Intercessions
19th January 2025
Heavenly Father as we meet this morning to praise and worship your Holy name, we set aside this time now, to bring before you our prayers of intercession and our thanksgiving; not just for ourselves but for all people, 'praying we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness', as the Apostle Paul instructed in 1 Timothy 2. Make us a house of prayer for all people, all nations.
Let us pray
Creator God, thank you for the wonderful gift of this beautiful, multicultural world in all its diversity and wonder. We are especially blessed to be living here in Portugal which offers us peace and safety and some of the most wonderful scenery on earth. Open our eyes Lord, to see you in creation, and to enjoy it as a gift to be cared for and nurtured. As so much of the natural world is being destroyed, give us hearts to do all we can to preserve what you have created, and to support those who are tirelessly working to conserve, restore, and educate, so that future generations will be able to enjoy the gift too.
Lord in Your mercy
Hear our prayer
Heavenly Father. bless your church as we gather today all around the world. Strengthen the body of Christ to reflect your love, unity and truth, especially those who suffer daily for their faith, yet never stop loving you and trusting you. Unite us as one body in your son Jesus Christ, despite our differences; loving and serving one another with humility and grace; praying and caring for each other. In the Anglican Cycle of prayer, we pray for The Church in the Province of the West Indies. We pray for each of the 13 island countries and their 19 dependents, that you would bless the work of the church in bringing unity and support to the local communities.
Lord in Your mercy
Hear our prayer
We pray for this your church of Christ The King; for the whole church family, and our visitors who bless us by worshipping here when they can. Please bless those who serve in ministry, on Sundays and throughout the week. Strengthen them as they give of their time and energy to build your kingdom in this place. We pray for our Rector Steve and for his family, thanking you for his spiritual guidance and his pastoral care over us. Give him your wisdom to lead us where you want us to be at work for your kingdom. Give us the willingness to join him there, and Father we pray for your provision in all things to grow your kingdom in this place.
Lord in Your mercy
Hear our prayer
Prince of Peace, we intercede for the nations of the world; asking you to bring peace, justice, and healing where there is unrest. Guide government leaders with wisdom and integrity. Help them to govern justly and seek the welfare of all people. This world knows much suffering through conflict and famine, sickness and natural disaster. We think of the devastation wildfires have caused in Los Angeles, praying for its people who have lost so much, its emergency services who must be exhausted, and for the crisis to end soon. We especially think today, of the possibility of peace between Israel and Palestine, the hope of a ceasefire, respite in the suffering of so many people. Prince of Peace, we turn to you because you can change the hardest of hearts, you can bring the hope of peace where there seems no hope.
Lord in Your mercy
Hear our prayer
Healing God, we ask you to bring healing and comfort to those we know who are sick, grieving, or hurting in some other way. Let them feel Your presence and peace. Your Word says, “He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3). Thank you for this promise. Thank You for being our healer. In a moment of silent prayer, we lift them to you. Lord will you be their peace, and may they know what it is to rest in your presence.
Lord in Your mercy
Hear our prayer
Thank you, Father, for loving us with all your heart. Inspire us to love you with more of ours. Thank you, Jesus, for your faithful and sacrificial friendship. Help us this week to be a faithful and sacrificial friend like you. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for listening to our many thoughts and words. Still our souls this week to listen much more carefully to yours. (Lectio 365)
Merciful Father,
accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.