Prayer of Intercession

7 Sept 2025

Prepared by Adam

Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dear Comforter,

We thank you so much for Katie’s word for us this morning, and her reminder that it is only with a loving heart that we can see rightly. We thank you for this time when we can gather together as your body and praise your name and rejoice in your presence under the wings of the morning. And we praise you for your Spirit who walks with us in the cold loneliness of night and offers us the grace that fills the void within us. 

Heavenly Father, there are many here with us today and throughout your creation saying that surely the darkness shall cover them. So many of your children cry out as they are beset by men of blood. This morning, we mourn with them and we lift them up before you to plead for your mercy and grace to light their way because surely you are there with them.

Loving Creator, we pray for those in Afghanistan after the country experienced three earthquakes within 6 days. It is thought that more than 1,400 people have lost their lives, and thousands more have been injured. As the rough and mountainous terrain of the country hampers rescue and relief efforts, the need for significant aid is desperately urgent. Bring your Spirit to the countless grieving families, your healing to those who are injured, and your strength to encourage and enable those who seek to find the lost. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Prince of Peace, we think also this morning of Indonesia following protests in Jakarta and other cities against the decision to raise the pay and housing allowances of lawmakers amid a growing cost of living crisis exacerbated by austerity measures. The escalating use of force by security forces has already led to deaths, with police in Jakarta running over and killing a 21 year old Affan Kurniawan, a motorcycle delivery rider, further fuelling anger at the government and fears of further repression. Lord, we pray for your protection over the people of Indonesia, and for the cries of the oppressed to be heard. May your peace and justice reign throughout the land. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Almighty Father, we pray for your justice for the oppressed living in substandard conditions in South Africa and around the world. Earlier this week, key findings were made public from an investigation into a deadly fire in 2023 claimed the lives of 77 people and injured many more in a subdivided building in Johannesburg. This report highlights not only the plight of those in Johannesburg but also those throughout the world who are exploited and placed in such dire living conditions due to a lack of provisions by governing bodies and a lack of protection from exploitation by landlords. We pray that the day when this will not be the case would come swiftly, and that we can know a world in which all your children, particularly the most vulnerable in society, can sleep with the safety and security of a proper home. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Merciful God, we pray for the grieving friends and families of the 16 people who died and the dozens injured in Lisbon on Wednesday following the derailment and crash of a historic tram in the center of the city. As questions surrounding the causes of the accident grow, we also pray for transparency and wisdom for government officials investigating what exactly went wrong so that those families may find some semblance of closure. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Ruler of Heaven and Earth, In recent days, a powerful movement has emerged among Israeli reservists, united in their refusal to serve if posted to Gaza and the West Bank. Their numbers are growing, fueled by a shared belief in the unjust treatment of those in Gaza and that the Israeli government's actions as detrimental to the hostage situation. Dear God, we thank you for their witness and courage, and pray that their efforts will be blessed and voices be heard. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Dear Father, as the new academic year gets underway, we remember all students and teachers returning to school after the summer break. Lord, we know the enormous pressure and anxiety that so many young people can feel from school and academic obligations. We pray that you will lift those burdens from their shoulders and place in their schools and lives teachers, coaches, and mentors to teach freedom rather than fear. May this be a year of growth and flourishing for each of them. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Redeemer, as we go out to face the world, we pray that you give us the strength to not flinch from the emptiness in our world and in ourselves. Help us to raise our Ebenezer here and remember in those moments of darkness that it is by your help we’ve come thus far. And fill us with the faith that you and your love will lead us farther still and teach us to see the invisible that you see.

We pray these things in your Son’s holy name, Amen.

Prayer of Intercession

29 June 2025

Prepared by Robert Lam

Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dear Lord:

We come to you this morning with hearts grateful for everything that you have given us.

We pray for the world

We pray about the wars and conflicts happening around the world, particularly in Ukraine and in Gaza. We ask for your mercy and grace that a genuine and lasting ceasefire may take hold.

Lord, give us a heart of compassion to personally feel the suffering of people caught in these conflicts. Help us to constantly pray for an end to these conflicts in your time so that people can live once again in joy and in peace. 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.

