St Mary's Church, Mudford

Intercessions

                                                  Prayers of Intercession 

Sunday 25th May, the sixth Sunday of Easter

It is God’s love that has drawn us here together.

Let us pray to him now:

Lord, as we welcome two new members into the family of your church

we pray for them as they embark on their journey of faith, and for ourselves as we

continue our own journeys.

We pray for Christians throughout the world, especially those who are persecuted,

live in fear and are unable to worship openly as we do.

We ask for your guidance and blessing on all bishops, priests

and those who are training for lay and ordained ministry.

Be with those who are charged with the selection of the next Archbishop of Canterbury.

We thank you for our group of five churches and the fellowship we find among them

and ask for your support as we try to take your message into the wider community.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of all mercy, we pray for the nations of the world in the unrest and violence of these times.  Give wisdom of mind and strength of character to those who are called to positions of leadership; overthrow evil purposes and designs and establish the cause of righteousness in every land, that all may be led into the way of peace.
We pray for those affected by war and conflict, for the bereaved, the injured, all refugees and hostages, those who have lost their homes and livelihoods and for all who live in poverty.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

O God, the only source of life and energy and wealth,

defend our vulnerable and fragile planet.

Teach us to conserve and not to squander the riches of nature,

to use aright the heritage of former generations,

and to plan for the welfare of generations to come.

Renew our wonder, awaken our concern

and make us better stewards of the world you lend us as our home.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord God, we pray for all who are weighed down

with doubts, fears and misgivings;

all who are haunted by the past or scared of the future.

We ask for them, awareness of your constant presence

and courage to place their hand in yours.

We ask you to protect our loved ones and friends and neighbours. We pray for those who are ill and in pain, longing to live full lives, and for those nearing the end of their lives. May our support be gentle to those in trouble and need, and strong to those in weakness. Take our thoughts and prayers and use them to further your work of healing.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer

Heavenly Father, we pray for those saddened by the death of someone close to them. Give them your comfort and support.
Jesus Christ is the light of the world, a light which no darkness can quench.
We commend to your everlasting love and care those who have died.
You turn our darkness into light and in your light shall we see light.
May we all come to your eternal transforming joy.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Lord God, we give you thanks

for all the blessings you shower on us

along the way of life,

and for the painstaking guidance you provide,

Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ,

Amen