In times of distress and discouragement, let us hear deep within the words that all shall be well, all shall be well indeed.
Turn our sorrow into strength. Hear us, we pray.
We pray all this in the name of Jesus, the prophet who offered us a new way, a different way of living. AMEN.
