Intercessions based on Luke 10:25-37 and Colossians 1: 1-14
Let us pray for the church and for the world, and let us thank God for his goodness.
We pray for your church throughout the world, thanking you for the diversity of its people, theologies, energies and forms. We thank you for reminding us, again and again, that we are one, and we repent of the divisions that close our hearts to each other and to you. May we and all your people become more like you: an eternal story of loving kindness without boundaries. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer
More locally we pray for our parish church in Cotham, and for St Paul’s. Ask for your blessing as we continue to ask “who is our neighbour” and imagine new ways to share your love with those around us. We hold up to you our Charity of the Month….. Today, we also pray for Pippa on her first Sunday with us, thanking you for the vocation you have given her, for the blessing of her presence with us, and for the fruits that her ministry here will bear. May she, we and all your church grow in knowledge, love, wisdom, and understanding, bearing good fruit in work done for your sake. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer
We pray for all in authority, remembering the leaders and would be leaders of our own country at this turbulent time, and for all who have influence over the events and policies that shape our world. May they and all leaders use their influence to create a world of neighbours: where care for the needy and care for the planet are prioritised; where the other is seen as self and welcomed; where divisions are healed and justice restored. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer
We pray for those who suffer in body, mind and spirit. For those who feel hurt, abandoned, let down by the church or by others they thought might help. In this church this morning we particularly remember… In the midst of their suffering may they meet you in the kindness and care of others. May we all grow in our ability to see others, and to act on the care that’s needed right in front of us. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer
We pray for those who have died recently…. and in the year’s mind we remember…. (such loved members of our church family are being remembered this week.) We thank you for the love they shared with us and for the inspiration of their lives. We trust them to you and to “the hope laid up for us in heaven”. May they rest in your mercy and your peace Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer
Lord, you are our Good Samaritan, and in you we find our healing and direction. Help us to grow in love: heart, soul, strength and mind. To see your love at work in the world. To go and love likewise. Today, this week and always.
Merciful Lord, accept these prayers, for the sake of your son our saviour Jesus Christ.