We pray for China

We give thanks to the many churches across China celebrating the risen Christ today. We give thanks particularly to the work of the many missionaries in the past, Hudson Taylor and  others who had dedicated and spent their lives in China so that the people may hear the Word of God. Today the Word of God and the Gospel is being preached in big cities, small towns and in rural areas.  From big churches to small informal groups all over the country.  Lord, you have answered the prayers of so many people who have prayed and yearned for this day to come. Lord, we ask that our Christian sisters and brothers in China will hold fast to their faith, will mature and grow in wisdom and strength.  Lord, help the churches to look after the welfare of those in the community who are poor and marginalized.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.

We pray for Hong Kong our Home

We give thanks that you have placed us here to live, to work and to establish roots in the community. Lord, we humbly ask that you give us wisdom on how to live and on how to glorify you with the changing Government policies on freedom of expression and other freedom precious to us. 

We pray particularly for the Government that their decisions and policies will be fair, upright and serve the people of Hong Kong well.
 

We remember those who have been jailed due to the social unrest of 2019. Lord, we ask that you sustain them, comfort them and strengthen them. We pray for the appeal process undertaken by those who have been jailed.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.

We pray for Kowloon Union Church our Family

Here in Kowloon Union Church, we pray for those facing health challenges in their lives. Lord, everyday is a blessing from you and so we entrust and commit them to you, knowing that you care for them.

We pray for our dear sister Rose Chue who has just been hospitalized. We ask that you would be with her at this time, comfort and heal her. 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.

In the ecumenical cycle of prayers, we remember the people and all churches in Kenya and Tanzania. We pray particularly for the family and friends of Rachel and Stephanie and their Church in Kenya and family and friends of Penina in Tanzania.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.

We pray all these in the name of our Lord and Saviour.  Amen.

Prayer of Intercession

1 June 2025

Prepared by Victoria Caplan

Sunday in Ordinary Time

It is Eco-Concern Sunday and next Thursday is U.N. World Environment Day . Let us turn our hearts, minds, and souls to the privilege and duty of being good stewards (caretakers) of creation: air, water, soil, and all living creatures, including our sisters and brothers..

In the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ, let us pray to the Father.  As we pray, after I say,“God in your mercy”, please respond, “Hear our prayer.”

Almighty Creator God

Thank you for the beautiful world you made and sustain: the fruitful earth, the clean air & pure water.

But, your creation groans in suffering because of our foolishness, greed, and unjust systems. We turn your abundance into scarcity, poison, and disasters: fires, floods, avalanches, and drought,

Grant us and our leaders the will and ability to care for your world properly and heal it. 

God, in your mercy 

hear our prayer 

God of the Prophets

Protect all who call out injustice and oppression and work for positive change. Give patience, strength and comfort to those who strive and suffer to repair the world. 

Awaken a sense of justice and mercy in people in power and call them and us to good action. 

God, in your mercy 

hear our prayer 

Life Giving Spirit, God of Peace

We pray for the many places where there is war and fighting. We pray for people who lack safety at home or outside their homes. Heal their physical, mental, and spiritual wounds. 

Direct our families, our communities, and every nation, in the ways of kindness, justice and peace; that we may honour one another, and seek the common good.

God, in your mercy 

hear our prayer 

God of Love

You have chosen us and commanded us to love everyone as you love us. But it is hard.  Help us see your image in each face we meet. Help us treat everyone not as a thing, but as a fellow child of God. Help us change our irritable, angry, envious, greedy, prideful, rude, and mean, ways. Help us act patiently and kindly.

God, in your mercy 

hear our prayer 

Healer and companion of all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit:

Look after people in fear, danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble: the sick, the lonely, the abused, the addicted, the grieving, the homeless, the imprisoned, the poor, the oppressed, refugees, victims of disasters, and people who see no path forward to safety and stability.

Strengthen them in their hours of need. Give them courage and hope in their troubles; relieve and protect them, and bring them the joy of your salvation.

In particular, we pray for  Kevin Ng, Jeanette Lee,  Kulwinder,Ng Kam Lee, Joy Babasa, John Mamgmasih, Betty and Dick Blakney, Revd. Bud Carroll and Revd. Kwok Nai Wang; Mrs. Samuel and the mothers of Alex Melwani and June Tang.

