Prayers of Intercession - Trinity 5

The Sower by Vincent Van Gogh, 1888

Prayers of intercession for the Sung Eucharist at St Stephen Walbrook at 12.45pm on Thursday 16th July 2020 (Trinity 5/Proper 10) based on the Gospel Reading from Matthew 13.1-9, 18-23; The Parable of the Sower and the Parable of the Sower Explained.

Almighty God, you showered the whole earth with your seed of truth and love. You have shown us how our lives may be fertile ground where your word flourishes.

We pray for the church throughout the world. We give thanks for the seeds of faith which grow even in the face of adversity. We pray for the faithful who live under the threat of violence and persecution; for all who work for the harvest that is to come, whilst their harvests in this world are failing.

We pray for all bishops, priests and deacons; guided by your Spirit may they help us to receive your word with joy and understand it. May the roots of our faith and of those around us be nurtured and strengthened through prayer, study and acts of service, growing communities of faith that flourish and endure.

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer

Almighty God, you made us gardeners of your creation. Help us to become more effective stewards of the earth; seeking to bring an end to habitat depletion and the suffering this causes. We pray for all affected by famine, food insecurity and malnutrition, especially at this time the people of Yemen, Syria, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer

Lord, may we never forget that each God-given seed is filled with your grace; wherever it lands. May the leaders of the world, this nation and this City help us to grow communities where all may flourish. May we be generous to those in need and seek to bring an end to unjust and unfair systems and structures.

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer

Almighty God, the origin of your creation is a loving relationship. We pray for all those whose lives are linked to ours, especially for the sick and those tending to their needs, for all affected by the Covid virus. May we always be social in our distancing. We pray especially for Melvyn, Patrick, Ian, Martin and Sam, Sophia and Freddie, Sue, Amelia, Sarah, Liam and for all those known only to us. Hold them close to you, bring them comfort and assurance in your love.

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer

Almighty God, we commend to your mercy all who have died, that your will for them may be fulfilled; and we pray that we may share with all your saints in the plentiful harvest of your eternal kingdom.

Merciful Father,

accept these prayers

for the sake of your Son,

our Saviour, Jesus Christ

Amen.