Prayers of Intercession - Do Not Worry

Edvard Munch, The Scream, 1895

Prayers written for the Sung Eucharist at St Stephen Walbrook on Thursday 16th February 2023 (Year A, Second before Lent) based on readings from Genesis 1.1-2.3 and Matthew 6.25-end.

Let us pray to Almighty God, maker of all things, that we might learn to live righteously in the fullness of each day he has made.

 

You made us as people of faith.

The church united by the coming of your Son.

Give us this day the wisdom to turn worries about our differences into worship of your glorious presence. 

We pray that the light of your Gospel may shine in every corner of the earth. 

 

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer 

 

You formed us as people of peace.

The world bound by your eternal Spirit. 

Give us this day the humility to transform our worry and distrust into welcome and dialogue.

We pray for an end to violence and oppression in Ukraine, East Africa, Afghanistan and Iraq.

 

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer 

 

You established us as people of charity.

Our lives woven together by your love. 

Give us this day the generosity to change our selfish worries into selfless acts. 

We pray for relief from suffering for all affected by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria and for those struggling in our midst. 

 

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer 

 

You created us as people of compassion.

Broken shards joined as vessels of your grace. 

Give us this day the courage to convert our worries about what to say into words of comfort for our neighbours in need.

We pray especially for Melvyn, Stefan, John, Patrick, Sam, Martin, Sophia; Jonathan and family; Elizabeth, Kyle and their family; Carole, Peter, Francine and Caroline; Juliet and family; Michael, Kath and Claire; Dorothy, Julie, David and Peter.

 

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer 

 

You fashioned us as people of hope.

Travellers walking together the way of the cross.   

Give us this day the strength to cast-off our worries about the future and clothe ourselves in the wonder of the risen Christ. 

We pray for the repose of the soul of Marie and all the faithful departed and for the consolation of Vince, Jenny and their family as they mourn. 

 

In the company of St Stephen and all the saints we pray;

 

Merciful Father,

accept these prayers 

for the sake of your Son, 

our Saviour, Jesus Christ,

Amen. 

 

 

Image : Edvard Munch, TheScream, 1895