INTERCESSIONS
Passion Sunday6th April 2003
Almighty and everlasting God, we heed the words of Jeremiah that you would be our God and we your people. We admit to being something less than the people you intended us to be; and yet we come before you as the people of the new Covenant and bring before you our concerns for this your world which we share with all your creation and hold in sacred trust.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer
As the conflict within Iraq moves inexorably to its climactic phase we who watch the unfolding story with unprecedented coverage and detail in the comfort of our homes, can only guess at the feelings of both civilian and combatant of either side. We may or may not have supported this approach to the toppling of Saddam Hussein's regime but can join together in our prayers for a swift end to hostilities and a lasting peace for this troubled part of the world.
We pray for the leaders of nations that they may be given wisdom, courage and insight at this time of darkness and fear. Give to all who exercise authority, a determination to defend the principles of freedom love and tolerance with the strength to safeguard the innocent.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer
Comfort, with your presence, all those in fear and uphold them with your love. We pray for all caught up in conflict and we think especially of British service men and women and their families waiting at home for news. We pray for padres and others who minister in your name to the spiritual needs of the armed forces that as they themselves face the horrors of war that they may know your peace.
We continue to pray for the work of the United Nations that their role in the aftermath will foster support and respect from all nations. Father, give strength and courage to all peacemakers in this and other conflicts worldwide that they will not be dissuaded from the difficult decisions needed to bring about an end to open conflict or acts of terrorism.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer
We pray for this, our own, country and community with its cultural and ethnic diversity, for Queen Elizabeth, our head of state, her ministers and all in authority, that they will govern wisely and with due regard for the needs of all people.
As divisions exist in our society over recent world events, we pray that all will continue to work together in tolerance whilst constantly striving for peace, truth and justice and that our small part of your divine kingdom may be a place where love and mercy flourish in your name and to your eternal glory.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer
We pray for all families represented here today. Each one is made up differently and faces the normal joys and sorrows of family life in different ways. We remember that Jesus too was born, nurtured and grew up in a family which would have known all the emotions that we know in ours as well as experiencing the plight of the refugee. We pray that each family find a place for that selfless love, revealed to us through the life, teachings and example of our Lord.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer
We pray for the world-wide Christian church that it may continue to teach the Good News of Jesus with honesty, courage and sensitivity. We pray especially for people facing religious intolerance, even violence. Give them courage to stay true to their beliefs and help us all to use every opportunity to build bridges between peoples and communities to promote understanding and tolerance.
We think now of our Church here at St. Mark's and our sister church in the partnership at Putnoe Heights. We pray for our ministers, Charlie, Joan and Sam. Guide and support our ministers, leadership team and all who lead, organize and contribute to the Church's vision of service and witness.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer
We pray for the sick, both at home and in hospital, or hospice. We think of the elderly, the housebound and those in care homes. And we pray for all those who minister to their needs, both from within the family and from the professional and voluntary services. Lord Jesus who responded to the needs of all those who had faith; comfort and sustain those who are in need of your grace at this time. As we share a moment of silence together, we bring before you those known only to ourselves and name them in our hearts.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer
Especially do we pray for those who face the pain of grief and the 'often unanswered' questions that follow the loss of a loved one. Help us to support all who mourn both in our prayers now and in the months to come.
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.
Today we remember:- Gerald G--
You turn our darkness into light;
in your light shall we see light.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer
A final prayer for ourselves: - As Christ faced his darkest hour with faith help us to seek no less than that same faith when we are faced with tough decisions; whether within our families or when deciding the course of nations.
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 pray with confidence as our Saviour has taught us.
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, For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen.