Prayers of Intercession - Follow Me

Bagong Kussudiardja, Christ and the Fishermen, 1998

Prayers written for the Sung Eucharist at St George’s Bloomsbury on Sunday 7th November 2021 (3rd before Advent) based on readings from Jonah 3.1-5, 10, Psalm 62.5-end, Hebrews 9.24-end and Mark 1.14-20.

Almighty God our Heavenly Father, who has called us all by name, we pray for all who follow your Son; repenting, believing and proclaiming the Good News; especially those who do so at great risk to themselves and their families.
Enliven the ministry of our bishops; Justin, Sarah and Robert, our priests David, Jenny and Rene and all who have responded to your call to become fishers of people; bless all who enable and facilitate these ministries. 
Grant us the strength to cast our nets deep into your living waters; and the grace to work together as one church, sharing one faith, working in the name of our one Lord and Saviour.

 Lord in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

 

God of all power, who called heaven and earth into being, we pray that those holding positions of influence in the world may follow the example of your Son,

finding peace between nations,

goodwill among your people,

and harmony between humanity and your glorious creation;

   creating the space to find and be ourselves – and glory in the diversity of your gifts. 

Help us to hear your prophets speaking in our midst and respond in our prayers and actions so that we might live in a manner worthy of the vocation to which you have called us.

 

Lord in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

 

God of steadfast love, grant us the courage to follow your Son into the streets of this City.

By your Spirit, grant us the humility to immediately respond to your call; emptying our hearts and minds of the concerns our own kingdoms and turning our full attention to yours, in which we find our true selves.

Bless the work of this parish community in offering food to our neighbours who hunger and fellowship to our brothers and sisters who feel alone.

Shine your light upon those who seek your path towards truth, justice and righteousness for all your people.

 

Lord in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

 

God our strength and our glory, we pray for all who have followed your Son in tending to the sick.

May your healing Spirit fall upon Father Ronald, Angela, William and all known to us who are suffering this day; those affected by the coronavirus; all who are anxious about their health; 

may they find relief in your unchanging love.

 

Lord in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

 

God of everlasting life, we pray for all those who have followed your Son in faith to the point of death;

for the recently departed and for those whose year’s mind falls at this time. 

Comfort all who mourn in the knowledge that Christ will come again to raise up those who are eagerly waiting for him.

 

With the Blessed Virgin Mary, St George, St John and all the Saints, we pray 

 

Merciful Father,
accept these prayers

for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour, Jesus Christ

Amen 


Image : Bagong Kussudiardja (Indonesian, 1928–2004), Christ and the Fishermen, 1998