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Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins, detail / Schadow, Friedrich Wilhelm von, 1789-1862 / 1838-1842 (Click the picture for more information)
Reproduced from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers copyright © 2002 Consultation on Common Texts admin. Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission. A complete edition of the prayers is available though Augsburg Fortress [link].
  • Thematic
  • O Holy God of Israel,
    you faithfully keep the promises
    you made to our ancestors
    and lead your people into the future,
    providing hospitality on the way.
    Help us who inherit the pilgrim life
    to journey faithfully at your command,
    that we may be a band of disciples
    called to be sojourners in your service. Amen.

    OR

    God of captives and pilgrims,
    you brought your people home from despair
    and gave them a land of freedom and plenty.
    Look in mercy on us your servants,
    deliver us from the prison of selfishness and sin,
    and bring us home to justice, sharing, and compassion,
    the realm you promised all the world
    in Jesus Christ the Savior. Amen.
  • Intercessory
  • God of life, we praise you for your abiding presence
    from generation to generation,
    blessing your people,
    strengthening us to lives of service,
    empowering us to witness.
    Hear the prayers we offer on behalf of your creation.

    Prayers of the People, concluding with:

    Grant that as we serve you now on earth,
    so we may one day rejoice with all the saints
    in your kingdom of light and peace,
    through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
  • Scripture (Series 1, Semicontinuous)
  • You let us choose, O God,
    between you and the false gods of this world.
    In the midst of the night of sin and death,
    wake us from our slumber
    and call us forth to greet Christ,
    so that with eyes and hearts fixed on him,
    we may follow to eternal light. Amen.
  • Scripture (Series 2, Complementary)
  • Ever-living God,
    you inscribe our names in your book of life
    so that we may share in the firstfruits of salvation.
    Grant that we may acknowledge Christ as our redeemer
    and, trusting in him,
    be confident that none of your own will be lost or forgotten.
    We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen.