Prayer of the Church
Fifth Sunday after Trinity
20 July 2025
Let us pray for the whole Church of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs.
Lord God of hosts, as You comforted Elijah by the quiet whisper, reminding him of the remnant of the faithful in Israel, so comfort us by the bold proclamation of Your Gospel. Uplift the depressed, strengthen the frail, give hope to those who feel alone and save us from violence. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord God of hosts, since Your foolishness is wiser than men’s wisdom and Your weakness stronger than men’s strength, give all preachers and hearers delight in the folly of Christ crucified, in which the fullness of divine power and wisdom are hidden. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord God of hosts, You give us life in Christ. Grant that, having been strengthened by Your gifts, we may all gladly tell others of the hope that we have in You. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord God of hosts, give us faith to let down the nets of Your Word in our daily vocations and trust Your Son to do His gracious work through poor sinners like us. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord God of hosts, Your Son endured the cross for our sakes and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Be with the young people of the LCMS as they gather in New Orleans this week. Fix their eyes on Jesus and strengthen them with hope and confidence to endure all trials and challenges as His disciples. Bless those who work and serve them, especially their parents. Give them a safe homecoming, and fill our homes with the forgiveness of sins in Jesus’ name. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord God of hosts, You are our light and our salvation. Hide in Your shelter all who suffer in body, mind or soul. Keep them in their day of trouble from falling into faithless fear, and uphold them with Your peace in Christ. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Lord, never depart from us. Though we are unworthy of You and Your bounty, You are pleased to receive our meager thanks and reluctant obedience for the sake of Christ’s perfect obedience. Let Your Word rule us and Your Spirit revive us to leave behind pride and anxiety alike, that we may follow You in all we do; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the same Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.