Title: Prayers of the Church
Author: Steven King
Last saved by: THERESA JACOBSON
Company: Holy Cross Lutheran Church

Sola Publishing – Prayers of the Church
Day of Epiphany – January 6, 2027
Sola Online Worship Resource Site - © Sola Publishing: www.solapublishing.com
(permission is granted to active subscribers to reproduce and edit this sheet for local congregational use)
Prayers of the Day
Historical Collect
O God, on this day, by the leading of a star, you revealed your only-begotten Son to the nations. Mercifully grant that we, who know you by faith, may be brought to contemplate the beauty of your majesty; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Gregorian Sacramentary, 6th Century)
Thematic Collect 
Heavenly Father, as your beloved Son was sent to be the Light to all nations, so may his light shine in and through us. Send us to be Christ’s light in our homes, schools, workplaces, and to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Prayers of the Church
For Light in Darkness
God of light, you sent your Son, Jesus, into the world to bring light to the world. Illumine the darkness that pervades the lives of so many of your precious people, that they might have renewed hope in your love. Grant that shadows of the past would be put to rest and brighter days living in the freedom of forgiveness of sin would inspire us to greater devotion to you.  Lord in your mercy … hear our prayer.
For Wise People
God of all wisdom, grant us the honor of being able to sit at the feet of those who are full of your wisdom. Help us to learn your will and your ways as we observe and listen to those who have spent their lives dwelling in your holy presence. Then, help us to take that wisdom and use it in situations in which you place us so that others would know the Name that is above every other name.  Lord in your mercy … hear our prayer.
For Peace Officers 
We give thanks to you for the vocations you grant to all your people. Keep safe from harm and danger those whose work is dangerous. We hold before you in prayer those who have answered the call to serve as peace officers for the sake of this community, state, and country [especially…], that at the completion of their work, they may return home safely. Be present with families who pray for their safety each day. Lord in your mercy … hear our prayer.
For Those Who Mourn 
Gracious Lord, pour out the healing balm of your comfort all those who mourn and all who suffer this day. [We pray especially the family and friends of …]. Grant to all who are bereaved the comfort of a holy and certain hope in the resurrection to eternal life through our Savior, Jesus Christ. Lord in your mercy … hear our prayer.

Sola Publishing – Prayers of the Church
Baptism of Our Lord – January 10, 2027
Sola Online Worship Resource Site - © Sola Publishing: www.solapublishing.com
(permission is granted to active subscribers to reproduce and edit this sheet for local congregational use)
Prayers of the Day
Historical Collect
Heavenly Father, in Jesus’ baptism you declared him to be your beloved Son and set him apart as your agent of grace for your creation. May we who are baptized into his life also be sent as agents of grace in your world; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 
Thematic Collect 
Heavenly Father, the Spirit revealed Jesus as your beloved Son at his baptism in the river Jordan.  Through our own baptism you call us your children and draw us into abundant and eternal life with Jesus. May the Spirit grant us a rebirth and daily transform us into those who reveal your love to the world; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Prayers of the Church
Renewal Through Baptism
Heavenly Father, we give thanks for the new year that is upon us and for the new life in Christ that is within us. May we hold fast to your promise through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, that we are indeed free from sin’s control and have new life because he gave his own life for us. Help us to remember and recall our baptism into this new life so that we may share the hope and peace we have in you. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Care for Caregivers
Gracious and merciful Father, we pray for all who are in the midst of taking care of loved ones. May they feel your presence and guidance to be compassionate caregivers revealing your continuous love through them. Give them patience and understanding as we are reminded of your promise through the power of the Holy Spirit. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Church Leaders
Lord, Heavenly Father, help us consistently care for the leaders and pastors of our church. May we continue to lift them up in prayer for their own well-being and for the well-being of the whole church. We thank you for their presence in the church and in the world as beacons of light and hope to a people in need of your peace, presence, and hope. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 
Health and Wellness
Lord Jesus, Almighty Healer, we pray for those who are afflicted with chronic pain, depression, and other health issues that affect their way of living in this world. May the promise of eternal life with you give us all the hope we need to sustain us. [We remember especially….] Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Sola Publishing – Prayers of the Church
Second Sunday after Epiphany – January 17, 2027
Sola Online Worship Resource Site - © Sola Publishing: www.solapublishing.com
(permission is granted to active subscribers to reproduce and edit this sheet for local congregational use)
Prayers of the Day
Historical Collect
Almighty and eternal God, you restrain the powers of heaven and earth. Mercifully hear your people’s prayers for peace in our time. 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 
We give you thanks, gracious God that through our baptism you call all of your people, young and old alike, to new life in Christ. By the power of your Spirit help us to daily know, follow, and love you more fully and faithfully; 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
Discipleship
Lord God, you call us into a life of discipleship as one body in Christ; you invite us to follow you in obedience. Refresh us daily with your word, so we may lead others to you. Thank you for the promise of your Holy Spirit to guide and give us spiritual insight into your true nature. May we continue to build up the body of Christ and serve the world in His holy name. Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For Unity for the Church
Tender Father, we pray for unity in the church. May our interactions with one another be full of grace and mercy as we continue your holy work in the world. Let us approach each other with humble and gentle hearts, so all people may come to know you. Help us to build each other up in love just as you have shown us through the gift of your son, Jesus Christ. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For Wisdom and Integrity
Almighty God of wisdom and strength, we pray for our federal, state, local and world leaders. Supply them with strength, wisdom, and integrity, so they seek truth to understand and to resolve differences in peaceful ways. Fill us with the power of the Holy Spirit, and guide us in this life that is filled with so many concerns. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Mercy in Sickness
Heavenly Father, we come to you at all times and in all ways to seek healing and restoration. Lord, grant us mercy in sickness, that we may feel your presence. We pray today for those who are affected by illness [especially for …], may they be sustained by your promise of everlasting life through our Savior Jesus Christ. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Sola Publishing – Prayers of the Church
Third Sunday after Epiphany – January 24, 2027
Sola Online Worship Resource Site - © Sola Publishing: www.solapublishing.com
(permission is granted to active subscribers to reproduce and edit this sheet for local congregational use)
Prayers of the Day
Historical Collect
Almighty and eternal God, graciously look down on our weakness. Reach out to us with your majestic right hand, and satisfy us with his glory. We ask through the same 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 
Merciful God, through the gift of your grace you call us to repentance, obedience, and eternal life.  Transform us so that we are able to set aside all that might prohibit us from following your call to new life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Prayers of the Church
Witnesses for Christ
Father of Light and Mercy, we pray for your guidance, wisdom, and strength to continue to follow you even when we feel defeated or unworthy. May we be effective witnesses of your truth, so that we may be a living presence of the love of Jesus Christ in this world. Fill us with the power of the Holy Spirit that we may also be a light that leads your people to you even in the midst of trials and tribulations. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For Our Youth
Tender Father, we pray for the youth of the world. That they may come to know you and trust in your hope and love. May knowing you give them the courage to discern their journey in life and to feel your presence alongside them every step of the way. We pray that you captivate their hearts, so they know their worth and that they are truly loved. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For Loss
Gracious God and Heavenly Father, we pray for those who are mourning the loss of a loved one. [especially for …] May they know and come to understand that when they hurt, you hurt with them. You are a gracious and tender God who promises us so much more than this earthly life; You promise us an eternal life with you. Let us always remember the past and embrace our future with you. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For Strength and Healing Mercy
Heavenly Father, we pray for all those who are sick, fighting an illness, or struggling with a recent diagnosis. [especially for …] We pray for their comfort and your healing mercy; give them strength that they may also reach out in prayer according to their needs. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Sola Publishing – Prayers of the Church
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany – January 31, 2027
Sola Online Worship Resource Site - © Sola Publishing: www.solapublishing.com
(permission is granted to active subscribers to reproduce and edit this sheet for local congregational use)
Prayers of the Day
Historical Collect
O God, you know the perilous choices we are prone to make that fall short of your desire for human faithfulness and obedience. Without you, our fragile nature cannot survive. Support us with your Word of truth, that we may grow in faith in the midst of our trials. 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 
Merciful One, grant to your church the heart to hear your compassionate healing grace as we gather around your word. Then, as you will, grant us courage and compassion to bear that life-giving word of grace to a world in need; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. 

