Ash Wednesday - Prayers of Intercession

These prayers were written for the lunchtime Eucharist and Imposition of Ashes at St Stephen Walbrook on 26th February 2020:

Merciful God, 

May the ashes we are about to receive be to us a symbol of our faith in our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

In unity we pray for the whole church, remembering especially our brothers and sisters who cannot publicly profess their faith and all those who suffer and live in fear of persecution. 

As these ashes wash away may we continue to have the confidence to follow the way of the cross;

remembering always that our hope of eternal life depends not on our words or deeds but on your mercy alone. 

Lord in your mercy 

Hear our prayer

Merciful God, 

May these ashes be to us a symbol of our relationship with your creation. 

In the beginning you breathed life into us, gave us your blessing and commanded us to be stewards of the earth;

But we confess that we are abusing it.

Help us to turn away from our selfish consumption and live in harmony with the natural world;

So that we might fulfill your will to be gardeners of your new creation.

Lord in your mercy 

Hear our prayer

Merciful God,

May these ashes be to us a symbol of your love through our new life in Christ; who on the cross overcame death and fear and sin;

We pray for all who have recently died. Comfort all those who mourn. 

Here in the birthplace of the Samaritans we pray especially for our brothers and sisters who feel trapped by fear and anxiety.

Lord, help us to all to turn to your light and say “Yes to Life” - to be fully alive in this and every moment for now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation.

Lord in your mercy 

Hear our prayer