Prayers of Intercession - The Baptism of Christ

The Baptism of Christ, David Zelenka, 2005

Prayers of Intercession written for the celebration of the Baptism of Christ (Epiphany 1, Year C) at St Stephen Walbrook on Thursday 13th January 2022, based on readings from Acts 8.14-17, Luke 3.15-17, 21-22 and the text of the Liturgy of Baptism.

Let us pray to Almighty God, who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

In the congregations of the faithful may your Spirit lead. 

We pray for Taran and Beatrice and all preparing for baptism here, for the newly baptised

and for pilgrim people throughout the world who walk alongside them.

May all you have called by name hear and accept your Word.

Renew our desire to turn away from the false shadows of sin, towards the true light of Christ. 

Lord in thy mercy

Hear our prayer 

In the corridors of power may your wisdom be received.

We pray for those who lead; that they might acknowledge the true source of their authority. 

May we all break away the chaff from our lives, to enable us to grow in your image.

Renew our courage to turn away from all that is destructive and divides and turn towards unity and peace. 

Lord in thy mercy

Hear our prayer 

In every habitat across the world may your new life be revealed.

We pray for a solution to the problem of global warming and for the relief of all affected by it. 

May our ears be open to the prophets of our own time, shining a light on abusive systems and structures. 

Renew our attempts to turn away from endless consumption and towards sustainable ways of living. 

Lord in thy mercy

Hear our prayer 

In the streets of this City may your voice be heard.

We pray for all who are struggling to survive; those without a permanent home, those without enough to eat or warm clothes to wear. 

May we do what is pleasing in your sight; loving our neighbours as you love us. 

Renew our resolve to turn away from greed and towards generosity. 

Lord in thy mercy

Hear our prayer 

In all places where people are sick and suffering may your healing presence be felt.

We pray especially for Sarah, Sophia, Kim, William, Mark, Andrew and family, Sally, Tony, Tom, Carol, Francine, Anthony, Melissa, Caroline, Emma, Peter, Jennifer, Adrian and family, Melvyn, Ian, Jim, Nick, John, Martin and Sam.

May they be strengthened in times of weakness and comforted in times of fear.  

Renew our calling to turn away from our own selfish concerns and turn towards our brothers and sisters in need. 

Lord in thy mercy

Hear our prayer 

In your heavenly kingdom may we find eternal rest. 

We pray for the repose of the souls of all the faithful departed especially Giselle and all whose years mind falls at this time.

May we, who have been created for your glory, walk each day in the light of your Son in whose baptism we share. 

Renew our strength to turn away from the fleeting sorrows of this life and towards the joy of the life to come. 

Merciful Father

accept these prayers

for the sake of your Son

our Saviour, Jesus Christ

Amen  

 

 

Image : The Baptism of Christ, David Zelenka, 2005