My latest book

My latest book, the last in a series of three, Praying the Lectionary Prayers Of The Church Cycle C is now available from CSS Publishing Company. You can click the link below to purchase your copy. Thank you!

https://store.csspub.com/prod-0788029681.htm

My New Book: Praying The Lectionary Cycle A

Please check out my new book Praying The Lectionary: Prayers Of The Church Cycle A, available for purchase from the CSS Publishing Company. This resource is for pastors and those responsible for preparing the Prayers of the Church for Sunday Worship. The lectionary readings are also listed for each Sunday of the church year. The prayers may be used as is, or edited to meet the needs and context of the worshipping community.

PLEASE NOTE, my correct bio is as follows: Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson attended and received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and his M. Div. degree from the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Saskatchewan, Canada. He recently retired as the chaplain at Bethany Meadows in Camrose, Alberta, Canada. He enjoys hiking, bicycling, traveling, reading and amateur photography. He is married to Julianna who is also a Lutheran pastor. 

Click on the image to view further information and purchase.

Prayer of the Day/Collect & Benediction for 5th Sunday in Lent Yr B

Image by Dimlamp

Prayer of the Day/Collect: Covenant-making God: We claim your promise of forgiving our iniquity and remembering our sin no more; thanks to Jesus our high priest who opened the way for us as he was lifted up on the cross drawing all people to himself that we too may follow in his way; through the same Jesus the Messiah, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Benediction: The blessing of God, Maker of a new covenant; Jesus+ the lifted up Messiah who draws all people to himself; and the Holy Spirit lighten your way as you gain true life by bearing your cross.

Prayer of the Church, Christmas Eve/Day, Yr B

Prayer of the Church, Christmas Eve/Day, Year B

Lectionary Readings: Isa 9:2-7; 62:6-12; 52:7-10; Pss 96; 97; 98; Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7; Heb 1:1-4 [5-12]; Lk 2:1-14 [15-20]; Jn 1:1-14

P: Holy One of Israel and All Nations: On this marvellous festival day, the whole cosmos is united in an en-ending medley of hymns, prayers, praise and thanksgivings. All creation bows in adoration and worships you, O Blessed Holy Trinity! Our lives are overflowing with oceanic joy as we celebrate the birth of Jesus our Messiah! Joy to the world: C: The Lord is come!
P: God of Good News: We thank you for your Glad Tidings as it winged its way from ancient Israel to the ends of the earth. Bless all who preach, teach and hear your Word; that with the work of your Spirit, all people might see the salvation of our God. Joy to the world: C: The Lord is come!
P: Divine Ruler: We are truly grateful that, at the appointed time, the fullness of your majesty and mystery was perfectly revealed in your Son. O Christ, your realm is eternal; we, together with the angels are subjects of your benevolent reign. Rule over us always Christ King of kings and Lord of lords! Joy to the world: C: The Lord is come!
P: Eternal Word: On this holy day we celebrate your becoming flesh and dwelling among us. Shine your light into all the darkness of this world—especially where there is oppression, persecution, war and destruction. May the light you give us reflect outward into the dark places of this world. Joy to the world: C: The Lord is come!
(Additional intercessions and thanksgivings may be included here, ending with: Joy to the world: C: The Lord is come!)
P: Jesus our Healer: Remember on this holy, joyous day all people who are suffering from loneliness, depression, abuse, poverty, hunger, illnesses and injustice of all kinds—be they mental, physical or spiritual. Grant comfort and healing to them all, that they may receive the fullness of your grace and truth. Joy to the world: C: The Lord is come!
P: Grant peace on earth and good will toward all human beings; for the sake of Jesus Christ, the Prince of peace. Lead us in the ways of peace now and always Jesus our Prince of peace; in whose Holy Name we pray. ALL: Amen! Hallelujah!

Write a letter to release Yousef Nadarkhani

Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani is regarded by Amnesty International as a prisoner of conscience in Iran, and he is in danger of facing the death sentence on false charges. You can read about this and, I would encourage you to pray for Pastor Nadarkhani and his family, as well as those who are administering his case; and participate in Amnesty’s letting writing campaign to secure Pastor Nadarkhani’s release. To do so, click on this link.

