Prayers of Intercession - Leave your baggage behind

Two Travellers, Jack Butler Yeats, 1942, Tate Gallery

Prayers written for the Sung Eucharist at St Stephen Walbrook at 12.45pm on Thursday 9th June 2021 (Year B, Fifth after Trinity) based on the gospel reading Mark 6.1-13 and text from the sermon.  

Let us pray.

Almighty God, whose Son sent out the first disciples strengthened by the power of the Spirit, we give thanks for all who follow in their footsteps, including the recently ordained. We pray for the whole church, especially those congregations that gather under the threat of violence and persecution - and all who witness to your Word with limited physical resources. Grant courage to those who face opposition and rejection and inspire each of us here with creative ways to proclaim the Good News.

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer 

God our Father, help us, heirs of the first disciples, to set aside our baggage before we are sent out to do your work in the world. Grant us the humility to recognise and cut down our firmly rooted prejudices. Send wisdom, skill and imagination to guide the governments of the world, this nation and this City, that they might lead us to grow communities of peace and unity, justice and equality in which all your people may flourish.

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer 

Loving God, who welcomes all who repent and believe in the Gospel, help us to welcome into our hearts and homes all those you have sent to be among us. Let us not be suspicious of people who change, but celebrate their transformation. As you sent your disciples out two-by-two, teach us to listen and learn from one another, discovering the joy of relationship, especially with those who appear on the surface to be different from ourselves. Comfort all in this city who feel isolated and outcast. 

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer 

God our Healer, whose disciples were sent to anoint and care for those who suffer, strengthen all who are sick and those who care for them. We pray especially for all affected by the corona virus, for those for whom our prayers have been asked, including Margaret, Anthony, Melissa, Georgina, Shelley, Caroline and Manuelle, Emma, John, Vanessa, Peter, Jennifer, Adrian and family, Melvyn, Ian, John, Jim, Nick, Martin and Sam and for all those in need whose names are written on our own hearts.

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer 

Eternal God, welcome into your eternal kingdom all those who have walked the way of Christ. Comfort those who mourn in the knowledge that we will be united with them and you when we reach our journeys end.

Merciful Father

accept these prayers 

for the sake of your Son,

our Saviour, Jesus Christ

Amen.

Image : Two Travellers, Jack Butler Yeats, 1942, Tate Gallery