Prayers of Intercession - Becoming Messengers

St John the Baptist by Georges Maurice Cloud

Prayers of Intercession written for the Sung Eucharist at St George’s Bloomsbury on Sunday 5th December 2021 (Year C, Advent 2) based on readings from Luke 1.68-79 (Benedictus), Philippians 1.3-11 and Luke 3.1-6.
God our Father, whose Good News connects all people across all places and all times;
we give thanks for our Bishops, Priests and Deacons and all who point others towards you. Prepare us, with their guidance and through the power of your Spirit, to become messengers of your gospel in all we think, say and do.

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer 

God our Redeemer, lead us, by our repentance, to new life. We pray for all in positions of responsibility and influence in the world, this nation and this City.
Guide them towards the harvest of righteousness; making straight the paths between all your people and fullness of life with you. 
Bless all working to negotiate a way through confusion, distrust and discord. 
May we become messengers filling every valley with the stillness of your eternal peace.

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer 

God our Saviour, help us to hear the cries from the habitats and peoples of the wilderness around us today. We pray especially for those who are hungry and homeless, the lonely; all who live in the shadow of oppression and the desert of mental anguish.
Guide us by the light of your Spirit; 
grant us the confidence to become messengers of your salvation; 
so that the crooked paths of this city may be smoothed in the abundance of your love.

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer 

God our Comforter, bring your healing presence to all who are ill and in pain. We pray especially for Fr Ronald, Sue and Angela and all those whose names are written on our hearts. Guide the hands of all who minister to the sick and suffering; doctors, nurses, counsellors and care home staff and all messengers of your comfort and hope.

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

God our Great Shepherd, gather into your arms all your flock who have recently departed this world. We pray that those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death might find consolation through the messengers of your eternal life. Guide us towards your heavenly Kingdom as we follow in the footmarks of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St George, St John and all your saints.

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

Image : St John the Baptist by Georges Maurice Cloud