Prayers: 19 July 2026

6th Sunday in Ordinary Time/Te Rātapu Tekau mā whā o He Wā Noa
Taken from/inspired by Genesis 28:10-15a; Psalm 139:1-11,23-24; Romans 8:12-25; Matthew 13:24-30,36-43, and the ANZPB.

Bidding: Search [us], God, and know [our hearts];
Response:  …and lead [us] in the way everlasting.
[based on Psalm 139:23,24b]

Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it.  For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.
[from Romans 8:12-13]

Let us pray.

…while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.
[Matthew 13:29-30]

Lord Jesus, grant our communities as wisdom and discernment; 
may we wait patiently for you.
[silence]

Bidding: Search us, God, and know our hearts;
Response:  …and lead us in the way everlasting. 

Before a word is on my tongue
‍ ‍you, Lord, know it completely.
 You hem me in behind and before,
    and you lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
    too lofty for me to attain.
[Psalm 139:4-6]

Imbue Your church with reverence and wisdom, Lord.
[silence]

Bidding: Search us, God, and know our hearts;
Response:  …and lead us in the way everlasting. 

 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.  Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
[from Romans 8:22-25]

We pray for the renewal of the world;
Grant us faith and hope
as we anticipate the fulfillment of your promises.
[silence]

Bidding: Search us, God, and know our hearts;
Response:  …and lead us in the way everlasting. 

God of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things, graft in our hearts the love of your name, increase in us true religion, nourish in us all goodness, and of your great mercy keep us in the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.