Prayers of Intercession - Give to God the things that are God's

The Return of the Prodigal Son, 1989, by The Rev Dr P. Solomon Raj 

Prayers of intercession written for the Choral Eucharist at St Stephen Walbrook on Thursday 22nd October 2020 celebrating the Feast of St Luke. The text is inspired by the gospel reading from Luke 20.20-26 and ‘Thy Word’ a song by Amy Grant, which was sung by our Choral Scholars today.

Jesus said “give to God the things that are God’s.” So let us, his image-bearers offer ourselves in prayer to Almighty God, who is giver of all things.

Almighty God, source of all truth, we offer to you the prophetic voice of this, your church. May your word be a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path; speaking truth to power; disrupting the systems and structures that enslave your people.

We give thanks for the service of Bishop Sarah, the Lords Spiritual and all who carry the burden of leadership. Lord, may they look to you for wisdom. Give them integrity and fairness, justice and kindness.

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

Almighty God, source of all love, we offer to you with thankful hearts all those whose lives are closely linked to ours; our families, friends and the communities to which we belong. Bring comfort to our brothers and sisters who are anxious and fearful as a result of further restrictions across this country and around the world.

We pray for those who live and work in the City of London and especially for Richard and the people of Prague. Lord, in the face of uncertainty may our hearts and minds and voices find peace in the knowledge of your unfailing love for us.  

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

Almighty God, source of all life, we offer to you, for your blessing, all those known to us who are sick or suffering and all who care for them.  We pray for all who bear your image through a ministry of healing and especially for Lucy and her fellow students working in our hospitals and care homes. Bring comfort to Bryan, Doris and Eve, David, Jane and Daisy, Shelley, Patrick, Martin and Sam, Sophia and Freddie, Sue, Sarah, Marie, Emma and Michael and to Melvyn, Ian and John and to all those whose names are written only on our hearts.

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

Almighty God, source of all hope, we offer our prayers for Liam, recently departed and all who have given their lives in your service. Comfort Eileen, Matt and Sarah, Liam's family and friends and all those who mourn.

We look in hope for the day when we may dwell with them and you in glory. We pray in the name of your Son, whose life you gave so that we might have new life.

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

Image : The Return of the Prodigal Son, 1989, by The Rev Dr P. Solomon Raj