St Mary's Church, Mudford

Intercessions

             Prayers of Intercession written by members of our Ark Group of churches

Sunday 14th June, the Second Sunday after Trinity

Gracious God, thank you for inviting us into a wonderful relationship with you -

for hearing our thanksgiving,

our concerns,

and our prayers for others.

Teach us to pray without ceasing.

Shape our lives through gratitude,

expand our compassion for the world,

and deepen our trust in your presence

in every season of our lives.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Loving God, we come to you this morning knowing that you understand our storms and our struggles. Just as you met that man who was so broken and lost, living among the tombs with no one to help him, so you meet us today in whatever state we're in, ready to give us your peace and your healing.

Lord, when we look at our world, we see so much that troubles us. We think of places torn apart by war and violence, where families are separated and children grow up knowing only fear. We remember those caught in the desperation of hunger and poverty, those fleeing their homes, those whose lives have been shattered by things beyond their control. Father, we pray for leaders and decision-makers, that they will choose the path of peace over power, compassion over conflict. Help us to see your image in every person, no matter how different from us they may seem.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for your church, Lord, in all its shapes and forms across this world. May we be people who truly follow in your footsteps, not just talking about your love but showing it in practical ways. Give us courage to step out of our safe places and reach those who feel chained by their own demons, whatever form those take. Help us to be honest about our own brokenness, so we can walk alongside others with humility and grace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Compassionate God, we lift up our own community to you now. We think of neighbours who are struggling with illness, with grief, with loneliness. We remember those battling their own inner storms, depression and anxiety and fear, things that others can't always see. We pray for families under pressure, for those worried about money or work, for young people trying to find their way in such a confusing world. Lord, show us how to be your hands and feet serving you in this place. Now in a moment of quiet, we bring before you those who have placed pebbles in our pebble bowl and those for whom they wished to offer up a prayer and we also place into your hands the people and situations that are of particular concern to us today…. 

As we bring all these concerns before you, Father, help us to remember that you are the one who calms the storm with a word, who sets captives free, who brings light into the darkest places. Help us to trust you more deeply, to lean into your peace even when the waves are high, knowing that nothing in all creation is beyond your love and your power to redeem.

Draw us together, form us by your Word, and send us out in love, for the sake of Christ.

Amen.