Prayers

PRAYER FOR IN TIME OF PESTILENCE
O God, You desire not the death of sinners, but rather that we turn from our wickedness and live. Graciously behold Your people who plead to You and spare us. Withdraw the scourge of Your wrath and be moved in mercy to turn away this pestilence from us; for the sake of Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

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COLLECT FOR PEACE

O God, from whom come all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works, give to us, Your servants, that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey Your commandments and also that we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may live in peace and quietness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

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AT THE TIME OF AN EPIDEMIC 

Heavenly Father, I beseech Thee to turn from me and from my fellow men the destruction and terror of this epidemic. I pray Thee, stay the hand of the Angel of Death as he proceeds from dwelling to dwelling. I ask Thee, above all, to draw me closer to Thee as Thy chastening rod afflicts us. Grief-stricken and fearful, let me not despair of Thy mercies. Grant me the grace in humble repentance and sincere faith to look to Thee, who turnest all things to the good of them that love Thee. Grant the necessary wisdom and success to those who strive to stem the tide of affliction, and quicken our hearts to bear the burdens of one another’s grief and need. Lord, in Thy mercy save us. I am mindful of my many shortcomings and transgressions. Blot them out that I may find peace and rest for my soul. Make me sure of my salvation through Thy Word. Then give healing and relief according to Thy good will in Christ Jesus, our Lord and Redeemer. Amen. (Lutheran Book of Prayer, page 127. CPH, 1951)

IN A NATIONAL CRISIS (1) 

King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Thou Lord of life and death, protect our nation in this great crisis and need. Turn the hearts of men to Thee, and let them find strength and encouragement in Thee and peace of heart and mind through the cleansing in Jesus’ blood. Throughout the nation let wise counsel, calm thinking, unselfish aims prevail. With singleness of purpose let one and all support all just measures. In Jesus’ name. Amen. (Lutheran Book of Prayer, page 130. CPH, 1951)

IN A NATIONAL CRISIS (2)

Heavenly Father, who hast bidden us to raise up holy hands for all men, I entreat Thee to protect our nation in this present hour of need. Let us not be confounded or dismayed. Give us a staunch heart of loyalty and an earnest spirit of prayer in behalf of all who guide the destiny of the nation. Make even the wickedness of men to praise Thee. Above all, draw us all to Thee with Thy constraining love, and give us a faith that will hold fast to Thee. Amid the tumult of war build Thy kingdom, and turn ever more souls to Thee. So lead us from victory to victory for Jesus’ sake. Amen. (Lutheran Book of Prayer, page 130. CPH, 1951)

IN A NATIONAL CRISIS (3)

Heavenly Father, I come to Thy thrown of mercy, bowed down and wearied by the load of suffering and disaster visited upon our nation. I acknowledge our trespasses before Thee and do not deny my many transgressions of Thy holy Law. We are a sinful nation, laden with iniquity. But there is hope and help in Thee. Thou doest forgive iniquity and sin. Open Thou our eyes to see our evil ways and the need of Thy salvation. Lead us into Thy Word and to Jesus Christ, our only Savior. Grant that we, who are children of Thy grace, may courageously speak to our needy world of the hope which is in our soul, and soothe the hearts of men by the comfort of Thy Gospel. Strengthen the afflicted, lighten the burden of the homeless and the fatherless. Above all, let the fruits of faith flow from our hearts richly in sympathy and mutual care. Enable me to use my opportunities and gifts to Thy glory and others’ good. Because of Thy grace we are not altogether lost, but find forgiveness and peace in Thee. O Lord, give me the grace to seek Thee, to trust in Thee, and to confess Thee. In Jesus’ name. Amen. (Lutheran Book of Prayer, page 131. CPH, 1951)

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