Church Prayers and Intercessions for Easter 2 by Mr Warwick Holden

Christ our Lord, who in his love for us died for our sins, and defeated death that we might live, we pray for all people in all places and in all kinds of need.
Risen Christ, Hear our prayer

Lord our Father, we pray for all people who make up the church, both leaders and congregations.  We pray that those in positions of trust may honour and respect that trust.  We pray for unity among Christians, that they may work together to spread the word of hope in a world of despair.  We pray for unity among all people of faith throughout the world that they may respect each another’s beliefs and celebrate what they have in common.
Risen Christ, Hear our prayer

As we anticipate local elections, we pray for honesty and integrity among those who would lead us.  We pray for all governments and world leaders that they may rule wisely and justly. We pray for those who volunteer their time and money to help others. Christ gave us His example in suffering and dying for us. May we follow his example in encouraging others to help their fellow men.
Risen Christ, Hear our prayer

Risen Lord, we pray for a time when peace may come upon the earth.  We pray for people who are suffering as a result of war, both innocent victims and protagonists, for soldiers and their families at home.  We pray for victims of natural disaster, famine and oppression.  May the risen Christ lead them from despair into hope.  We pray for the earth, which has been lent to us for a short while to enjoy its gifts and to hand on in good order for generations to come, that all people may face the future with confidence.
Risen Christ, Hear our prayer

Lord of love, we pray for all who suffer in mind or body and for those who care for them. We pray for the sick; for those who mourn; for those without faith, hope or love.
We pray for any known to us who are in special need of our prayers at this time, especially those known personally to us.  We remember them now in a moment of silence ….
Risen Christ, Hear our prayer

The risen Christ is the light of the world, a light which cannot be extinguished.  We remember before God those who have died and light a candle to symbolise the light of Christ, which eternally shines and brings hope. We remember 
You turn our darkness into light: in your light shall we see light.

Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Gathering our prayers and praises into one, let us say the Lord’s Prayer together. 
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, etc.
For ever and ever. Amen

Intercessions 2

Believing that the risen Christ is alongside us we pray to our loving Father trusting that he always hears us when we call upon him and responds with an open and loving heart.

We pray for today’s disciples of Jesus especially those whose faith is being tested almost beyond endurance and those who meet behind locked doors for fear of persecution, torture and death. We pray for Christian in Sri Lanka and all those living in fear of physical violence and death for their faith.

We pray for the peoples of this world especially those who long for peace, for freedom from oppression and for justice.  We pray that the good news of resurrection, new life and salvation will reach into even the darkest places of suffering.

We pray for ourselves, our neighbours, our colleagues, families and friends that we may see the risen Christ in them and that they might see him in us.

We pray for those who are wounded, distressed, lonely or afraid especially those whose earthly lives are drawing to a close that they may know the healing presence and peace of Christ alongside them. We pray for those who have died that they might see the light of your presence and those who mourn that they would not fear to entrust their loved ones to your mercy.

Heavenly Father we offer these prayers to you trusting that you hear us and answer us in your love and compassion.  We pray that your will may be done in our lives and in the lives of all those for whom we pray and that you will show us what we need to do to bring your kingdom into our world.  Amen.