We join together in prayer. We praise God; we pray for our world, for the church, for ourselves, and we pray the Lord’s Prayer.
Gracious God, we begin by praising and exalting you. You made us, and then, despite our sin, you sent your only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in the fullness of time, to be for us our your own wisdom, our own righteousness, and our sanctification. We thank you for giving us access to you, for you are a loving Father who welcomes his children. We worship you for giving the Lord Jesus to us, to be an elder brother who protects and defends us, and shows us how to live for your glory. We honor you for your victory, because through Jesus, you have overcome all the sin, death, and hell into which our world had fallen, and you have granted to us full redemption and a rich inheritance.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Almighty Father, we pray for our world. You love everything you have made, and you have made everything with skill and declared it good. Yet we live in a world that is broken because of our sin. May the Prince of Peace bring all wars to an end. May the One who does not crush bruised reeds or snuff out smoldering wicks show tenderness to the refugee, the widow, the orphan, and all others who are vulnerable, oppressed, abused, and frightened. May the Bread of Life provide nourishment where there are those who hunger. May the Great Physician bring healing to those who suffer from disease, weak immune systems, or mental distress. May the Wonderful Counselor speak words of wisdom to those who are perplexed and those who must make difficult decisions in homes, in communities, in businesses, and in governments.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Gracious Lord Jesus, we ask you to be tender to your beloved church. She seeks to be faithful to you by bearing witness, in word and deed, among every nation. Especially in this time of global uncertainty, strengthen your church to be a light shining in a dark place; to be salt that preserves and seasons cultures, relationships, and activities that honor you; to be beautiful feet bringing good news when the news seems always grim. Mobilize every Christian believer to be courageous, humble, and wise, in order that your one church in the world might reflect your own boldness, meekness, and prudence, for your name’s sake and for the sake of the world you so love.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Holy Spirit of God, come and fill our beloved church, IPC, so that our bonds of love are not broken by our distance, but rather fastened more firmly together. Remind us by the Scriptures you have inspired that everything Jesus taught us is worth obeying joyfully. Give us creativity, energy, and perseverance, that we might press on with determination toward the purposes for which you brought us together as an international fellowship in Zurich. Through this challenge, mold and shape us for the greater fruitfulness in the next seasons of our ministry together. Fill us with your peace—each indispensable member, and the body together.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Father, Son, and Spirit, you have made each of us fearfully and wonderfully. Fashion each of us to do a unique ministry that only we are able to do. Yet make us convinced that each of us serves for your glory alone. Give us each great delight in our status as children of the living God. And give every one of us growth in your grace, as we grow up into the fullness of the stature of Jesus Christ, our Master and Friend.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Now we pray together the prayer our Lord taught us, saying:
Our Father, who art in heaven: hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.