Prayers of Intercession - Lead us through the wilderness

 

John the Baptist by Caiphas Nxumalo, 1970

Prayers written for the Sung Eucharist at St Stephen Walbrook at 12.45pm on Thursday 10th December 2020 (Year B, Advent 2) based on readings from Isaiah 40.1-11 and Mark 1.1-8

God our Father, we look for the day when your Good News is told by the whole world. Strengthen us, your church; that we might proclaim with one voice your message of salvation. We give thanks for our Bishops, Priests and Deacons and all who point others towards you. Prepare us, with their guidance and through the power of your Spirit, to live each day according to our baptismal promises; emptying our lives so that we might discover the fullness of your love.

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer 

 

 

God our Redeemer, lead us, by our repentance, to new life. Grant wisdom to the leaders of the world, this nation and this City; bless all working to negotiate a way through confusion, distrust and discord. Guide us by your light to the level ground amongst the rocky terrain; to make straight the paths between all your people and fullness of new life with you, in eternal peace.

 

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer 

 

 

God our Saviour, help us to hear the cries from the habitats and peoples of the wilderness around us. We pray especially for the poor, the oppressed, the lonely; all who live in the shadow of oppression and in the desert of mental anguish; for those experiencing the loss of job security and the loss of freedom. Fill our emptiness with the light of your Spirit and the abundance of your love; and the confidence to share it.

 

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer 

 

 

God our Comforter, bring your healing presence to all who are sick and suffering; we remember by name Bryan, Doris and Eve, David, Jane and Daisy, Shelley, Patrick, Martin and Sam, Sophia and Freddie, Sue, Marie, Emma and Michael and to Melvyn, Ian and John, Gladys, Lucy, Amelia, Matt and Sarah, Barbara and Kim, Shalani, Alistair and Iona. Guide the hands of all who minister to the sick, especially Lucy and all doctors, nurses and care home staff.

 

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer 

 

 

God our Great Shepherd, gather into your arms all your flock who have departed from this life. Direct our lives to follow the path they have trod; toward your heavenly Kingdom.

 

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer 

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


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Art & Theology : John the Baptist by Caiphas Nxumalo