Prayer of Intercession: Easter 5 B

Here’s a prayer of intercession inspired by the scripture texts for the fifth Sunday of Easter (Year B).  It was written by Paul Sauer.

Prayers of the People: Easter 5
(inspired by Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31, John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21)

Holy Spirit, give us the courage of Philip who took the time to share his faith with a curious stranger.
Set our minds on heavenly things. Fill us with your joy.

Heavenly Father, we are the people that were yet unborn when the Psalmist in exultation exclaimed: “future generations will be told about the Lord.” May we care about the yet unborn, and may our faith be as strong as the Psalmists. 
Set our minds on heavenly things. Fill us with your joy.

Lord Jesus Christ, help us love one another, for when we do so, we are loving you.
Set our minds on heavenly things. Fill us with your joy.

Holy Spirit, we dare ask you to help us love more fervently, to love when love is hard to do, and to remember that when we love, it is only possible because you first loved us.
Set our minds on heavenly things. Fill us with your joy.

Lord Jesus Christ, apart from you we can not bear fruit for the kingdom. Abide in us for the sake of your church, and help us be your love-filled disciples.
Set our minds on heavenly things. Fill us with your joy.

Holy Spirit, when we see violence, help us also see the sadness of your heart, and seek to be your peacemakers in our everyday lives.
Set our minds on heavenly things. Fill us with your joy.

Lord Jesus, healer of bodies and healer of souls, hear the names of those in need of your touch….
Set our minds on heavenly things. Fill us with your joy.

Help us listen closely to your Word, even as you listen closely to our prayers. Amen.

— written by Paul Sauer, and posted on the Lutheran Forum website. 

For more prayers on this blog, see the Prayer Index at the upper right side of the page.