Prayers of Intercession - Pointing Truth to Power

The beheading of John by Baptist by Nicholas Mynheer 

Prayers written for the Sung Eucharist at St Stephen Walbrook at 12.45pm on Thursday 15th July 2021 (Year B, Trinity 6) based on readings from Mark 6.14-29

Let us pray.

Almighty God, may the example of your Son and the courage and witness of the saints and martyrs who followed Him, continually enliven our hearts;
Sustain our Bishops, Priests and Deacons; keep their paths straight as they guide us, your faithful people, towards your Kingdom.
Strengthen all messengers of your Good News especially those who persevere in the face of danger and all who have been imprisoned for praising you. 

Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Living God, help us to point towards your Son Jesus Christ in all we think and say and do today;
Enlighten the leaders of the world, this nation and this City, that they might act with integrity and right judgement in all things;
We pray for peace throughout the world and respect for all life on earth; for an end to violence;
We pray for all those who support evil and corrupt regimes through fear or personal ambition;
Grant us all the courage to speak your truth to earthly power; 
May your Spirit guide those who feel trapped in darkness into the light of your love. 

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer 

Loving God, whose Son Jesus Christ bore on the cross the pain of the whole world;
bring hope to those who are suffering this day, especially the weak and the vulnerable;  the victims of torture and abuse; all who are afflicted and alone.
Bring relief to all who are sick, including Anthony, Melissa, Caroline and Manuelle, Emma, John, Vanessa, Peter, Jennifer, Adrian and family, Melvyn, Ian, Jim, Nick, Martin and Sam.

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer 

Eternal God, who sent your Son into the world to die for us so that through his death and resurrection we may enter into new life,
receive with mercy for all who have borne witness to their faith to the point of death. 
Welcome to your heavenly banquet the recently departed, including Ronald; comfort Claudette, Gary, Taneka, Ashley and all who mourn his loss through the power of your Spirit and by your promise of eternal life.

With St Stephen, John the Baptist and all the saints we pray;

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

Image : The beheading of John by Baptist by NicholasMynheer