Readings: Deuteronomy 18:15-20; Psalm 111; 1 Corinthians 8:1b-13; Mark 1:21-28
Download Prayers for Epiphany 4 Year B RCL
In faith, let us pray to the Lord, saying…
Jesus, light of the world
May the whole earth know your brightness.
We give you thanks, O Lord, in this congregation,
And we delight in your marvelous works.
You are gracious and full of compassion;
Your righteousness endures forever.
The works of your hands are faithfulness and justice;
All your commandments are sure.
Send forth your redemption, gracious Lord,
That all people everywhere might partake of your everlasting covenant,
And praise your glorious name forever.
Silence
Jesus is the light of the world
May the whole earth know his brightness.
We pray for the world,
For the many people who do not yet know you,
For those who scoff or think lightly of the precious name of Jesus,
And for those who have not listened to your teaching.
Lord Christ, you are the Holy One of God.
One who teaches with authority,
And your voice is the voice of the Lord our God.
May all nations hear your life-giving word
And follow you alone.
I invite your prayers for specific countries and individuals in need of the Gospel.
Silence
Jesus, light of the world
May the whole earth know your brightness.
We lift our voices with your worldwide church,
And we praise you that you have bought us at great price, Lord Christ.
Teach us to love one another in humility.
Forbid it, Lord, that, because of our knowledge,
We might wound and destroy one another.
Unify your church in one spirit,
For we desire to build one another up in love.
Give Church of the Apostles your grace to shine forth your light to the people around us.
Silence
Jesus, light of the world
May the whole earth know your brightness.
We pray for the poor, the oppressed, the hungry, and the sick;
The broken and despairing;
The lonely and those afflicted by doubt and fear.
We think of orphans and widows, prisoners and slaves,
Those struggling with addiction and pain.
The burden of the world is too great for us,
And the groaning of suffering too much for us to bear!
Have mercy on all that you have made, O Lord!
In your infinite compassion and wisdom,
Proclaim your rule of righteousness to the ends of the earth.
Lift up those who are bowed down,
Set their feet on sure ground,
That many would see and put their trust in you.
For you alone are the hope of the afflicted,
You alone are the one who restores all things.
I invite your prayers for all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit.
Silence
Jesus, light of the world
May the whole earth know your brightness.
We thank you for your church.
How beautiful is the bride of Christ, stretching back throughout the ages and across the world, crossing boundaries of time and place!
We remember now those who have gone before us, those who have died in the faith, trusting that they are in your care.
Silence
Jesus, light of the world
May the whole earth know your brightness.
Transform us, O Lord, to be a people who clearly and brightly reflect the light of our Lord Jesus Christ, Through whom we humbly pray, Amen.
Oratio Contemplativa 