Pentecost - Prayers of Intercession

Pentecost, Batik by P. Solomon Raj

Prayers of Intercession written for the Sung Eucharist at St Stephen Walbrook on Thursday 4th June 2020. The prayers are inspired by words and themes from Acts 2.1-21 and John 20.19-23

Let us pray.

At Pentecost, tongues of fire rested on the disciples and they were filled with the Holy Spirit.

May the power of the Spirit set our hearts on fire with the love of the risen Christ. May that fire purify us, consuming all that which is contrary to His example, so that all we say, all we do and all we are may shine with His glory as lights in the world.

Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.

At Pentecost, by the power of the Spirit, the disciples began to speak in other languages, to the amazement of all who looked on.

May the power of the Spirit blow away our bewilderment; to reveal what unites, rather than what divides us. Fill us with the courage to share our lives and love with others, including those very different from ourselves. We pray for the leaders of the church, the nations of the world and of this city, that, inspired by the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, they may act with integrity and lead us all towards a world without injustice and racial intolerance.

Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.

Jesus breathed on the disciples and, through the Holy Spirit, gave them the power to forgive sins.

May the power of the Spirit inspire us to live in holiness. May the flames of the Spirit shine a light on our lives, that we may see more fully the consequences of our actions. We ask for forgiveness of our intolerance and our prejudice; our support for unjust and unfair systems and structures. May the Spirit fill our mouths with words that speak only of the way, the truth and the life.

Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.

Jesus came and stood among the disciples and said ‘Peace be with you’.

May the power of the Spirit, the Comforter, bring peace to all who are anxious and in distress. May the healing power of the Spirit, bring peace to all who are sick and suffering. We pray especially for Patrick, Anthony, Ian, Martin and Sam, Melvyn, Dorothy, Brenda, Rowland, Amelia, Wendy, Sarah and Marie-Therese.

Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer

At Pentecost, Peter remembered the words of the prophet Joel; that in the last days all God’s sons and daughters will prophesy.

May the power of the Spirit fill our minds with holy visions of the eternal kingdom. Let us not be embarrassed when others think we are filled with New Wine. May we always have the courage to be guided by the Holy Spirit; realising our dreams of a better life for all who share God’s creation.

Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer