Monday, 1 June 2015

Intercessions for church service 31 May 2015

     Yesterday, 31st May, would have been Mom's birthday--and she would have celebrated 89 years with us if she would have been this side of heaven.  I had no cake on hand, so I ate too many cookies instead.  :-)  
     I enjoy being on the rota for the Intercessions at St. Mary's.  I felt honoured to give the intercessions on Mom's birthday.  I guess because she is the one who taught me and my syblings to pray.  
     I know some of you, who were at St. Mary's (Langley) yesterday, you will have heard this already.  For those who regularly attend St. Mary's, but were away yesterday, it is an opportunity to participate by reading it.  For the rest of you, I hope it inspires you to pray as well.
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Following the example of our Lord Jesus, let us pray for the church and the world.

Lord, in Your Mercy
Hear our Prayer

The Church:  Most Gracious and loving Heavenly Father, we acknowledge our great need of your grace and Presence.  Thank you for sending us the Holy Spirit to guide us in our prayers.  We pray for all church leaders worldwide.  Enable them to speak Your words of vision, Your heart, to us.  Let their words be a call to action, inspiring us to act on behalf of widows, orphans, the disenfranchised, the poor, the illiterate.  May we, your church, fulfil Your promises:
·         To be a voice of justice and protection for the elderly and widows
·         To be the family in which you place the solitary and desolate
·         To be the hands that feed the hungry—spirit, soul and body
·         To be the ones to quench the thirst of those who are weary and parched physically and emotionally
·         The open door into which the wanderer and stranger are invited in
·         The resource to clothe the naked
·         The visitors to those who are sick, afflicted with care and those in prison.

Lord, in Your Mercy
Hear our Prayer

Creation, Human Society, The Sovereign, Those in Authority:  God of Creation, we pray for governmental leaders, nationally and locally.  Thank You for raising up Christians to run for and get elected into government offices.  Let them be Your voice in parliament as well as local councils.  Let them be an influence of righteousness in making policies and laws.  Help them to be an example of service to others, contrasting the others who are seekers of power and/or personal gain.

Lord, in Your Mercy
Hear our Prayer

The Local Community:  Father of Mercy, we pray for the elderly in our community and the many organisations that work on their behalf.  We pray for cross-generational relationships to be formed, so that the practical and emotional needs of the older generation are met.  We pray for children many continue with tests which affect their future education.  Provide them with peace during test-taking, and bring to mind all they have learned during the year.  

Lord, in Your Mercy
Hear our Prayer

Those who suffer:  God our Healer, we lift up those who are suffering in mind and/or body.  Bless the work of counsellors and those who provide comfort, guidance and support through active listening.  We ask that Your healing will manifest in those who have recently undergone major treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and invasive surgery.  We pray for the people who through surgery have received implants and transplants, that their bodies will accept these life-changing organs/prosthetics.  Provide rest, nutrition and strength to aid in the healing process.  We pray for their care-givers to have wisdom and support. 

Lord, in Your Mercy
Hear our Prayer

The communion of saints: As we remember those who have recently experienced bereavement, we ask that we may be agents of solace, comfort and encouragement.  We give you thanks for the lives of those who have gone on before us, yet live on in our hearts and minds.  

Lord, in Your Mercy
Hear our Prayer

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

 
     

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