Prayers 5 Easter Yr A

Prayer of the Church, 5th Sunday of Easter, Year A

P: God of saints and martyrs: Today we praise and thank you for the life and faith of Stephen. He boldly preached the Good News and, while dying a martyr’s death, he did not seek vengeance against his executioners. Rather, he prayed that their sin not be held against them. May we be inspired by Stephen’s example to forgive our enemies. Christ our risen Saviour: C: Have mercy and hear our prayer.
P: God our Refuge and Fortress: You are like a rock giving us strength and protection. Our times are in your hands; and we ask you to deliver your people from the hand of their enemies and persecutors. Shine your face upon your servants; save them in your steadfast love. Christ our risen Saviour: C: Have mercy and hear our prayer.
P: Christ our Head and Cornerstone, Chosen and Precious: We your people are like living stones, built into a spiritual house. We give you praise and thanks that, by your all-sufficient grace, you have made us a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that we may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called us out of darkness into his marvellous light. Christ our risen Saviour: C: Have mercy and hear our prayer.
P: Jesus the Way, the Truth, and the Life: We are grateful that through you we come to the Father’s house. You have given us the promise that whatever we ask in your name, you will do it. Grant us a deeper faith to trust in you and this promise; that your redeeming grace may prevail among us and throughout the world. Christ our risen Saviour: C: Have mercy and hear our prayer.
(Additional prayers may be included here, ending with: Christ our risen Saviour: C: Have mercy and hear our prayer.)
P: God of Israel and the Gentiles: We pray for all who deeply long and work for peace and justice in Israel, Palestine, and other Middle East countries, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Canada; bless and prosper their endeavours. Christ our risen Saviour: C: Have mercy and hear our prayer.
P: All of these and other prayers that serve your holy will and purposes we pray in the name of Jesus our Risen Saviour. ALL: AMEN.

4 Easter Prayers Yr A

Prayer of the Church, 4th Sunday of Easter, Year A
P: Gracious God: We praise and thank you for the faithful example of the apostles and those first generation Christians; who, day by day, devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers; who shared what they had with one another, as any had need. LORD our Shepherd: C: Our cup runs over with your mercy and love.
P: Gracious God: You are like a Good Shepherd to us. You provide for our physical, mental and spiritual hunger and thirst. You give us everything that we need to live meaningful lives. Even in our darkest days; in days of suffering, sorrow and when disease, illness and death draw near; we do not have to fear evil, for you are with us. We look forward to that day when we shall dine at your heavenly banquet feast with you. LORD our Shepherd: C: Our cup runs over with your mercy and love.
P: Gracious God: We praise and thank you for the perfect example of Jesus who committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth. When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds we have been healed. Help us to follow in his steps. LORD our Shepherd: C: Our cup runs over with your mercy and love.
P: Gracious God: We praise and thank you Jesus our Good Shepherd; you call us by name and lead us in righteous pathways; help us to listen to your voice and follow you wherever you lead us. You are our gateway that leads us into life; for you have promised us that you came to give us abundant life. LORD our Shepherd: C: Our cup runs over with your mercy and love.
(Other thanksgivings and intercessions may be added here, ending with: LORD our Shepherd: C: Our cup runs over with your mercy and love.)
P: Gracious God: As Shepherd of your Church around the world you would gather us together as one flock. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon all Christian Churches; that they may live in unity with one another to serve the needs of all people; that through the unity of your Church, your Holy Presence might draw others into your fold; that the Church might be your instrument of justice and peace in the world. LORD our Shepherd: C: Our cup runs over with your mercy and love.
P: Gracious God: We pray for the Lubicon people in northern Alberta who are suffering from an oil spill by a pipeline company on their land. Grant them justice and healing and deepen both the federal and provincial governments’ resolve to negotiate a satisfactory land settlement for the Lubicon people. We also remember all other aboriginal peoples around the globe; that they would enjoy a better quality of life and that their needs would be met. LORD our Shepherd: C: Our cup runs over with your mercy and love.
P: Into your all-sufficient hands we commend all for whom we pray; trusting in your abundant life and all-embracing grace; one God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; who lives and reigns through all ages of ages. ALL: Amen.

Prayers 2 Easter Yr A

Prayer of the Church, 2nd Sunday of Easter, Year A

P: Ancient of Days: We praise and thank you for revealing your definite plan and foreknowledge of salvation through Christ to apostles like Peter who bore witness by proclaiming the Word. God of new, resurrection life: C: Hear our prayer.
P: God our Refuge: You show us the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore. God of new, resurrection life: C: Hear our prayer.
P: Merciful God: Blessed are you for giving us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. In him our inheritance is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. God of new, resurrection life: C: Hear our prayer.
P: Risen Christ: On that first Easter evening long ago, you appeared to the disciples—giving them your peace and breathing on them the Holy Spirit. In a world full of conflict and divisions bestow your peace to all nations and breathe new, Spirit-filled life into them—especially we pray for: Sudan and Uganda and our nation, Canada; may the citizens or our land exercise their democratic right and responsibility by voting tomorrow to elect a new government. God of new, resurrection life: C: Hear our prayer.
P: Christ our Life: During the Easter season, we celebrate your victory over sin, death and the powers of evil. Yet many doubt your resurrection like Thomas of old. We confess that we too have our struggles with doubt. May you work through all who doubt to lead them into a deeper faith in you, like you did with Thomas. God of new, resurrection life: C: Hear our prayer.
(Additional thanksgivings and intercessions may be included here, ending with: God of new, resurrection life: C: Hear our prayer.)
P: Holy One: You would have us live full, healthy lives—however, many among us are languishing and suffering from sickness and disease. May your healing presence touch them in mind, body and spirit; especially, we remember those whom we name either out loud or, in the silence of our hearts: PAUSE. God of new, resurrection life: C: Hear our prayer.
P: Have mercy and hear our prayers God our Father; Christ our Risen Saviour; and Holy Spirit our Advocate; one God, who lives and reigns now and forever. ALL: Amen.

