Intercessions following our Day of Prayer

The principal service at St Stephen Walbrook is our Thursday lunchtime Eucharist. Our intercessions are usually “secret”, with prayers read by the clergy according to the order of the Book of Common Prayer. Today, Reverend Stephen asked me to write and read intercessions incorporating some of the prayers that were submitted during our Day of Prayer yesterday, held as part of the Thy Kingdom Come week of prayer:

In the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ, let us pray to the Lord.

We pray for the church, especially for our Bishop, Sarah, enthroned on Saturday in St Paul’s Cathedral. Lord, guide us to respond to her call to be subversive for Christ, challenging injustice and inequality. We pray for our Archdeacons, Luke and Rosemary and for Rosemary’s recovery from illness. We pray for our vicar, Reverend Stephen and all those who minister in this church.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, we know that everything we have is given by you. By your grace, help us to build your Kingdom on earth - a world of love, peace and justice for all. In this Christian Aid week we ask for protection for all who have fled their homes due to war or natural disasters. Grant them strength on their journeys, that they may find places of compassion at which to rest.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for Her Majesty the Queen, for her Government and all those in authority. We pray for the City of London Corporation and all who live, work and visit this City. We unite our prayers with those of Nathan, aged 9, during our day of prayer yesterday. O Holy God, please help those who take decisions in this city, that they may do so guided by your Spirit. Grant them integrity, fairness, justice and kindness.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 We pray for the life of this parish. We give thanks for our Day of Prayer yesterday. Through prayer we grow closer to you and to each other. Lord, we pray especially for all those preparing for marriage. Be with Tom & May and Robin & Jo who are to be married in this church. In their growing love for each other may they come to know you as the source of all love.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the sick in mind, body and spirit. Lord, during Mental Health Awareness Week we pray for those who are feeling anxious or distressed, especially Max in Australia, Shelia in the West Midlands and Samuel in Ukraine for whom we have received prayer requests via the London Internet Church. Lord, be a light in their darkness, their refuge and strength in time of fear.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, we pray for the faithful departed, those who have died recently and those whose years mind falls at this time. We remember especially for Joe, whose memorial service takes place later today. We pray for Laura, his wife and Leo, his son and for all those who mourn. Be gentle with them in their grief. Show them the depths of your love; a glimpse of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Rejoicing in the fellowship of St Stephen and all the saints, we commend ourselves and the whole creation to your unfailing love.