Prayers - 25 October 2026

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time/Te Rātapu Toru Tekau o He Wā Noa
Taken from/inspired by Deuteronomy 34:1-12; Psalm 90:1-6,13-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8; Matthew 22:34-46, and the ANZPB.

Bidding: ...establish the work of our hands for us—
    Response: establish the work of our hands.
[from Psalm 90:17b]

Lord, you have been our dwelling place
    throughout all generations.
 Before the mountains were born
    or you brought forth the whole world,
    from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
[Psalm 90:1-2]

Let us pray.
Jesus [said]: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
[from Matthew 22:37-40]

Gracious Lord,
May our communities embody your law of love;
thank you for your grace and mercy.

[silence]

Bidding: ...establish the work of our hands for us—
     Response: establish the work of our hands.

…we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.
[ 1 Thessalonians 2:4]

We pray for the church.
Test our hearts;
make us worthy custodians of your message.

[silence]

Bidding: ...establish the work of our hands for us—
     Response: establish the work of our hands.

With all creation, we pray:
Relent, Lord! How long will it be?
    Have compassion on your servants.
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
    that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
    for as many years as we have seen trouble.
 May your deeds be shown to your servants,
    your splendor to their children.
[Psalm 90:13-16]

[silence]

Bidding: ...establish the work of our hands for us—
     Response: establish the work of our hands.

Almighty God, you teach us in your word that love is the fulfilment of the law: grant that we may love you with all our heart and our neighbour as ourselves; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.