Prayers of Intercession – Season our lives with the foretaste of your Kingdom

Motoi Yamamoto, Salt Installation 

Prayers of Intercession written for the Sung Eucharist at St Stephen Walbrook on Thursday 30th September 2021 (Year B, Trinity 17, Proper 21) based on readings from James 5.13-end and Mark 9.38-end

Let us pray.

Almighty God, purify the hearts and minds of the people of your church in the eternal flame of your love;
Burn away all the parts of our lives that are stumbling-blocks; so that we might  become stepping-stones on the way to your Kingdom.
Grant us the humility to hear the prophetic voices from outside and on the edge of the church; to remember that anyone who acts in your name; in the pursuit of peace, justice, and love, is on our side. 
We pray for mutual flourishing in inter-faith relations; for dialogue between the church and the civic institutions of this nation; for wisdom for all who serve as chaplains here in the City and beyond; and for the priests and people of all the churches of the Square Mile.

Lord in thy mercy,
Hear our prayer


Loving God, you have renewed our relationship with you through the life, death and resurrection of your Son.
Help us to break down the barrier of our own pride, 
may our thoughts and actions at all times flow from the knowledge that nobody is excluded from the invitation into your glorious presence.
We pray that all, and especially the leaders of the world, this nation and this City, might learn to build up and not to knock down; to be inclusive and not exclusive; to bring peace wherever there is discord.
We hold before you all those entering into new partnerships and commitments; especially Kwame and Zuky to be married here on Saturday.

Lord in thy mercy,
Hear our prayer


Living God, grant us the courage to be persistent and patient in prayer; in the knowledge that thy will shall be done.
By the power of your Spirit, season the lives of all who feel washed out; devoid of the spice of life; 
May we learn to savour the aroma of your Kingdom in the ordinary moments of every day.
Give your angels charge over those who feel anxious and alone and those who accompany them; we pray especially for the work of the Samaritans and the Listening Place.
Raise up all who are downcast through pain and illness. Comfort all who are suffering this day, including Victor, Tom, Carol, Francine, Sophia, Jummie, Sarah, Anthony, Melissa, Caroline and Manuelle, Emma, Peter, Jennifer, Adrian and family, Melvyn, Ian, Jim, Nick, Martin and Sam. And in silence we call to mind those in need whose names are unspoken but written on our own hearts.

Lord in thy mercy
Hear our prayer


Eternal God, receive at your table all the faithful departed. May the salt of the earth who mourn be sustained by the foretaste of your heavenly banquet, through the triumphal resurrection of your Son. 

In the company of St Stephen, St Michael and all the Saints and Angels in heaven, we pray.

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

Image : Motoi Yamamoto, Salt Installation