Prayers of Intercession - Christ has no hands now but yours

Study of the Hands of an Apostle, Albrecht Dürer 1508

Prayers written for the Business Harvest Festival at St Stephen Walbrook on Thursday 15th October 2020 which is also the Feast of St Teresa of Avila. The prayers are based on a famous prayer by St Teresa ‘Christ has body but yours’, as well as the readings for the service; Deuteronomy 8.7-18 and Luke 12.16-30. 

Let us pray to the Lord, giving thanks for all the blessings of life in this great City and for its continued flourishing; and for the humility to offer our working lives to His service, sharing, with joyful hearts, the gifts that each of us has received. We lift up in prayer especially today all those in repetitive and unrewarding jobs, all those anxious about their livelihoods and all struggling to find employment. May we remember always that;

Christ has no body now but ours,
No hands, no feet on earth but ours.

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

Lord, we give thanks for your hands at work through banking, insurance and financial services in this City. For all who invest in and manage resources that enable the creativity, innovation and flourishing of others. May we remember always the true source of our power and wealth. Grant us the wisdom to be responsible stewards of it.

We give thanks for your hands at work through managers and support staff, who enable us all to reach our true potential. For those who work in communications, sharing Good News with others; and for all strategists and visionaries in the Board Room, ensuring we work according to shared values and towards a common purpose. Lord we pray that we may work always according to your will and not our own.

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

Lord, we give thanks for your arms opened wide, welcoming all into our City through those working in hospitality, retail and tourism. We pray for all volunteers working to support our cultural heritage, including the Friends of City Churches. We ask for your blessing especially on the sustainability of the restaurants, pubs and bars of the Square Mile. Lord, you have welcomed all to your table. Grant us the courage to do the same; celebrating, in fellowship, your love for us.

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

Lord, we give thanks for your feet walking beside us each day, through the work of public servants, charities and third sector organisations. We pray for the mission of your Church and the work of the Government, the Corporation of London, all who work to bring justice to this City and those who educate others. Lord, may we be transformed by your presence, making your love for us manifest in the world, through our work each day.

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

Lord, we give thanks for your eyes and ears, revealing to us the beauty of your kingdom through the creative endeavours of actors, artists and musicians. In their work may we experience life anew; learning to look with love on the world and our neighbours, as you love us.

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

Lord, we give thanks for your healing presence at work through all doctors, nurses, counsellors and care home staff. We pray for the work of The Samaritans. For all seeking a cure for the Coronavirus. We bring before you those who are sick and suffering, including Sheena, Sean and Hazel, 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 hearts.

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

We remember with gladness all those whose work on earth is complete, to whom the glory of your Kingdom has been revealed. As they look down on us, may we remember always that;

Christ has no body now but ours,
No hands, no feet on earth but ours.

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

Links
Image : Study of the Hands of an Apostle, Albrecht Dürer 1508
Christ has no body but yours – A prayer by St Teresa of Avila