Intercessions
2nd March 2025
As we come to our time of Intercession this morning, I am using the thread of the prayers written for the World Day of Prayer service to lead us in prayer. They were prepared with Psalm 139 at the centre.
I will close each prayer with "God who knows us, made us and is with us" and our corporate response will be "to you we pray".
Let us prepare our hearts to come before God. When we pray, we deepen our relationship with God and become more connected to all of God's creation. As we open our hearts and spirits to God, let us pray:
Magnificent God, we are in awe of you.
We give you the glory because of who you are; the creator and sustainer of the whole world. You created this beautiful world, the fertile lands, the mountains and the oceans. You created beauty in every part of the world. You formed us human beings; we are fearfully and wonderfully made in your image. All creation reveals your majestic glory.
God who knows us, made us, and is with us - to you we pray
Faithful God, thank you for taking care of us every moment of our lives. You have been with us in our fear and our anxiety, and in our depression and our frustration. You have helped us bear financial limitations and uncertainties about the future. You have been present through cyclones and tsunamis, wildfires and earthquakes.
Thank you for all who pray powerfully around the world, for the world and its peoples. Thank you for all who have passed the gift and blessing of prayer from past to present. We are truly grateful for your abundance and we cannot help but praise you for your faithfulness.
God who knows us, made us, and is with us - to you we pray
God of mercy, we come before you with humble hearts, seeking your forgiveness of our many sins - in word and deed and in thought. We have spoken unkind words, neglecting to treat others as 'wonderfully made by you'. We have polluted the oceans and destroyed the environment, failing to care for your beautiful creation. Our pride has caused harm to ourselves and others. All of this has caused us to miss out on your blessings and love.
God who knows us, made us, and is with us - to you we pray
God of wisdom, we pray for the leaders of our world. Guide their hearts and minds to have integrity as they make decisions. Inspire them and bless them with vision to move our world toward unity and peace.
We pray for all who are vulnerable in our societies. Create the conditions so that all can live with respect and dignity. Give our young people the education, aspiration, and vision to develop promising futures. Provide strength, courage and protection, to all who experience violence and exploitation.
God who knows us, made us, and is with us - to you we pray
God of healing, restore us to wellness, heal us from physical illness, and heal our emotional wounds. We pray especially for those on our prayer list, and others known to us, that need your healing at this time.
God, help our communities to unite in prayer. Help us make your love visible. Strengthen us to continue in loving and supporting all who are in need. Lead us to treat others as 'wonderfully made by you', so that all people feel they are important, cared for, and treasured.
God who knows us, made us, and is with us - to you we pray
Lord Jesus, as we begin this season of Lent, we join with your church around the world, as we seek your presence together.
As we draw near to you, draw near to us.
As we read your word, guide us and speak to us.
As we pray, fill us with faith.
When we have doubts and questions, comfort us with your closeness.
And as we work, rest, and go about our days, fill us with your everlasting love.
Merciful Father,
accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.
(Some content used with grateful thanks to the World Day of Prayer Movement and Tearfund)