Do you flinch when you read “The Prayer of the Day” prayers in the LBW? Many are semi-Pelagian, that is, they imply that although God initiates salvation, believers must add their own good works. Below are prayers which give all the glory to God. Feel free to use them. And keep in mind that you do not need to have a different “Prayer of the Day” every Sunday. In fact, it can be useful to use a single prayer for several Sundays in a row.
Advent
Lord Jesus Christ, who at your first coming sent your messenger to prepare the way before you, grant that preachers of your Word today may likewise so prepare and make ready your way, that now, and at your second coming, we will be found clothed in your perfect holiness, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end, Amen.
Christmas
Holy One, Lord of all, with the angels we rejoice and sing Joy to the World, for you have come to live among us, first as a babe in a manger, and then on the cross, to save us from sin and death. For this we lift our hearts and sing, Glory to God in the highest, Amen.
Epiphany
Eternal Father, you have placed us in a world of space and time, and through the events of our lives you bless us with your love. Grant that in this New Year we may live in the light of the event, which gives us joy forever – the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Lord, out of chaos you bring order. Into darkness you bring light. Through your Son you bring life out of death. In this season of the coming of the light, we lift our hearts in praise of your glory. We stand in awe at the beauty of your holiness. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Lent
Heavenly Father, the battle between good and evil rages within and around us, and our ancient foe tempts us with his deceit and empty promises. Keep us firmly in your Word and, because we fall every day, raise us again and restore us, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever, Amen.
Lord Jesus, we gather at the foot of your cross. Open our minds and hearts to hear your Word. Set us free from sin and death, so that we may live in the glorious freedom of the children of God. We pray in your name, Amen.
Lord, we look ahead to Good Friday and Easter.
We thank you for what you have done for us in your death and resurrection.
We thank you for what you are doing for us now.
We praise you for what you will do for us in the life to come.
In this mixed up world of ours, help us to keep this focus as we face the daily grind, and the troubles that come at us. Forgive us and keep us. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Maundy Thursday
Lord Jesus, we gather to remember your last Supper, and to share in your living Supper, which is but a foretaste of the Feast to come. You have snatched us from the Evil One, and made us heirs of your kingdom of everlasting righteousness and peace. For this we give you thanks and praise in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Easter
We lift our hearts in thanks and praise, Lord, for what you have done this day through your cross and resurrection. We ask you to continue to be with us as our Risen Lord. Guard and keep us as we live by faith and freedom, knowing that whatever comes, we can move forward in confidence, because of your victory over sin and death, Amen.
Father and Lord, we celebrate your victory over sin, death, and the Devil, made clear to us by your rising from the dead to newness of life. We praise you for newness all around us – in the fresh sights and sounds of spring and for the absolute newness of your kingdom to come. We give thanks that through your unconditional love, we continue to receive forgiveness and new hope every day. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Pentecost
All powerful Father, who on this day sent your Spirit to bear witness to your Son, send your Spirit throughout the world by the preaching of the Gospel, that all may hear of the truth and grace which comes through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the same Spirit, one God, now and forever, Amen.
All powerful Father and Lord, send your Spirit throughout the world by the preaching of the Gospel, that all may hear of the truth and grace which comes through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the same Spirit, one God, now and forever, Amen.
Almighty God, your only Son was taken up into heaven, and now his Spirit opens the eyes of our hearts with the hope you have promised us, through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever, Amen.
Lord Jesus, while we were yet sinners, you died for us. You take our sin on yourself and in exchange you cover us with your perfect holiness. By your cross we are saved from the wrath of God. By your death we are saved for life everlasting. We rejoice in your victory and your promises – world without end, Amen.
Lord, you sent forth your Word, and it did not return empty, but accomplished your purpose in Christ crucified. The Word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is your power and purpose. We thank you for rescuing us from sin and death. We praise you for the promise of a new creation and glorious freedom to come. All glory be to you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen.
Almighty Father, your Word is power. By your Word you make life out of death; you create everything out of nothing. Most astonishing of all, you justify us, the ungodly. We praise you for what you do. We thank you for your Word, which gives life. In the brokenness of our lives, keep us in your Word. Keep us in you. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Lord, we are blind; you give us sight. We are lost; you carry us home. We cannot pay our debt; you have paid it. You are the Lamb of God who takes away our sin. You are the Shepherd and Guardian who leads us in paths of righteousness. We praise and thank you for your goodness and mercy. May we dwell in your house forever, Amen.