Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
Let us pray for all people everywhere according to their needs. We think
first, this week, of those whose lives have been touched by genocide and
war. Every death touches many people with grief and sorrow. We cannot
comprehend the evil that brings people to try to destroy another race or
people who are different. We pray that such acts, such hatred, such
bigotry may be overwhelmed by love and empathy – love shown by Jesus to
all who hated and tried to destroy Him
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
We pray for those who work to help those who suffer. Guide their work and
give them the strength and resources to do their work. Jesus taught all of
us to help and empathise with those who are poorer and less fortunate than
ourselves. We pray that you will guide us, in the affluent West, to
continue to help those who suffer poverty, ill health, and starvation in
Africa, Asia, and the many countries that will suffer for many years from
the effects of the tidal waves which destroyed their communities.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
We pray for countries in the Middle East – especially Iraq which is trying
to embrace democracy, and shake off the old prejudices, violence, and
religious dictatorship.
We pray for Israel and Palestine – that they may find a way to live
together, side by side, without hatred and violence
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Strengthen your church, Lord, to be united in love, understanding,
forgiveness and prayer. We pray for our local leaders, Charlie, Neil, Sam,
and Joan. We also pray for the wider Church throughout the world. As the
richest nations in the world seeks to try to find solutions for some of
the poorest, we pray that their help is guided by commands and
instructions – to “love one another, as I have loved you”
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
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. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Jesus Christ is the light of the world, a light which no darkness can
quench. 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.