Prayers of Intercession - Sacred Gifts

Sacred (Treasure of the Mountain) by Nicholas Roerich, 1933

Prayers of Intercession written for the Choral Eucharist at St Stephen Walbrook on Thursday 19th November based on the readings from 1 Thessalonians 5.1-11 and Matthew 25.14-30

Let us pray to Almighty God, in thanks for the bountiful and diverse gifts he has given us in order that we might live in fullness of life; a life of faith, hope and love. We give thanks today for the joy of new life, asking for your blessing on Ralph Christopher, his parents Rupert and Hannah and grandparents Anita and David.

Lord by your Spirit, grant wisdom to the members of this, your church; that we may remain faithful to our baptismal promises; attentive in prayer, diligent in study and humble in service.

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

Lord, by your Spirit, grant us the courage not to bury our heads in the sand; turning away from the injustice and inequality in the world. As we wait for the day when we are called to join you in your eternal Kingdom, may we learn to live God’s future now. Let us not be fearful of taking risks in order to challenge injustice and inequality in this life; help us to enable all our brothers and sisters to flourish; sharing in the joys of your glorious creation which you have entrusted to us.

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

Lord by your Spirit, enliven all in the City of London to seek profit in the business of Jesus. Help us to measure our actions by the return on investment from your love for us. To see others not as objects to be exploited but as your image-bearers, with gifts to share. Grant us the wisdom to discern these gifts in ourselves and others; the confidence to give them and the humility to receive them in and through our relationship with you.

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

Lord, by your Spirit, help us to remember that we are children of light. Grant us the courage to build up one another; to encourage those who are buried in depression and suffering in darkness; to act always in your image; the giver of life to all. We pray for the work of the Samaritans, for Lucy and all healthcare workers and for those who are sick and suffering, remembering by name;  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, Matt and Sarah, Barbara and Kim, Shalani, Alistair and Iona.

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

Lord, by your Spirit, receive with mercy those who have died. Comfort those who mourn by the knowledge that we are destined to enter into the joy of our master.

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

Image : Sacred (Treasure of the Mountain), 1933 by Nicholas Roerich