Prayer of Intercession

Sunday, 26 November, 2017

(Christ the King Sunday)

Prepared and led by Hope S. Antone

Let us unite our minds and hearts through the intercession prayers. After each petition I will say, “Through Christ our Servant King,” then join me in saying, “Hear our prayer.”

Almighty God, thank you for sending Christ Jesus to the world to show us your love and will. On this Christ the King Sunday, we remember his kingly coming as a helpless baby, who grew up showing his mission to serve rather than to be served. May we who claim to follow him as his disciples join in building his kingdom of peace with justice, humility, mercy, selflessness and love. Through Christ our Servant King: Hear our prayer.

We pray for all believers, called to serve the King of kings by serving the least of your people. Grant that through and in the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, the imprisoned, and those in despair, we will see the face of Christ among us and open our hearts to serve them in humility and love. Through Christ our Servant King: Hear our prayer.

Remembering Christ Jesus who was a refugee, we pray for displaced peoples all over the world, like the Rohingyas, who have been rendered stateless and forced to flee violent persecution. We pray for asylum seekers, especially those in camps and detention centers, like those stranded on Manus Island. May their cry for help touch the minds and hearts of leaders and governments to respond more humanely; and may we find means to provide help in our own way to the displaced and impoverished among us. Through Christ our Servant King: Hear our prayer.

    

May the observance of International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November) remind us that you created man and woman equal in dignity; and that no one deserves to be abused, harassed, or violated. We pray for organizations that advocate and promote gender equality and that we will also do our part in our own way right where we are. Through Christ our Servant King: Hear our prayer.

We pray for leaders of government in different countries that they will put their power to good use and reach out to the least, the last, and the lost in their midst. We especially pray for Zimbabwe as they begin a new chapter with a new president. We also pray for Egypt and Pakistan which are being rocked again by militancy, extremism, terrorism and violence. May leaders remember their accountability to you and your people and follow your will for life, peace and justice. Through Christ our Servant King: Hear our prayer.

During his time on earth, Christ showed his authority over wind and wave. May you bring comfort to the families of the 44 crew of Argentina’s military submarine that went missing last week. May you bring peace and calm to those who are sick, those recovering from surgery, or about to have their treatment. We continue to pray for Bruce, John LeMond, Fr. Naylor, Bishop Samuel, Constant; and for others whose names we keep in our minds and hearts. Through Christ our Servant King: Hear our prayer.

We pray for members of the church, that we will let Christ rule our worship and life together, over our work in the world and within our family, our relationships with friends and neighbors. May Christ rule our decision-making, our thinking, speaking, working, and resting. Through Christ our Servant King: Hear our prayer.

    

With Christians around the world, we pray for the people and churches of Brunei, Malaysia, and Singapore. Thank you for the amazing diversity of life shown by the species of plants and animals in these countries; for the religious and cultural diversity of peoples; and for better economies and employment opportunities. Yet there are some religious groups that are oppressed and certain ethnic groups that are discriminated. We pray for the protection and encouragement of religious freedom, political reforms and democratization, and for respectful use of natural resources and sustainable practices. Through Christ our Servant King: Hear our prayer.

Prepared/led by: Hope S. Antone