For the Church (from the Lutheran Book of Prayer)

O God, because You elected from eternity to save us from destroying ourselves,
We praise You
that You gave promise of salvation to Adam and his seed;
that You saved Noah and his family in the ark of faith;
that You protected and saved ancient Israel as Your people.
We give thanks that You saved mankind by the death and resurrection of our Lord, the Christ;
that You extended Your kingdom to many tribes and nations;
that You have preserved Your Word in the Holy Scriptures.
We pray You,
rule in our hearts by faith;
promote unity among us by love;
seal in us the hope of the Resurrection.
Finish Your work among us through Your Word and sacraments, for Jesus' sake.
Amen.