Prayers of Intercession - Trinity 17

James B Janknegt – The Wicked Tenants (2018)

Prayers of intercession written for the Choral Eucharist at St Stephen Walbrook on Thursday 8th October 2020 Trinity 17/Proper 22 – Year A, based on the Epistle (Philippians 3.4b-14) and the Gospel reading Matthew 21.33-end.

Let us pray to the Lord, who has made us his own.

Lord, we pray for your church throughout the world; may we remember always that at its foundation is a rejected cornerstone. By your grace help us to become a people who produce the fruits of your Kingdom - serving our neighbour and serving you in and through your love. Lord we ask for forgiveness for the times when the church has rejected your messengers; turning away the vulnerable and those in need; we pray for justice for all victims of abuse.

Bless the ministry of our Archbishops, Bishops, Priests and Deacons, that they may grow in faith, becoming better stewards of your Good News; and lead us all to do likewise.

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

Lord, you have made us your own. We pray that we may become more effective stewards of the earth. Grant us the wisdom to act as tenants and not owners of your glorious creation.

We have been made in the image of God. Lord, may your spirit guide us to live according to that image; learning not only to minimise our impact on the environment, but to reverse it; giving more than we receive. 

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

Lord, you have made us your own. We pray for all in positions of responsibility, that they may become better stewards of your will; leading the world not according to their own desires but following the path you have trod before us. Bring wisdom to the government, public servants and all facing difficult choices.

Lord, save us from our pride. Help us to be tenants - not owners - of our successes and failures. To remember that all we have and all we are is a gift from you. We pray for the sustainability of the businesses and enterprises of this City. May we support them as they find new ways to flourish.

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

Lord, you have made us your own. We pray that we may become more effective stewards of ourselves; to remember that we are tenants and not owners of our time; to recognise that each moment is a gift from you.

By your grace, free us from our selfish concerns. Help us to spend more time in your presence.

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

Lord, you have made us your own. We pray that we may become more effective stewards of your love; compassionate and attentive to those in need. 

We pray for comfort and peace for all who are sick and suffering and those who care for them, especially Doris and Eve, David, Jane and Daisy, Shelley, Patrick, Martin and Sam, Sophia and Freddie, Sue, Sarah, Marie, Emma and Michael and for Melvyn, Ian and John and all those whose names are written only on our own hearts.

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

Lord, you have made us your own. We look to the day when we may dwell with you and the whole company of heaven, rejoicing in the fruits of eternal life. Receive with mercy all who have recently died, including Liam and David; comfort Eileen, Sarah and Matt and his brothers and Katherine and her family and all those who mourn.

In the name of Christ, our cornerstone, we pray.

Merciful Father,
accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour, Jesus Christ
Amen

 

Image : James B Janknegt – The Wicked Tenants (2018)