Intercessions
29th June 2024
Heavenly Father, we stand before you knowing the power of collective prayer, ready to bring our concerns to you. But first we thank you and praise you for all the blessings you bring to us, individually, and as a Congregation and as a wider Community. This week we continue to witness the stupidity and the failings of man, as the around the world the wars ebb and flow and leave the front pages. We have seen how with generosity and grace people can work together at great risk to themselves to help the innocent and the strangers caught up in these conflicts. Father we pray today for those affected by circumstances outside their control, for those who lost their homes, their property, for those who lost their businesses and their livelihood, or whatever hardships they are experiencing.
Lord in Your mercy
Hear our prayer
Father, we thank you for our Church. We thank you for our Church family. We thank you that with the deftness of touches you have crafted a random bunch of individuals into a group with one goal – to act as your hands, your eyes, your feet, your voice to bring the wonderful, good news of your Son to the people around us. Help to behave as you have taught us, help to spread the message as you have taught us, help us to show love, compassion, understanding and joy as you have taught us. Let us give thanks in the work that is done to build the body of Christ in this place. And we pray especially for all who offer prayer and comfort when needed. We thank you for our Shepherds both past and present, both ordained and lay as they lead us gently towards the light. We thank you for Steve and Veronica as they teach and guide us and we pray for the leaders of the worldwide Church, that they may have wisdom, foresight and model the character and behaviour of Jesus here on earth to all. Today we have special prayers for the Anglican Church in Hong Kong.
Lord in Your mercy
Hear our prayer
Father, we pray for our broken world. And in this year of many elections, we pray that you will raise up strong and wise leadership in all corners of the earth. We pray for peace and justice. We pray for all people who are in trouble and in fear today: For those who are sad because it is another day of memories of the death of a loved one. For those who are anxious because someone is ill or in pain. For those who are lonely because someone they love is not there with them. We pray for those experiencing mental illness and for those caring for them. Bring them your peace, Lord. Bless those who struggle to earn enough to feed their children. Those who have experienced unkind words or actions from the stress of living in this world. Lord, surround those in need with your wisdom, your spirit, your healing and life-giving restoration.
Lord in Your mercy
Hear our prayer
Father, we confess that we have not always followed your words. There have been moments when we chose other options…When we chose to join in the gossip. When we chose to take sides. When we spoke a harsh word of judgement, often regretting what was said but unable to take it back. When we allowed pride to get the better of us. When we have behaved as a selfish individual and not taken note of how our actions harm and upset others. Though have received your forgiveness today, Lord, the memory continues to linger. We thank you that you do not treat us as our sins deserve, and that your love allows a renewed relationship. As we leave this church today, may others see a difference in us. As you forgive us, may we surprise others with our own gift of forgiveness.
Lord in Your mercy
Hear our prayer
Father, we pray for all those named on our Prayer List today and all those on our hearts that we now name silently. You know their needs, Lord. We raise them up to you and ask that you walk beside them, hand in hand and lead them to where you want them to be. We know that for some the pain was just too much to bear and that you called them home where they know peace and the pain will be no more. Father, we ask that you comfort those left behind grieving their loss. In a moment of silence let us remember those we have loved who are together with you –
Lord in Your mercy
Hear our prayer
Father, we know that your name is powerful and your power is great, we raise before you these petitions in the name of your son. Our saviour Jesus Christ
Merciful Father,
accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.