St Mary's Church, Mudford

Intercessions

                                                  Prayers of Intercession written by a member of our Benefice

Third Sunday of Advent, 15th December 2024

Let us pray for the church and our world, and let us thank God for His goodness.

Heavenly Father, as we come together in this time of Advent, we pray for the church that she may be ready for the coming of Christ. We pray for Christians around the world and ask you to help us all to turn our faces towards you once again.

Help us to not lose sight of you at this busy time, but help us to prepare our hearts and minds, so that we may be ready for the coming of your kingdom. We bring before you our brothers and sisters in Christ, who face persecution for their faith – for whom this season does not bring twinkly lights and celebration, but instead an increased fear and risk of persecution.

Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer

Lord God, we pray for all who work for peace and unity, and for all world leaders, that they will continue to seek an end to the suffering caused by war and violence, injustice and inequality, disease, prejudice and poverty, and bring healing to the world.

We pray especially for those fighting for peace in the Holy Land. We continue to pray for those who are refugees and seek safety in another country, despite the dangers of the journey.

Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer

Loving God, the comforter of the afflicted and hope of the hurting,
We lift up people in need of Your healing touch and comforting presence.
In the face of pain and suffering, we find hope in Your promises and the assurance that You are with us.

Hear our prayers for the broken-hearted, the sick, and the suffering.
We lift up those who are burdened with physical ailments, emotional distress, and spiritual uncertainties.
May they experience the hope and restoration that come from knowing You. We pray for the lonely, the oppressed, and the marginalised,
that they may find solace in Your love and find justice and equality in our society.
May Your Church be a beacon of hope,
reaching out to those in need with compassion and practical support.

Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer

Gracious God, give us ears to hear and minds to understand the message of immortality for the children of your kingdom, so that we may look forward with patience and confidence to that time when we will join you in the peace of eternity.  We especially pray today all those known to us that are on that journey to you.

Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer

Heavenly Father, the cornerstone of our faith and the source of all strength, as we press forward in faith, may we forget what lies behind and embrace the call You have set before us.
May our lives bear the fruits of righteousness, as we seek to live out Your mission in this world.
May we be instruments of Your peace, spreading love, grace, and justice wherever we go. Strengthen us to love one another, to care for those around us, and to serve the common good.

Grant us wisdom and discernment as we navigate the challenges of our time, and may our actions bring glory to Your name.

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