Collects and Prayers - May 15, 2011 - 4th Sunday of Easter

Collect
Almighty God, whose love and faithfulness is limitless: Grant us your saints the ability to hear the familiar and calming voice of your son Jesus, the Good Shepherd. Let us share in this abundant sacred life, and with the Holy Spirit, draw more people into the fold, to honor You, through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Prayers of the People
Lord, through the life, death and resurrection of your Son Jesus, You have shown us your dedication to your flock. Help us to continue to honor you and the Holy Spirit as we pray for the world and your individual saints.

When we hear the petition, “Loving God,” let us respond, “Grant our prayer.”

Almighty Father, during this Easter season, let us spread the Good News of abundant life through the gift of salvation. As your apostles built the church, let All Saints continue to build your church, physically and spiritually, always to honor You, Your message and Your Son.
Loving God, grant our prayer.

Remind us Lord, that we are sheep in need of a shepherd. Through fellowship and worship as a community, we can, and do, encounter you as the Living God in our midst. Grant us opportunities to step out of our routines, and into radical and living witnesses of your abundant grace.
Loving God, grant our prayer.

Help us to discern false shepherds. Protect us from thieves and robbers who do not enter our lives in a way that is sanctified by you. With Your loving arms, embrace us all, especially those who struggle with personal crises of unemployment, illness and abandonment.
Loving God, grant our prayer.

We pray for Pastor Greg and for all other pastors who are leading Christian faith communities throughout the world. Through the Holy Spirit, continue to sanctify their words and actions, and draw all of their congregations closer to you.
Loving God, grant our prayer.

O God, you know us, your faithful servants, so personally. We ask you to hear our prayers and let your will be done for each of these petitions. And, along with the Holy Spirit, Lord, please open our hearts and hands to the needs of others, in Jesus’ name, Amen.