Prayers for Our Church - April 23, 2026

Today's Reading from 1 Peter 2:9-12

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, in order that you may proclaim the excellence of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Beloved, I urge you as aliens and exiles to abstain from the desires of the flesh that wage war against the soul. Conduct yourselves honorably among the gentiles, so that, though they malign you as evildoers, they may see your honorable deeds and glorify God when he comes to judge.

— 1 Peter 2:9-12 (NRSVUE)

Gracious God, as this day draws to a close, we rest in the remarkable truth that you have called us out of darkness into your marvelous light — not because of our merit, but by your mercy alone.

Remind us this week that we are your people, a royal priesthood set apart to proclaim your goodness to those around us.

Give us courage to conduct ourselves honorably in all we do, that others may see your grace at work in our lives. As we lay down our burdens this evening, fill us with the peace that surpasses understanding, and renew us for the days ahead. Amen.

Prayers for Our Church This Week

We lift the following to God in prayer:

Thursday, April 23

• Prayers for the Church, 6:00 PM — Lord, be present in this time of prayer; may our intercessions rise to you, and may all who gather be drawn into deeper communion with you and with one another.

Sunday, April 26

• Sunday School, 8:45 AM — Send your Spirit to open our hearts and minds to your Word; may young and old alike grow in faith and knowledge of you.
• Worship, 10:00 AM — Draw us close to you as we gather to hear your Word proclaimed; may your Spirit move among us, and may all who enter find grace, renewal, and peace.
• Fellowship, 11:00 AM — Thank and bless those who prepare and serve the potluck meal; may our time together deepen our bonds as a community of faith.

In Christ's peace,
Triumphant Cross Lutheran Church
Dothan, Alabama