Liturgy Bits for NL307 – God’s Promise to David

For more resources for this Sunday, please visit lectionary.wiki.

Prayer of the Day

Ascension is using the prayer of the day as provided by Working Preacher, with some adaptations.

God of hope, you promised to make David’s household great among the nations. Then you sent your son, Jesus, to transform this world so that all people are one in the great household of God. Show us how to live together, as your children, in your holy and blessed realm, in the name of your son, Jesus Christ, who will one day welcome us all home.
Amen.

Prayers of the Church (traditional)

Adapted from the prayers for this Sunday offered by Clergy Stuff in 2020-21

Gathered together in one body, we pray for the church, the world, and all those in need.

When David wanted to build you a house, you assured him that his faithful leadership was enough to please you and honor your word. Keep our vision focused on mission and service when we are tempted to be distracted by projects and ventures of little consequence. Faithful God,
hear our prayer.

You have planted us here, O Lord, alongside animals and all that grows on the face of the earth. May we be sympathetic companions and faithful stewards of your creation. Faithful God,
hear our prayer.

May your peace bridge the divides that seem to be strengthening between us. Empower your people to live as an example of the unity that is possible in you. Faithful God,
hear our prayer.

We live cut off from one another, divided by both physical and spiritual walls. Bring us back to each other and make us whole again as people created to live in community. Heal all those in need. We pray especially for those from our community who are receiving hospice care: ***insert names here**. For what and for whom else do the people of God pray?
Faithful God,
hear our prayer.

Even in death, You free us and give us a place in Your house. We give thanks for our ancestors who have shown us truth and freedom, and for those who work for the renewal of the church. Faithful God,
hear our prayer.

We have asked, you have heard, and it is enough, O God. We thank you for answering our prayers in your good time, for the sake of Jesus our Savior.
Amen.

Prayers of the People (contemporary)

Influenced by the Prayers of the Church above

Let us pray.

Gathered together as the body of Christ, we lift our voices in prayer for the church, the world, and all of God’s creation.

God, you invite us to envision and dream of what you are calling your church to be and to do in the future. Keep our focus on mission and service, give us a sense of adventure in trying new things, and fill us with courage to let go of projects and ministries that might not be part of our future.

God our creator, as we consider how to be good stewards of our time, talent, and treasure, remind us that your whole creation is a great treasure as well. Encourage us to care for all that grows upon the earth. Bring your peace to those affected by hurricanes and other natural disasters.

God our provider, we ask for your healing of those who suffer in body, mind, and spirit. Surround them with your compassion and mercy. We pray especially for those from our community who are receiving hospice care: **insert names here**. For what and for whom else do the people of God pray?

We have asked, you have heard, and it is enough, O God. We thank you for answering our prayers in your good time, for the sake of Jesus our Savior.
Amen.