Intercessions based on Isaiah 43:16-21; and John 12:1-8
Let us pray for the church and for the world and let us thank God for his goodness.
- We thank you for your church throughout the world, for all the love poured into it and through it; and on this APCM-day we thank you for this parish church in Cotham. We offer to you our buildings and assets, our activities, our people, our relationships, our strengths and our struggles; trusting that you are with us, making use of our efforts, making things new, making things good.
May this parish church, with your church throughout the world, become a place where you are welcomed with friendship and devotion; where diverse gifts are acknowledged with love; where people are so close to you that new life is as everyday as a meal with friends. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
- We pray for those in authority especially those with influence over events in the world’s most troubled places. May they, we, and all leaders learn that true justice flows from devotion to you. May we and they seek peace and justice for all creation. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
- We pray for those who suffer in body, mind or spirit remembering today people trying to recover from the floods in Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe, and those oppressed in Syria, Palestine, Yemen, Afghanistan. We also remember those for whom our prayers have been asked……. In the midst of their suffering, may they find you in their hearts, in continuing hope, and in the practical generosity and friendship of others.
You have asked us to keep the poor with us always. We repent of all the ways we isolate ourselves and turn away from suffering. May we all find ways to take more care of those in need. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
- You raised Lazarus from the dead and you joined him for a meal. In the hope of this story, we pray for those who have died recently , and in the year’s mind we remember . May they know the joy of your nearer presence. May their loved ones be consoled. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
As this church of St Mary’s with St Saviour’s moves through an APCM and into another year of church business, help us to follow the pattern of the Mary in today’s gospel that we might listen more, love more, risk more, and show more fully that we know you and we are your friends. Today, this week and always. Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your son our saviour Jesus Christ.