St Mary's Church, Mudford

Intercessions

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

Sunday 9th August, the Tenth Sunday after Trinity

Lord, you are the bread of heaven, giving life to the world.

You fill our emptiness with your goodness.

You come to our weakness with your strength.

We pray for your church throughout the world, for all Christians,

remembering especially those who are persecuted for their faith

and cannot openly come to your table for sustenance.

We thank you for our group of five churches, for the friendship,

support and guidance we find amongst them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

We remember before you the starving peoples of our world,

those who suffer from famine, poverty or war,

all whose lives are diminished through malnutrition and neglect.

Let the harvests of our world be neither hoarded nor squandered.

We pray for all farmers in this period of drought.

We pray for the leaders of the nations in these unsettling times,

that they may govern with justice and humanity that all may live in peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

We give thanks for those who have fed and cared for us.

We remember all who have shown compassion and tenderness.

Lord, bless our loved ones, our homes and our communities.

We pray for all whose homes and lives are at risk from the threat of wildfires,

be with them and keep them from harm.

We thank you and pray for all emergency workers.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

We pray for all who feel drained and empty,

all who have no energy or strength,

for all who suffer in body, mind or spirit

especially those known to us

whom we hold up to you in silence now…

In your goodness and mercy grant them health of body,

Soundness of mind and peace of heart as is your will

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Lord, we remember today, Chris, a young man who has died suddenly and unexpectedly, and pray for his family and friends.  We pray too for others known to us who have died in this last week.

May God grant them eternal rest and bring strength and consolation to all

who grieve at their loss.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

As we journey together in the footsteps of faith

may we never lose our sense of direction,

keep our eyes focussed upon our destination,

drink from the well and eat of the bread that will bring us life,

and hold out our hand to any who may falter or stumble along the way,

Merciful father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our saviour, Jesus Christ,

Amen