Prayers of Intercession - Trinity 16

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Prayers of intercession for the Trinity 16/Proper 21 – Year A, based on the Epistle (Philippians 2.1-13) the Gospel reading Matthew 21.23-32.

Let us pray to God, who is the source of all things.

We pray for the church. God our Father, strengthen us, your faithful people, that we might remain obedient to our baptismal promises; dying to sin and rising to new life in Christ. Renew our lives with your gifts of humility, generosity and love; enabling us both to will and to work according to your good pleasure.

Bless all who minister in your church. May they act always under the authority of Christ, according to his image and in the name of Jesus.

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

We pray for the world. God our Father, send your Holy Spirit on the leaders and the people of the world, this nation and this city; that in Christ we may recognise the true authority of our common humanity. Grant us wisdom to debate constructively, serving not our own interests but the interests of others.

Help us to be honest about our mistakes and generous with our resources. Free us from our fear of loss - especially the loss of our self-importance, entitlement and privilege. Let us open our lives to the transforming power of your Spirit.

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

We pray for ourselves and the communities to which we belong. God our Father, grant us the humility to listen to others, especially at those times when we think we know best. May we remember that our way is only the right way when it is your way.

We pray especially for the businesses and enterprises of this City. For all those anxious about the future and those facing difficult choices. Grant us wisdom to discern your will for us. Lord, help us find time to pray - and help us to be people of integrity; sharing the Gospel in all we say, all we do and all we are.

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

We pray for the sick and suffering and those who care for them; for all working to develop a cure for the Coronavirus. God our Father, we give thanks for those who dedicate their lives to the service of others; all who work in care homes, hospitals and hospices; and we ask for your blessing on those they serve.

We bring before God especially at this time Doris and Eve, David, Jane and Daisy, Shelley, Patrick, Martin and Sam, Sophia and Freddie, Sue, Amelia, Sarah, Liam, 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

We pray for all the faithful departed. God our Father, whose Son Jesus Christ was obedient to the point of death on the cross, receive with mercy all the faithful departed who now dwell with St Stephen and all the saints, in everlasting life.

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

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