Collects and Prayers - August 23

Greeting
Leader: We, the body of Christ, gather with one mind in God's house this day;
Congregation: How lovely is his dwelling place!
Leader: Let us meditate on Christ's majesty and splendor both day and night
Congregation: And tell of his wisdom to all peoples.
Leader: Lord, happy are those who trust in you.
Congregation: Teach us to know your power.

Collect
Lay Liturgist: The Lord be with you.
Congregation: And also with you.
Lay Liturgist: Let us pray.

Immortal, Invisible, All-powerful God, you sent your son to the world so that we might know the saving power of the risen Christ. Teach us to walk closer to him so that we might be transformed and renewed; for the sake of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Prayers of the People
Lay Liturgist: You may be seated.
Lay Liturgist: The Lord be with you.
Congregation: And also with you.

Now let us bring our petitions to God. Please respond to each petition with "Lord, hear our prayer."

We pray for leaders of nations and all those entrusted with decision-making. Grant them the knowledge to use their positions of earthly power as vehicles for the common good. Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for those who suffer. May they find comfort in the knowledge that Christ shares their pain and that he will ease their burdens. Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for church leaders everywhere, especially for our North Carolina Conference Bishop, and for our pastor. Let them faithfully follow in the footsteps of Christ as good shepherds. Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for the unchurched, especially the unchurched families and individuals of Brier Creek. Grant them the knowledge that Christ can offer them treasures of untold wealth. Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for students everywhere, especially those at our area universities who struggle to find a place for God in their lives. Help them to hear your call. Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for the All Saints' Sunday School teachers and participants in the next New Member class beginning in a few weeks. Grant them the power to touch lives and transform hearts and the openness to be touched and transformed. Lord, hear our prayer.

We ask these things in the name of Jesus, who knows all and is all, who lives and reigns in our minds and hearts now and forever. Amen.