Prayers of Intercession - Rejoice in the Lord Always

Nativity,Sawai Chinnawong, 2004

Prayers of Intercession written for the Sung Eucharist at St Stephen Walbrook on Thursday 16th December 2021 (Year C, Advent 3) based on readings from Philippians 4.4-7 and Luke 3.7-18.

Let us rejoice that God came among us in the person of Christ, rejoice that he is here alongside us each day and rejoice in his promise that he will come again in glory.

God our Father, we rejoice always in the Good News you have brought to the world through the example of your Son and the message of your Prophets; may we, your church, make it known in all we think, say and do. Grant wisdom and guidance to all bishops, priests and deacons. Help us to use the great inheritance of our faith to glorify the present in your name.

 

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer 

 

God our Redeemer, we rejoice always in the peace you have showered upon us.

We pray for all in positions of responsibility and influence in the world, this nation and this City.

May your light guide them through the darkness of these times; to make right judgements based on compassion, justice and love for all people.

By your mercy, forgive all who have erred; bless those working to make amends.

 

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer 

 

God our Saviour, we rejoice always in our relationship with you and with each other;

We pray that we might honour this by professing our faith in our daily lives and work.

Guide us as we make difficult choices about how we use our resources to bring joy to the world;

Help us to turn away from the path of self-destruction and towards self-discovery, in the knowledge that you are walking alongside us as our guide.

 

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer 

 

God our Comforter, we rejoice always for the healing presence you bring to those who are ill and in pain. We pray especially for William, Mark, Andrew and family, Sally, Tom, Carol, Francine, Sophia, Sarah, Anthony, Melissa, Caroline, Emma, Peter, Jennifer, Adrian and family, Melvyn, Ian, Jim, Nick, John, Martin and Sam and all those whose names are written on our hearts.

 

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer 

 

God our Great Shepherd, we rejoice always in the promise of the joy of the life to come.

Welcome into your arms all who have recently departed this world, including Tim and comfort Jytte and all who mourn.

Guide us towards your heavenly Kingdom as we follow in the footmarks of St Stephen and all your saints. 

 

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

Amen