Prayers of the Church
For Wisdom
Wise and Good Heavenly Father, help us to acknowledge you as the source of all wisdom and not to lean on our own understanding. We praise your Holy name for giving us the freedom to come to you through prayer in all matters and at all times. Your word is faithful and trustworthy so let us be guided by your steadfast ways in all we do. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For a Grateful Heart
Gracious Lord, you provide for all our needs of both body and soul. Create in us a grateful heart to receive all that you provide and to praise you through meaningful worship together. Teach us to be more Christ-like in all we do that we may continue to build up your church for the sake of the world. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For Our Elected Leaders
Almighty Lord, you are a wise and generous God. We pray for the wisdom of our elected leaders in our community, state, and country. We ask for your guidance and continued presence with them as they make decisions concerning your people. We also pray for the well-being of our leaders and that they would be of sound mind and body so they could do their important work. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For Comfort
Father God, you know our pain and struggles that no one else sees; you know our needs. We pray for the comfort of all your children, [especially …] lifting them up to you that they may gain strength in the knowledge of your promise of eternal life. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Sola Publishing – Prayers of the Church
Transfiguration of Our Lord – February 7, 2027
Sola Online Worship Resource Site - © Sola Publishing: www.solapublishing.com
(permission is granted to active subscribers to reproduce and edit this sheet for local congregational use)
Prayers of the Day
Historical Collect
O God, at the glorious transfiguration of your only Son, you confirmed the mystery of our faith by the witness of the disciples and by your own voice from the cloud. Mercifully complete our adoption as your children, and give us, with our King, an inheritance of his glory. 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. (Roman Prayer, 15th Century)
Thematic Collect 
God of majesty, through Jesus’ transfiguration you reveal him as your beloved Son. Keep us faithful in the promise that through the cross and the empty tomb we are joint heirs with Christ and will one day enjoy the fullness of your glory for eternity; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayers of the Church
For the Transfiguration of Our Savior, Jesus Christ
Almighty God and Heavenly Father, you have revealed the divine purity and nature of Jesus’ death and resurrection for your people. We pray that through your Holy Word, we may fully come to understand the breadth of your gift to us through Jesus’ transfiguration. We pray that we are a church that is faithful in seeking God’s truth, so we may lead others to you. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For Marriage and Families
Gracious God, we thank you for instituting the covenant of marriage and the blessing of families. We pray that these gifts would be cherished within our households and honored in our society. May we, as Christians, bear witness to your love that sustains us through Jesus Christ. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For Authority and Power
Merciful Lord, we pray for those who have authority over us at the local, state, and federal level. Pour out your blessings upon them as they administer laws for the betterment of our communities and our country; may they be people who seek wise and Godly counsel. Bless our armed forces, that they would also serve with honor and integrity. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For Your Blessing in Sickness and in Health
Heavenly Father, we praise your Holy name and thank you for providing all we need in sickness and in health. We pray for those who are in the healing process and for those just beginning their journey to wellness, [especially …] May your Holy Spirit guide them and sustain them both now and forever. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.