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| Symphony Orchestra, John Albert Cooper (1894-1943), Leeds Art Gallery |
Prayers of Intercession written for the Requiem for All Souls at Holy Sepulchre, the National Musicians’ Church on Wednesday 2nd November 2022 based on readings from Revelation 7.9-17 and Matthew 5.1-12.
Let us pray to Almighty God, the source of all our blessings.
Blessed are those who
mourn, for they will be comforted.
We pray for all who
experience the emptiness of loss; for the recently bereaved and for those
remembering painful anniversaries at this time.
Lord, wipe away every tear from our eyes. Help us
to remember that the desolation of these moments will be filled by your love.
Comfort us in the knowledge that the departed are seated around your throne,
singing the glorious strains of your heavenly song; may it form the score of
our lives.
Lord hear us,
Lord graciously hear
us
Blessed are the poor in
spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
We pray for all whose
spirits are at a low ebb; those who feel unsure, anxious and uncertain about
the future; those finding it hard to adapt to new rhythms of life without loved
ones.
Lord, enliven our hearts
that they may beat to the pulse of your love.
Help us to remember that
you are with us in every phrase of every movement of the opus of our lives.
May we remain ever
attentive to you as we improvise on your eternal themes.
Lead us to the coda of
your Kingdom.
Lord hear us,
Lord graciously hear
us
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will receive mercy.
Lord have mercy on all who are sick and suffering
and bless those who care for them. In a moment of silence we bring before you
the names of those written on our hearts who are in particular need this
night.
Great shepherd, guide us
to remain ever prayerful and attentive to our neighbours.
May our words and actions
be a counterpoint to darkness and despair; filling the world with your voice of
light and hope.
Lord hear us,
Lord graciously hear
us
Blessed are the
peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
We pray for an end to violence and conflict
throughout the world. For a swift resolution to the war in Ukraine. For an end
to unrest in Brazil following the recent election there. For all affected by
the disaster in Seoul and the act of terrorism at the Marston Refugee Centre in
Kent.
Lord, help each of us to be heralds of harmony by
emptying our lives of our selfish preoccupations. Bless the staff of the London
Performing Academy of Music and the Ukrainian refugee music students who have
made this church their home. Grant us all the courage to open our minds to new
ways of hearing the sounds of your creation in all its diversity;
that the tongues of people
from every nation may become a chorus of your blessing and glory
and wisdom and thanksgiving and honour for ever and ever.
Lord hear us,
Lord graciously hear
us
Blessed are the pure in
heart, for they will see God.
We pray for the church throughout the world and
especially for this church of St Sepulchre, it’s priests and people; it’s choir
and musicians. For the Friends of the Musicians Chapel and all who place their
hearts here.
May each section of this
community of your faithful support each other; each virtuoso find accompaniment;
each beginner find encouragement and nurture.
Lord, you have blessed us
with a hunger and thirst for righteousness. Help us to practice living it,
together.
Merciful Father
accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son
our saviour, Jesus Christ
Amen.
Image : Symphony Orchestra, John Albert Cooper (1894-1943), Leeds Art Gallery
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