God, in your mercy 

hear our prayer 

Triune God, who we meet in community:

Thank you for our Kowloon Union Church family, the Christian community in Hong Kong and throughout the world.  Help us build each other up.

God, in your mercy 

hear our prayer 

For the Ecumenical Prayer Cycle:   We lift up in prayer the churches and people of all faiths in Angola and Mozambique.

God, in your mercy 

hear our prayer 

Rejoicing in the fellowship of all your saints, we commend ourselves and the whole creation to your unfailing love.   

Amen

Prayer of Intercession

25 May 2025

Sunday in Ordinary Time

Prayer for Migrants, Refugees and other Displaced People

O God of life and history, awaken us on the realities of forced displacement of people due to poverty, unemployment, landlessness, war, and conflict. These realities result from economic and political structures, policies and programs that prioritize and perpetuate profit over people, commodification of labour over rights and welfare, monopoly of resources over public good and sharing, exclusion over inclusion.

O God, hear our prayer! Empower us to stand for justice, human rights and dignity!

Compassionate and merciful God, there are 94 million migrants, and 12 million refugees      in countries    in the Asia, Pacific and Middle East regions. Their already vulnerable situation is     exacerbated by policies that perpetuate discrimination, exclusion and xenophobia.       Many of them face the anxieties of losing      their jobs and livelihood; are deprived of social and economic relief; abandoned; criminalized and deported without service and assistance.

O God, hear our prayer! Empower us to stand for justice, human rights and dignity!

O God, listen to their cries and lamentations! They who are victims of abuse, exploitation, trafficking and modern slavery. They who are forced to flee, become undocumented and are victims of violent crackdown. They who are deprived of social services and suffer domestic abuse. They who labour for long working hours without decent accommodation or sufficient food. They who are unjustly incarcerated, prosecuted and detained and whose lives are on the brink of execution. They who are displaced by wars and conflicts, ecological destruction, and even political persecution.

O God, hear our prayer! Empower us to stand for justice, human rights and dignity!

O God, be with us as we urge host governments of the Asia Pacific and Middle East region to uphold the whole being of millions of migrants, refugees and other displaced people living and working in their countries. May they implement policy reforms that promote equal protection, decent work and service assistance regardless of person’s status. May they desist in implementing the policies and regulations that perpetuate and promote discriminations, exclusion, xenophobia, abuse, exploitation, trafficking and modern slavery.

O God, hear our prayer! Empower us to stand for justice, human rights and dignity!

O God, empower us as we call sending governments to address the root causes of forced migration. May they realize that there is no genuine and lasting development from treating people as commodities. They must prioritize creating opportunities for people to live decently and humanely in their home country.  They must address the desperation of millions who are left with no choice but to leave their families behind and work abroad. May they give high credence to the interest of its migrants, provide them with necessary service and protection, ensure that their rights and welfare are upheld at all times.

O God, hear our prayer! Empower us to stand for justice, human rights and dignity!

O God, guide us as we celebrate our diversity as members of faith communities of Christians, Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists finding unities in serving the migrants, refugees and uprooted people. May our various ministries and programs serve as infrastructures of service, advocacy and campaign, and sanctuary that affirm the sanctity of life and protection of human rights and dignity. May we continue our solidarity and accompaniment until the realization of your kingdom of justice, compassion and abundant life prevails.

O God, hear our prayer! Empower us to stand for justice, human rights and dignity!

O God, strengthen the commitment of migrant serving institutions who in their steadfast dedication to serve and empower migrants, refugees and uprooted people are also facing difficulties, harassments and intimidation. May they continually provide timely and relevant service and assistance to individuals and groups in need of help. May they find support from individuals, communities and groups who are enlightened by their kind of service and dedication that uphold the very essence of humanity and compassion.

O God, hear our prayer! Empower us to stand for justice, human rights and dignity!

O God, in our ecumenical prayer We lift up in prayer the churches and people of all faiths in the Indian Ocean Islands: Comoros, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles. May the government of these countries prioritize the rights and well-being of their people and the faith communities to accompany them in realizing Jesus’ promised of abundant life. 

As we end this prayer for migrants, refugees and other displaced people may I invite to say the Lord’s prayer. You may pray it in your own language. 

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done,

on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen