Prayer of Intercession

14 April 2024

Prepared by Tory Caplan

Third Sunday After Easter

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, your amazing plants and animals, including humans.   

 

But, through foolishness, greed and, unjust systems, we abuse it and each other.  We turn your abundance into scarcity, poison, and disasters.

 

Grant us and our leaders the will and ability to care for your creation properly. Help us build, maintain, and share wisely and justly.

 

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 strength and comfort to those who strive and suffer to repair the world. Awaken a sense of justice in people in power and call them 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. 

 

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

 

God, in your mercy 

hear our prayer 

 

God of the fearful & doubtful

God we are often frightened. We are scared when we pray and seem to lack any enlightenment and answer. We are full of awe, which can  feel like fear, when we glimpse you or hear you. Help us open ourselves to you and your good news of repentance and forgiveness. Help us ponder it with joy on our beds, when we lie down and then sleep in peace and safety.

 

God, in your mercy 

hear our prayer 

 

 

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

Look after people in 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 feel displaced in life. 

 

We especially pray for the victims of Wednesday’s fire across the street and their families and loved ones.

 

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.

 

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.  

 

We especially pray for Paul Wong, Kevin Ng, Jeanette Lee, Hend, Ng Kam Lee, Raymond Lau, Joy Babasa, Julianne Long, Revd. Kwok, Ajmal Samuel, and Jen Pang; Mrs. Samuel and the mothers of Alex Melwani and June Tang. 

 

Heal the sick and give strength to those caring for loved ones at home and in care facilities.

 

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 Belarus, Moldova, Russia, and Ukraine.

 

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

7 April 2024

Prepared by Robert Lam

Second Sunday After Easter

Almighty God:

We thank you for your love that empowers us to love our neighbours, our community and the world around us.

We pray for the world.

We remember the war still going on in Ukraine. The request from Ukraine for young people to be conscripted to fight, and the divided support from US and Europe. We earnestly pray for the work of peacemakers, those who are in power and are able to bring wisdom and resolve to end this war.

We pray for Gaza, where there is no end to hostility and where hatred and enmity have crowded out compassion, care for humanity and those who are suffering. Lord we pray for those without food and without medical help. We give thanks to the many efforts by people and peacemakers working tirelessly to control the violence and try to bring an end to the conflict.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.

We pray for Africa and the food insecurity in many parts of the continent due to severe weather events and on-going wars and conflicts. We remember people suffering in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, Mozambique, Madagascar, South Sudan, Yemen and Somalia. The situation severe and we pray for the people suffering in these countries. We pray for the work of Relief Organisations in providing life-saving support to those most in need of help.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.

We pray for Hong Kong

We pray for the Government that their policies will have adequate emphasis on providing for the weak, the elderly, the marginalized in the community, and  for a better and more humane arrangement for the asylum seekers.

Lord,, in your mercy, hear our prayers.

We pray for Kowloon Union Church

We give thanks to the many activities provided by the church in morning and weekly prayers, in bible studies, discipleship training, and bodylife training. Help us to grow in you in all aspects.

We remember those facing health challenges. We remember Paul Wong, Kevin Ng, Jeanette Lee, Hend, Ng Kam Lee, Raymond Lau, Joy Babasa, Julianne Long,  Rev Kwok and Ajmal Samuel, Mrs Samuel, and the mothers of Alex Melwani and June Tang. We ask for your healing grace, for your comfort and peace during their time of illness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.

 

In the ecumenical cycle of prayers, we remember the churches of all faith in   Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania. We give thanks to the faithful witness of churches amid political changes and pray for economic developments that serve all people.

 

We pray all these in the name of the Lord and Saviour,

Jesus Christ 

Amen.

Prayer of Intercession

17 March 2024

Prepared by Venus Cheng

Fifth Sunday in Lent

Sisters & brothers, let us humble ourselves and pray to the Heavenly Father. 

As we pray, after I say, “Lord, in your mercy”, please respond with “Hear our prayer.”

 

Lord, we have been reminded today that you ask us to seek to be merciful and pure of heart. So we bring our prayers for others to you, knowing that you are the one who knows us better than we know ourselves, will hear our words and listen to our prayers. 

