Three-Year Lectionary

Introit

Psalm 147:1, 5, 11–12 (read in NIV on Bible Gateway, opens in a new tab)

Antiphon

John 1:14 (read in NIV on Bible Gateway, opens in a new tab)

Gradual (seasonal)

Isaiah 9:6 (read in NIV on Bible Gateway, opens in a new tab); Psalm 98:1a (read in NIV on Bible Gateway, opens in a new tab)

Verse

Luke 2:40 (read in NIV on Bible Gateway, opens in a new tab)

Source: LCMS Three-Year Series (B) Propers Chart (opens in a new tab). Citations only; no liturgical or Scripture text is reproduced.

Prayers of the Church for January 3, 2021 — Responsive Form

Let us pray for the whole Church of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs.

Heavenly Father, we give You thanks that Your Son, the eternal Word, became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth. Extend His praise into all the world, that many more with us would come to hope in His steadfast love. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, Your Son diligently heard the Word of God and grew in wisdom and stature, submissive to His earthly parents and always about Your business and in Your house. Keep the families of Your Church abiding in Your Word, eager to be found among Your Word and Sacraments and always treasuring Your divine wisdom and favor. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, You have blessed us in Christ, Your beloved Son, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. Preserve Your Church by the preaching of the Gospel of salvation and the seal of the promised Holy Spirit in Baptism. Raise up among us faithful preachers to the praise of Christ’s glory, until we acquire the inheritance promised us in Him. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, You gave to Your servant Solomon unsurpassed wisdom to rule Your people Israel, chiefly the wisdom that begins in fearing You. Give to the leaders and elected officials of our nation wisdom for their task to discern between good and evil and to govern this people in peace and quietness. Be gracious to preserve our president and president-elect, our governor, and all legislators and judges. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, give patience and endurance to all who are sick or in any need, [especially _____________,] and heal them according to Your will. Receive our thanksgiving for every blessing and kindness You have shown to Your people [especially _____________]. Give comfort and hope to all who mourn [especially _____________]. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, Your Son has won redemption through His blood, granting the forgiveness of our trespasses. So now according to the riches of Your grace, receive those who come to Your blessed Sacrament this day. Grant worthy repentance and confident faith to all who commune, united in a sincere confession of the faith. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

All these things and whatever else You know that we need, grant us, Father, for the sake of Him who died and rose again and now lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God forever. Amen.

Source: LCMS Worship, Prayers of the Church — Series B 2020–2021 (opens in a new tab). Prepared by LCMS Worship for congregational use. Used by permission. © The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.