Prayer Easter Day, Year A

Prayer of the Church, Easter Day, Year A

P: God our Life-Giver: As ancient Israel thanked and praised you for delivering them from their exile and they celebrated with joy their return to the Promised Land; so today we praise and thank you as you deliver us from the exile of sin, evil and death into our Promised Land of forgiveness and new, resurrection life. With joyful Hallelujahs we worship you LORD of Life: C: Hear our prayer.
P: God our Victor: We give you thanks, for you are good; your steadfast love endures forever! There are glad songs of victory in the tents of the righteous. The LORD is our strength and our might; he has become our salvation. We shall not die, but we shall live, and recount the deeds of the LORD. With joyful Hallelujahs we worship you LORD of Life: C: Hear our prayer.
P: Christ our Risen Saviour: We are most grateful that through our baptism; we have been raised with you to new life. Bestow your grace upon us; that we may set our minds on things that are above as we look into the future with the hope of eternal life. With joyful Hallelujahs we worship you LORD of Life: C: Hear our prayer.
P: Christ our Resurrection and Life: We praise and thank you that the powers of sin, evil and death could not defeat you. Your crucified, tomb-imprisoned body was transformed into a resurrected one; bursting forth from the tomb. Your resurrection presence had the power to banish the fears of the women as you met and commanded them to be the first messengers of New Life in you. May you banish our fears too—that we, like the women, might be your joyful messengers of the resurrection. With joyful Hallelujahs we worship you LORD of Life: C: Hear our prayer.
(Other prayers may be added here, ending with: With joyful Hallelujahs we worship you LORD of Life: C: Hear our prayer.)
P: LORD of the Nations: Amidst the clamour of war, the tyranny of greed, the abuse of power, the oppression of the weak and poor; pour out wisdom and knowledge, compassion and mercy, and a deep commitment to justice and peace among all leaders of nations. As the Risen LORD, may you transform the hostile powers of death into new, resurrection life around the world and within your Church. With joyful Hallelujahs we worship you LORD of Life: C: Hear our prayer.
P: Father of Mercy; Christ our Risen Messiah; and Life-breathing Spirit; One God: We worship you and offer these our prayers with joyful celebration and expectation, as we pray: ALL: Our Father….Amen.

Prayers Good Friday, Yr A

Prayer of the Church, Good Friday, Year A

P: Blessed are you, LORD God of all creation: Today we remember Jesus whom you sent to be our Suffering Servant. In his Passion, he was marred beyond human semblance. He was despised and rejected by others; a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; he has borne our infirmities and carried our diseases; yet we accounted him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. Yet as the Suffering Servant for the whole human race, he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed. His sacrifice on the cross has atoned for the sins of the world. Today we stumble on our words—for they fall far short of comprehending the enormity of our Crucified God’s suffering; and the extent of his saving work accomplished on that first Good Friday, long ago. Jesus, may we always remember your love for us on the cross: C: Have mercy, and hear our prayer.
P: Blessed are you, LORD God of all creation: Long ago the psalmist cried out in an agonizing prayer: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” On the cross, Jesus in his suffering also cried out those same words; expressing his excruciating pain of mind, body, soul and spirit. Yet, in his aloneness, and feeling abandoned; it was to you he spoke those words. In our times of suffering; of feeling alone and abandoned; may we always remember that you are with us Jesus. Today we especially remember those in our midst and around the world who are left alone and abandoned—give them the assurance that you are with them Jesus; and deliver them from their forsakenness. Jesus, may we always remember your love for us on the cross: C: Have mercy, and hear our prayer.
P: Blessed are you, LORD God of all creation: Today we praise and thank you for making a covenant with us through the suffering and death; the sacrificial body and shed blood of Jesus. He has forgiven our sins and opened the curtain to give us access to the sanctuary of your Holy Presence. In response to his abundant love for us; may we consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds as we meet together to worship and serve you and our neighbours. Jesus, may we always remember your love for us on the cross: C: Have mercy, and hear our prayer.
P: Blessed are you, LORD God of all creation: We are all participants in the Passion of your Son; we along with Judas, the soldiers, police and political and religious leaders betray you and arrest you. We, like Peter deny you. We, like Pilate place you on trial, judge and sentence you to death; when, in truth, you are our Judge. We, like the soldiers and the crowds mock and taunt you and yell “Crucify him!” Forgive us in our sinful exploitation and oppression of the world’s poorest, weakest, and most forgotten of peoples—for you are present in them and their suffering. Jesus, may we always remember your love for us on the cross: C: Have mercy, and hear our prayer.
(Other thanksgivings and intercessions may be offered here, ending with: Jesus, may we always remember your love for us on the cross: C: Have mercy, and hear our prayer.)
P: Blessed are you, LORD God of all creation: Have mercy and hear our prayers that we pray in the name of Jesus our Suffering Servant. ALL: Amen.