I was asked to lead the prayers of intercession for our gathering today (2 July). The basic format is according to the CofE Common Worship liturgy. I made the prayers for the church and for the world based on themes and conversations of recent days.
In the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ,
let us pray to the Father.
Almighty God, our heavenly Father,
you promised through your Son Jesus Christ
to hear us when we pray in faith.
We pray for your church.
Help us to see the church as you see it. The Baptist churches, the Anglican churches, the Pentecostal churches, the Reformed churches, the Catholic churches, the charismatic churches, the post-modern churches, the emerging churches, the youth churches; the churches meeting in buildings, those meeting in houses, those without a fixed place to meet, those who meet under a tree; the persecuted churches, the rich, the poor, the dying churches and the growing churches.
The whole church at once, all of it, every flavour, tradition, variety and style - they are all your people, everyone who names the name of the Lord and has been redeemed by the blood of his Son Jesus.
We are all your people, Lord God.
We pray for the unity of your people under the Lord Jesus and in the power of the Spirit.
We pray especially for those who suffer persecution for their faith. We pray for those suffering disputes and lack of love among the members. We pray for those suffering under misguided leadership.
We pray for all leaders and ministers, for all those guiding, pastoring and teaching your people.
We pray for Alan McMahon and his ministry at Exmouth, Western Australia
We pray for Bishop Geoffrey and Bishop David of the Diocese in Europe, for Dirk van Leeuwen and Geoffrey Allan.
We pray for Francis.
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
We pray for our gathering here.
We thank you that we can meet for worship here. We thank you for each one in this fellowship. We pray for those who are away today on vacation or elsewhere. Bless them wherever they are. Unite is in Jesus by the power of your Spirit.
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
We pray for the world
We pray for mankind in the coming decades as the climate changes, as the sea level rises, as the oil runs short, as fresh water becomes scarce as the last forests are destroyed and animal and plant life disappears. Father we have not been good stewards of this planet and we are not yet ready to face the consequences of our destructive economy and lifestyle.
Give grace and wisdom to us and the coming generations as we face the inevitable conflicts and challenges.
We pray for political leaders of integrity and wisdom.
We pray for George W Bush and all those who serve in the Government of the USA. We pray for Tony Blair and all those who serve in the Government of the UK.
We pray for Queen Beatrice and Ruud Lubbers as they guide the formation of a new cabinet for the Netherlands. Give all those involved wisdom and grace.
We pray for the Israeli government, the Palestinian government and the Egyptian government. We pray that further violence can be avoided.
We pray for the people of Iraq and their leaders.
We pray for Kofi Annan and the leaders of all nations.
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
We pray for those who are ill or need specific attention
We pray for A. Lord God the surgeons and doctors have done their best. But their knowledge and skill is finite. You know everything Lord and you have promised to be our healer.
We pray for those things still troubling A. - the disturbance of her vision, the length of her leg and we pray that you can heal her.
We pray now for others known to us who need your healing
[please pray now for anyone you would like to mention specifically]
Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit …;
give them courage and hope in their troubles;
and bring them the joy of your salvation.
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
Merciful Father,
accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.
References
Church of England Common Worship
Highland Christian List: The Church in the City for God's view of the church
Technorati tags common worship prayer
