The Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

Order of Worship

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Prayers of the Church

Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, and for all people according to their needs. 

Father, we thank you for your Word, that you have declared your character and your statutes to us through the patriarchs and prophets in order to reveal our sin. We thank you for speaking to us through the apostles and evangelists, so that sinners may know your grace. In these last days, you have spoken to us through your Son’s good news, showing us our Savior and your great love through him. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You are our only hope, O Lord. You have saved us in baptism and sustained us through the years, and in our last moments, you alone are our sure confidence. And if our strength fails before we come to old age, you will not forsake us, for you have made us yours through Christ Jesus. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We understand, God, that there is more to life than working up the corporate ladder, than obtaining degrees or having much land or a fine family. There is a more exceptional way through this life than in the performance of many talents or even in the display of assorted spiritual gifts. Your Word teaches us that we are all members of Christ’s body, that we are to care for his various members. Give us the will to make the time to love these we name before you now… Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Amaze us with your teaching, Lord Jesus. Alarm us through the authority of your righteous law, then remind us of your love and the power of grace, that we may not lose hope in your salvation. Deliver us from anything that would stand in the way of our being struck by your Word, so that we may ever press on toward your glory. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy—through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen