Intercessions
18th January 2026
Today begins the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity- The theme this year is from Ephesians 4 v 4. "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling"
Everlasting God, as we mark the start of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, help us to be an expression of the theme ‘one body and one Spirit,’ working to bridge divisions and sharing hope across all peoples and cultures. We pray for church leaders everywhere that they will work together and try to promote unity among all Christians.
Lord in Your mercy
Hear our prayer
Almighty God, we pray for Christians throughout the world, and particularly for those who are persecuted because of their faith in you. We ask for your protection for them, and strength and guidance for all individuals and organisations that seek to help them. Strengthen your church that we will be united in prayer and in practical help and support for one another. We pray for courage, wisdom and guidance to stand up for our faith when it is challenged.
Almighty God we ask for your guidance here at Christ The King to show us the part that we can play as we seek to do your will and serve people in need in this community. We thank you for our leadership in Rev Steve and Rev Mike and all our Lay Leaders. Build your church here and equip us to be bold in our outreach and witness.
Lord in Your mercy
Hear our prayer
Creator God, we pray for people of every race, and in every kind of need; make Your ways known on earth; Your saving power among all nations. We pray for all nations and organisations that are striving to find peaceful solutions to the wars and conflicts that are taking place in many parts of the world. In a moment of silence, we pray for any country that you place on our hearts now. (Pause) We pray for the suffering in Mozambique and east South Africa, where flooding rivers have washed away homes and are causing terrible trauma. Lord, have mercy as rescue services and aid agencies try to meet the most urgent needs.
Creator God, thank you for the beauty we find all around us here in the Algarve. Whilst we enjoy the glory of your creation, please also help us to be mindful of the need to look after all you created and entrusted us with; to be good custodians, and protectors of the environment.
Lord in Your mercy
Hear our prayer
Father God, we pray for everyone whose lives are affected by hunger, either far away or in our local community. We give thanks for the generosity of people who give to charities and food banks that seek to help all who struggle in this way. We give thanks for the wonderful people who give of their time and resources to support the most needy and vulnerable people of this world.
Lord in Your mercy
Hear our prayer
Loving God, we pray for all who are suffering in body, mind or spirit. We pray their pain will be eased through your healing grace and give them the strength to endure their problems. Comfort them with your presence and help them to hold on to the knowledge that your Son Jesus Christ understands the pain of human suffering. In a moment of silence, we pray in the quiet of our hearts, for anybody we know who needs Your healing power today. (Pause)
Lord in Your mercy
Hear our prayer
Merciful God, we pray for all whose hearts have been saddened by the death of someone close to them. We know that your love reaches beyond the grave. May they rest in your eternal peace. We think especially of the passing on Thursday of Kevin, and we give thanks for his life, for his love of your church, and his service with Cynthia to this church during his time in the Algarve.
Lord in Your mercy
Hear our prayer
Faithful God, we pray for ourselves as we go from this church today to start the week ahead. We ask that in all we do, we will walk more closely with you at our side, safe in the knowledge that your fatherly love and care has no limits.
Merciful Father,
accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.