Collects and Prayers - May 16, 2010 - Ascension Sunday

Greeting
Leader: The Lord goes up with a shout;
People: with cries of joy, heaven opens the gates!
Leader: The one who humbled himself to redeem mankind
People: now returns to the throne above.
Leader: Turn your gaze toward the skies!
People:. Watch and wait, for the King will come again!

Collect
Everliving God,
your eternal Christ once dwelt on earth,
confined by time and space.
Give us faith to discern in every time and place
the presence among us of Him who is King over all the earth,
that we may also in heart and mind
ascend to where he is,
and dwell with him forever;
We pray through Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God now and forever.
Amen.

Prayers of the People
Let us offer prayers to God through Jesus Christ, who was taken up to heaven and intercedes for us at the right hand of God.

For all who seek to discern the will of God - in their career, in their family life, in facing moral dilemmas and daily choices - may God's voice be heard above the chaos, and may God's will be done. Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

For our bishop, Al Gwinn, our pastor, Greg Moore, and all church leaders who minister in the name of Christ and carry out his royal priesthood on earth, may they be faithful shepherds, helping their flock to discern God's will. Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

For those members of our church community who are not with us this morning, may Christ dwell with them wherever they are. We pray that they and we may be strengthened by His presence at all times and in all places. Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

For all who feel abandoned - the orphaned, the lost, the alien - may they be comforted as Christ comforted his apostles - with Christ's everlasting presence through the Spirit. Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

For the sick, the suffering, and the dying - may they know the promise of the eternal kingdom, when Christ will return and reign forever. Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, who exalted Christ into glory and granted all believers to share in his royal priesthood. Hear our prayers for all your creation and welcome us to the table of your eternal banquet; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.