As we continue our Lenten journey, we pray that you create within us, Lord, a pure heart that can turn to you with integrity and purpose that will bring to our lives an awareness of your presence dwelling within us and surrounding us. 

And so, in the silence, we pray

(remain silent for a few seconds) 

Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer

 

God of Compassion,

We pray for Your mercy for those with a troubled mind, who find their life unbearable and don’t know how to carry on.  In just the first two weeks of this month, there have already been 24 incidents of suicide by jumping off from high-rises.  Lord, please embrace the broken souls behind the disturbing data, and comfort their loved ones who were left behind.  

We cannot imagine the last agony they were going through before they had to choose such a tragic ending.  Living in this city is getting more and more difficult and stressful, especially under the sour economy with rising living costs.  We pray for the peace of mind of people who may feel hopeless and helpless.  May the Holy Spirit reach each one of them so that they can learn about the Gospel and realize there is a way out in Your grace.   And please remind us not to turn a blind eye to our neighbours in need of help.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of Justice,  

The Administration and lawmakers of Hong Kong are expediting the legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law, the homegrown security law.  It is reported that the government has lately proposed amendments which could impose even stricter measures against “absconders” and empower the authority to draft subsidiary legislation for safeguarding national security, after lawmakers said the existing proposal was “too lenient.” 

There have indeed been concerns for the confidentially of spiritual counsel and religious confessions being compromised under the proposed enactment of the new law, and whether church figures would be charged if they do not report acts or thoughts that might endanger national security.  While freedom of thought, conscience and religion should be protected under Article 18 of the Basic Law, the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong said last Friday that it recognizes, quote, “citizens have an obligation to ensure national security” while the legislation will not alter the confidential nature of confession of the church.  Lord, we are worried for the possible chilling effect.  Please give us the wisdom for knowing how to live in the truth under another new normal, and learning to be as shrewd as snakes while staying innocent as doves. 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

God our Good Shepherd, 

For the Ecumenical Prayer Circle this week, we lift up in prayer for everyone in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. We pray for the peaceful relations with Russia and among all the ethnic groups on these lands.  Please heal the old wounds remaining from the 20th century struggles.  May the Holy Spirit lead governmental leaders and all people so that they might together strive for justice, peace and the well-being of all.  We also ask for just economic development that will benefit all citizens in those countries.

 

Lastly, we remember every member of the KUC community. Please heal those who are unwell, strengthen those who feel weak physically or spiritually, and comfort those struggling with hardship.  Lord, please keep us safe and well. 

Now let us join our voices as one to say the Lord's prayer. Feel free to do it in your native 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 for ever.

AMEN

Prayer of Intercession

25 February 2024

Prepared by Tory Caplan

Second Sunday in Lent

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, your amazing plants and animals, including humans.   

 

But, through foolishness, greed and, unjust systems, we abuse it and each other.  We turn your abundance into scarcity, poison, and disasters.

 

Grant us and our leaders the will and ability to care for your creation properly. Help us build, maintain, and share wisely and justly.

 

God, in your mercy 

hear our prayer 

 

Incarnate God

You came to earth to live a mortal life subject to time. Like us you experienced its passing:  morning, noon, and night, weeks punctuated by the Sabbath, seasons moving into years. Help us to enjoy our time and make it yours, until we can join you in the eternal Now.

 

God, in your mercy 

hear our prayer 

 

Redeemer God

We pray for our beloved dead. Grant them your peace, may your light perpetual shine upon them.  Comfort those who miss them and mourn them still.

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 strength and comfort to those who strive and suffer to repair the world. Awaken a sense of justice in people in power and call them 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. 

 

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

 

God, in your mercy 

hear our prayer 

 

Help and hope of sinners

All of us have strayed from your ways. Give us insight, so we and all who sin can repent honestly and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the truth of your Word and through your grace, change ourselves for the better. 

 

God, in your mercy 

hear our prayer 

 

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

Look after people in 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 feel displaced in life. 

 

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

 

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.  

 

We pray for Paul Wong, Kevin Ng, Jeanette Lee, Hend, Ng Kam Lee, Raymond Lau, Joy Babasa, Julianne Long, and Stephanie Mumbi. We continue to remember our senior members and friends: Mrs Samuel and the mothers of Alex Melwani and June Tang.  

We remember those caring for loved ones at home and in care facilities

 

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 Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands

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.