Prayers of Intercession - Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi procession by Amadeu de Souza-Cardoso (1913)

Prayers written for the Sung Eucharist at St Stephen Walbrook at 12.45pm on Thursday 3rd June 2021, the Feast of Corpus Christi.

Let us pray to Almighty God;

We pray for the church, the Body of Christ, that as we share one bread and one cup, we may be one with you and with each other; never ceasing to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ until he comes again. On this feast of Corpus Christi we pray especially for all who minister Holy Communion and all who serve at the altar of our Lord. We give thanks for the new members of the Body of Christ, for the birth of Vaila Lovat and pray for all who have recently made their first communion. We remember all who are deprived of the sacraments, unable to practice their faith freely and those who do so at great cost to themselves. May we never take the great gift of Christ’s Body and Blood for granted.

Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We pray for the world to which you have so generously sent the Bread of Life. As we partake of it, by the power of the Spirit, transform our perspective, our priorities and our presence amongst your people, so that all who have received in abundance may share their portion with those in need. We pray for all who are living in the shadow of war and violence. May the blood of Christ shed for us cleanse us of prejudice, suspicion and mistrust so that the world may be united in peace, justice and harmony.

Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We pray for this nation, this city and this parish community. For the work of the Lord Mayor and the Corporation of London. Help us to notice which guests are missing from the tables we are invited to join. Grant us the courage to sit and eat alongside the outsider and the excluded. We pray for all who hunger for meaning and purpose in their lives. As your Son gave His Body for us to have life, may we use our bodies to enrich the lives of others, to be an effective sign of your love. At St Stephen Walbrook we pray especially for the work of the Samaritans and the London Internet Church.

Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We pray for all who are sick and all suffering. Sustain them by your Holy Spirit; strengthen and protect all for whom we have been asked to pray by name, including Shelley, Rosie, Caroline and Manuelle, Emma, John, Vanessa, Peter, Jennifer, Adrian and family, Melvyn, Ian, John, Jim, Nick, Martin and Sam and all those whose names are written on our own hearts.

Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We pray for all the faithful departed; that they may be received at your heavenly banquet. Comfort those who mourn in the knowledge that all who share in the body and blood of your Son will be raised up on the last day and join with Him in the joy of eternal life. Until then, may we, by your grace, and through the sacrament of the Eucharist, live as your Body on earth.

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


Image : Corpus Christi procession by Amadeu de Souza-Cardoso (1913)