Prayer Chain & Prayer Requests

Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints. - Ephesians 6:18

The people of Good Shepherd take Paul's advice to "pray without ceasing" very seriously, and so we maintain a prayer chain of dedicated parishioners who will pray for concerns we hear about, and then pass those concerns on to the next person in the chain. New members for the chain are always welcome, so please contact the church office if you are interested in participating in this valuable ministry.

If you would like us to pray for you, for someone close to you, or for any other concern, please let us know. We can include your request in our weekly prayer list, or pray for you privately. To submit a prayer request, please telephone the church at 815-369-5552 or e-mail us at goodshepherdlena@outlook.com.

A Prayer for Those We Love *

Almighty God,
we entrust all who are dear to us
to your never-failing care and love,
for this life and the life to come,
knowing that you are doing for them
better things than we can desire or pray for;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

A Franciscan Prayer

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is discord, union;
where there is error, truth;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.

Our Lord's Prayer

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours now and for ever.
Amen.

Prayers from Luther's Small Catechism

Morning Prayer

I give thanks to you, heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ your dear Son, that you have protected me through the night from all harm and danger. I ask that you would also protect me today from sin and all evil, so that my life and actions may please you. Into your hands I commend myself: my body, my soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel be with me, so that the wicked foe may have no power over me. Amen.

Evening Prayer

I give thanks to you, heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ your dear Son, that you have graciously protected me today. I ask you to forgive me all my sins, where I have done wrong, and graciously to protect me tonight. Into your hands I commend myself: my body, my soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel be with me, so that the wicked foe may have no power over me. Amen.

Table Blessing

Lord God, heavenly Father, bless us and these your gifts, which we receive from your bountiful goodness, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayers for Specific Needs

For Joy in God's Creation *

O heavenly Father, who has filled the world with beauty: Open our eyes to behold your gracious hand in all your works; that, rejoicing in your whole creation, we may learn to serve you with gladness; for the sake of him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Human Family *

O God, you made us in your image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Unemployed *

Heavenly Father, we remember before you those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of work. Guide the people of this land so to use our public and private wealth that all may find suitable and fulfilling employment, and receive just payment for their labour; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Poor and the Neglected *

Almighty and most merciful God, we remember before you all poor and neglected persons whom it would be easy for us to forget: the homeless and the destitute, the old and the sick, and all who have none to care for them. Help us to heal those who are broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow into joy. Grant this, Father, for the love of your Son, who for our sake become poor, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Strength and Confidence in Illness *

Heavenly Father, giver of life and health: Comfort and relieve those who are ill (especially those we name now in our hearts), and give your power of healing to those who minister to their needs, that they may be strengthened in their weakness and have confidence in your loving care; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

In Times of Trouble or Bereavement *

O merciful Father, you have taught us in your holy Word that you do not willingly afflict or grieve your children: Look with pity upon our sorrows. Remember us, O Lord, in mercy, nourish our souls with patience, comfort us with a sense of your goodness, lift up your countenance upon us, and give us peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Guidance *

O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgement, and light rises up in darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what you would have us do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices, and that in your light we may see light, and in your straight path may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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* Prayers adapted from the American Episcopal Book of Common Prayer, 1979