Prayers of Intercession - I am the bread of life

The Bread of Life by Hermel Alejandre, 2015

Prayers written for the Sung Eucharist at St Stephen Walbrook on Thursday 5th August 2021 (Year B, Trinity 9, Proper 10) based on readings from Ephesians 4.1-16 and John 6.24-35.

Almighty God, who is above all and through all and in all, 
by the power of your Spirit and the example and commandments of your Son, our Living Bread,
sustain our Bishops, Priests and Deacons and all ministers of your Word;
that they may guide us to lead lives worthy of our calling. 
Build up and strengthen the church, the  Body of Christ on earth, that made in His image we may grow in His likeness,
in the unity of the Spirit and in the bond of peace.

Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer 

Generous God, you have sent us bread from heaven that gives life to the whole world,
Help us to live that life according to your will; with a hunger for justice and a thirst for righteousness;
As we break bread together, grant us the courage to break down our own selfish priorities and perspectives; working to end the systems and structures that cause food poverty and contribute to failed harvests through climate change. 
Nourish the leaders of the world, this nation and this city with the wisdom to direct the abundant resources of the earth equitably;
guide us to new life in communion with all your creation. 

Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer 

Living God, whose one Bread continually feeds the many people of the world,
we give thanks for the diverse gifts you have given to each of us;
remembering especially at this time athletes competing at the Olympic Games, teachers and educators, those who work in the caring professions and all who volunteer as Samaritans.
Transform our lives as we gather to share in this heavenly banquet,
granting us the confidence to nurture our talents and those of our families, friends and neighbours and to use them for the common good.

Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer 

Loving God, nourish and sustain the faith of all who are sick and suffering. We ask for your blessing on Anthony, Melissa, Caroline and Manuelle, Emma, John, Vanessa, Peter, Jennifer, Adrian and family, Melvyn, Ian, Jim, Nick, Martin and Sam and all those whose names are written only on our own hearts.

Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer 

Eternal God, whose Son is the Bread of Life and has promised that whoever comes to Him will never be hungry and whoever believes in him will never be thirsty; 
receive with mercy all the faithful departed into the plentiful peace of your heavenly kingdom including baby Elizabeth Astari and Grania. 
We pray for all who mourn including Steve and Sarah, Elizabeth's parents, Grania's husband Alan her children and for Claudette, Gary, Teneka and Ashley mourning the death of Ronald. Comfort us in the knowledge that all who share in the body and blood of your Son will be raised up on the last day. 
Until then, may we, by your grace and sustained by this sacramental bread, be your living Body on earth.

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

Image : Iam the bread of life by Hermel Alejandre