Friday, May 10, 2019

Good Friday Bidding Prayers- Adapted from ELW

While I treasure the liturgy provided by the resources of Evangelical Lutheran Worship, occasionally I prefer to adapt the language to be a little simpler, and easier for reading aloud. I've adapted the Good Friday Bidding Prayers from the ELW in this way, and I hope you find them useful in your context.

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Tonight we pray for God's holy church in every land. Lord, your power is beyond our imagination, and yet you sent your Son to us as a humble carpenter, riding into Jerusalem on a colt. By your Holy Spirit guide your church to gather together throughout the world, to share the good news of your grace in Jesus Christ with all people, and to serve our neighbors with kindness and humility. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Tonight we pray for all the servants of your church, for our bishops ___ and ___, for our pastor ___, for deacons, for those who have gathered to worship tonight and those who could not be with us. Lord, your Holy Spirit guides our steps each day, help each of us to do your work in the church and in the world as you have called us to, with generosity and an open hearts, and keep us in health and safety. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Tonight we pray for all those who are preparing for baptism. Lord, you bless your church each day with your wisdom and grace. Give all those who are taking their first steps into faith, insight into your understanding and compassion. As they receive their new life in Christ, give them community and communion within the church, and bless them with a thriving and healthy community for support. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Tonight we pray for all of our siblings in Jesus Christ, whatever we share in common, whatever our differences. Lord, it is in your name that we have our unity, it is in our baptism into Jesus Christ that we are truly one. Unite us again into one fellowship and grant us your favor as we work together to share your good news with the world. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Tonight we pray for the Jewish people, the first to hear the word of Almighty God. Lord, your promises are eternal and the strength of your covenants cannot be doubted. Your promises, to Abraham and Moses, to Sarah and Esther, remain in place, and you have chosen the Jewish people as your own. Grant them your strength and protect them from every harm. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Tonight we pray for those who do not share our faith in Jesus Christ. Lord, around the world your name is said in many languages, many who believe in you call you by another name. Bring an end to hatred between religions, and give us the grace and courage to be faithful witnesses of your love for all people in your Son. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Tonight we pray for those who do not believe in God. Lord, you created us in an act of love, and you sent your Son to us as one of us to show that love. Let all people around the world see your love in the daily words and actions of Christians, that they may come to know you and love you as we do. Help us to carry your light within us and to share that light with all we meet, so that the whole world may proclaim you as the true God of all. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Tonight we pray for all of God's wondrous creation. Lord, you have created everything we know, from the stars above us to the dirt beneath us, from gigantic galaxies to the tiniest atoms, from the dinosaurs of the past to the children who have yet to be born. You care for all that you have created, help us to care for it as you do and bring everything you've made to fulfill its purpose. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Tonight we pray for all who serve in public office, whether they are appointed by officials or elected by the people. Lord, you are the source of all of our knowledge and compassion. Your voice speaks on behalf of the weak and the downtrodden, those whose voices and needs are ignored. Give your wisdom to all those with the power to use it, so that all people may live in a world of justice and peace, and share in your creation with generosity and compassion. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Tonight we pray for those who are in any kind of need. Lord, you give strength to the weary and new courage to those who have lost heart. Heal the sick, comfort the dying, give safety to travelers, free those unjustly imprisoned or oppressed, and deliver your world from dishonesty, hunger, and disease. Hear the prayers of all who call on you in any trouble, and help them in their need. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Lord, remember us in your kingdom and teach us to pray...

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