St Mary's Church, Mudford
Intercessions
Prayers of Intercession written by a member of our Benefice
2nd Sunday of Epiphany, Sunday 19th January 2025
Almighty God, who alone can bring order to the unruly wills and passions of sinful humanity: give your people grace so to love what you command and to desire what you promise, that, among the many changes of this world, our hearts may surely be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
Amen.
On this Sunday we have come before you Lord to offer our praise and adoration. You are God the creator, giving us all things to enjoy.
You are Christ the Saviour of the world, made flesh to set us free. You are the Spirit of truth and love, willing to dwell in us. You are holy and blessed.
One God, eternal Trinity, be near to us, the people formed in your image and close to the world that your love brings to life.
Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer.
Lord, we pray for your church throughout the world, for those that are thriving and for those which have lost a sense of direction. We give thanks for our benefice and its people, and gladly acknowledge all the gifts you have given us through its life. You have chosen men and women to serve you in the ministry of your church and given them a perfect example in the person of your Son.
We ask you to open wide our hearts that we may welcome the stranger and share our faith with others.
Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer.
We remember all who bear the responsibility of leadership, for heads of state, ambassadors, political advisers and military commanders. We especially think today of the leaders and diplomats involved with the creation of peace between Israel and Palestine. May they act with the ambition of God, and not the ambitions of man.
Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer.
Lord, we pray for peace in the world, in our communities and our families. Create in us a love for peace, not peace that is absent from struggle, nor peace that is blind to injustice but peace that makes whole what now is broken.
Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer.
We remember this morning those who are sick, sad or lonely and those who are brave and patient when things are going wrong.
We pray that they may be aware of your comforting presence and know that in your hands they are safe and loved.
Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer.
Grant us, O Lord, a resurrection faith - a faith that is radiant in the knowledge of your victory over sin and death - a faith that is confident in your care and your love. Bless with joy those who call out in your name and those who labour as you have directed. Bless too those known to us whose labour here has finished and have left this world to join your Heavenly Kingdom.
We pray for all whose life is saddened by the death of a loved one,
be with them in their loneliness and let them know that Jesus Christ is the light of the world, a light which no darkness can quench.
Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer.
We are all called to be disciples of the Lord.
Our walk with God is never a lonely walk,
it is a family occasion, if taken in the company of God's children.
If we lag behind, there are those who will turn and offer words of encouragement,
hold out a hand and offer assistance over stiles and other obstacles,
share refreshment, help us from our knees when we stumble.
Our walk with God is never a lonely walk,
it is a joyful experience as along the path others join us,
attracted by the company of God's children,
singing the same songs of praise that angels sing,
following a path worn down by tears and joy and sacrifice.
Our walk with God is never a lonely walk,
for he walks with us, on a track that leads to a glorious destination.
Merciful Father: Accept these prayers for the sake of your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, Amen.