Sola Publishing – Prayers of the Church
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 20) – September 22, 2024
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Prayer of the Day
Historical Collect
Direct our hearts, O Lord, by your merciful reign, because without your help it is impossible to please you. Grant this, we pray, through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Gelasian Sacramentary, 7th Century)
Thematic Collect
Heavenly Father, you draw all humanity to yourself and welcome us as beloved children. Help us to divest ourselves of worldly ambition and teach us to serve and welcome all, especially the least and most vulnerable among us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever.  Amen.
Prayers of the Church
For Witness of the Church
Bless and sustain the witness of your church throughout the world. Keep us steadfast in your Word and empower us throughout the work of your Holy Spirit to be bold witnesses through our words and deeds. Lord in your mercy … hear our prayer.
For Bountiful Harvests 
As farmers gather their crops from the fields, bless them with bountiful harvests that all might share in the goodness and abundance of the earth.  Lord in your mercy … hear our prayer.
For Students and Educators 
We pray for students, teachers, administrators and support staff in schools around the world. May they discover in their time of study an appreciation of the many ways in which our lives and those of our neighbors, local and global, are interconnected. Help students to discover a sense of purpose in life and delight in the many intricacies of your creation. Lord in your mercy … hear our prayer.
For All Who Suffer 
Bring peace of mind and heart, and wholeness and healing of body and spirit, to all who suffer from any illness or distress. [We pray particularly for …] Grant them a sense of your constant presence through those who care for them.  Lord in your mercy … hear our prayer.