Prayers of Intercession - The Blessed

Laura James, A Sermon for our Ancestors, 2006

Prayers of Intercession written for the Sung Eucharist at St Stephen Walbrook on Thursday 5th November 2020, based on the Beatitudes (Matthew 5.1-12)

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

We pray for all who feel at the end of their tether; whose spirits are at a low ebb; all who feel unsure, anxious and uncertain about the future; those finding it hard to adapt to new ways of life during the lockdown.

Lord, by your blessing of humility, unlock our hearts and still our minds with the knowledge that as our spirits decrease, your Spirit increases in us. Lord, help us to remember that you are the source of all our blessings; guide us out of times of darkness and towards your eternal Kingdom by your blessed light. 

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

We pray for the church, it’s Bishops, Priests and Deacons and for all who proclaim the Good News; that our words and actions may always flow from the love in our hearts.

Lord, you have blessed us with a hunger and thirst for righteousness. Help us to remember that though the doors of the church are closed, its mission continues; sharing the gift of your Gospel of salvation with the world. Lord, we pray especially for those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake; for following you.

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

We pray for an end to violence and discord throughout the world. For the people of the United States of America, that they may find a harmonious resolution to the recent election there. For the communities affected by acts of terrorism in Nice and Vienna and elsewhere.   

Lord, help each of us to bring peace and harmony to the world by emptying our lives of our selfish preoccupations; our arrogance and our vanity; so that, inspired by your love for us, our hearts and minds may be filled with grace and humility. 

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

Lord have mercy on all who are sick and suffering and bless all those who care for them. We pray especially for those working to find a cure for the coronavirus. Lord, help us to remain ever prayerful and attentive to those in need during this time of lockdown. In our own community we pray for 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, Gladys, Lucy, Amelia, Barbara and Kim; and we remember the names of all those written on our hearts who are in particular need of your merciful loving kindness today. 

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 

We pray for all who experience the emptiness of loss; for the recently bereaved and for those remembering painful anniversaries at this time.

Lord, help us to remember that the emptiness of these moments will be filled by your love. Comfort us in the knowledge that the departed rest in everlasting peace, in the glorious company of all the saints in heaven. 

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

Links

Start:Stop Reflection on the Beatitudes
Visual Commentary on Scripture – The Blessed