Prayer of Intercession

Sunday, 25 February, 2018

(Second Sunday of Lent)

Prepared and led by Joram H. Calimutan

Sisters and brothers, on this second Sunday of Lent, let us learn from Abraham for he faithfully followed the will of God after Yahweh made a covenant with him. God’s covenant with Abraham continues nowadays and such special relationship established by God will have its fruition if we take the risk of being a follower of Jesus whose love and compassion empowers the poor, the deprived and the oppressed that our present society considers unlovable. As we strive to faithfully follow Jesus, let us express our concerns and compassion for the church, the world, and all who need God the most. After each petition let us end with, “Lord, through your promise,” please join me in saying, “hear our prayer.” 

God of the covenant, you choose us to be your people. Through your active works in our life and history you reminds us to be faithful to you. Yet because of what we have, what we know and what we are aiming for we do not honor the covenant that you made before us. Instead we rely on ourselves even to the extent of taking advantage of the poor and powerless. We pray that, like Abraham, we faithfully follow you to the extent of leaving our Canaan—our comfort zone so that we fully realized that you indeed are the Emmanuel. May our acts of kindness be a blessing to people who need God’s the most. Lord, through your promise, hear our prayer

God of liberation, we pray that you liberate us from being apolitical and being self-centered. Grant us the courage to speak the unspeakable truth—where innocent people are dastardly killed like our Lumad brothers and sisters in Mindanao, where 300 victims and thousands of others were injured due to airstrikes in Syria, where millions of people wallow in abject poverty and starvation in the midst of lavish lifestyle of the few and powerful, where leaders of governments neglect their responsibility to protect the human rights and dignity particularly of the poor and powerless. We pray O God, that through your liberating presence in our midst we can prophetically proclaim your message of truth, justice, peace and reconciliation. Lord, through your promise, hear our prayer.

God of healing, we pray for those who are ill and in pain; for those who are sad and hurt; for those in hospital awaiting treatment; for those convalescing; and for those whose relief may come through death. May we offer support to those in trouble, encouragement to those in need, and strength to those in weakness, hope to those in hopelessness. We remember those who are mourning the loss of their loved ones – e.g. Amie, Nelson and Amor, over the death of Saimon; Bonny’s family over the death of their grandfather and 17 victims of mass shooting in Florida, USA. May they find joy and assurance of life after death, be their strength and inspiration through the Holy Spirit to comfort and strengthen them in this time of loss and mourning. Lord, through your promise, hear our prayer.

God of creation, the earth is yours and the fullness thereof. Yet, because of our utter neglect as stewards of your creation we keep mum and silent in the midst of environmental destruction that causes the lives of our brothers and sisters like the five people who died and 18 missing after a landslide struck the Indonesian island of Java. We pray for the rescue process and also for the safety of the millions of people who live in mountainous regions and flood prone areas. May this be an awakening and the state of environment in many third world countries be an eye opener us to protect the environment and the sanctity of lives. Lord, through your promise, hear our prayer.

God the Emmanuel, you never leave nor forsake us, we give thanks to you through your guidance and mercy, the Nigerian military rescued 76 school children this week, after the students went missing during a Boko Haram attack. There are still 13 students who may still be missing, we pray for their safety and may they be rescued soon. Lord, through your promise, hear our prayer.

God who grants wisdom and understanding, we remember the state of education in Hong Kong and many others in the world. Due to high regard of individualism and competition, many students are being pressured to excel individually instead of looking at education as a right and an instrument of empowerment and liberation. We pray that the educational system in Hong Kong and many others in the world may nurture children to be more compassionate and caring for others. Lord, through your promise, hear our prayer.

Gracious God, we pray for the people and Christians in Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, for those countries to overcome cultural, linguistic and political barriers and suspicions that remain divisive. Lord, through your promise, hear our prayer.

Prayer of Intercession

Sunday, 18 February, 2018

(First Sunday of Lent)

Prepared and led by Hope S. Antone

Sisters and brothers, on this first Sunday of Lent, let us claim the signs of God promise: the rainbow covenant with Noah, and the baptism of our Lord. Renewed by God’s promise, let us pray for the church, the world, and all who are in need. After I end each petition with, “Lord, through your promise,” please join me in saying, “hear our prayer.” 

Creator God, you are the source and giver of life and all gifts to sustain us. Yet we pretend to have control over our lives; and think that our accomplishment and success are due to our own work. We pray that, like Noah, we may trust you enough to fully put our lives in your hands, and be willing to answer your call. May we be today’s bearers of your promise and blessing, sharing it with others to bring hope in a broken and fearful world. Lord, through your promise, hear our prayer.

Loving God, we pray for the world, which you created in interdependence and interconnectedness. Due to our neglect and abuse of your creation, we are now experiencing the effects of climate change, ecological destruction, and emergence of new diseases. We pray for those who are suffering from too much cold, or too much heat; those who need shelter and relief from natural disasters; and those afflicted by various ailments like the flu viruses. May they find healing and recover their health. Lord, through your promise, hear our prayer.

Healing God, we pray for those who are ill and in pain; for those who are sad and hurt; for those in hospital awaiting treatment; for those convalescing; and for those whose relief may come through death. May we offer support to those in trouble, encouragement to those in need, and strength to those in weakness. We remember those who are mourning the loss of their loved ones – e.g. Amie, Nelson and Amor, over the death of Saimon; Bonny’s family over the death of their grandfather. May they be comforted by the knowledge that their loved ones can find eternal rest. We also pray for the victims and families of the bus crash in Tai Po last week. May they experience your comfort during these sad and difficult times. Lord, through your promise, hear our prayer.

Almighty God, we pray for the nations, especially for those who govern or hold positions of authority and leadership. We pray for the newly elected President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa. Grant that he and other leaders of governments will not misuse their powers but respect and care for all people and the natural resources of their countries. We also pray for those who work to make their communities safe from violence; may you cover them with your protection from danger and harm. We pray for the victims of the recent school shooting in Florida; and the victims of gang violence in Brazil. May government officials learn to look into the root causes of these crimes and violence and address them seriously. Lord, through your promise, hear our prayer.

Faithful God, we pray for your church everywhere that those who have responded to your call as disciples will remain steadfast in faith and demonstrate in their lives the gospel of Christ Jesus. Help us to play our part through our prayers and by our gifts of money, time and service. Grant us courage when we find it hard to follow you. Give us a fresh vision that leads to action to serve you through your people. Lord, through your promise, hear our prayer.

Everlasting God, you showed us that your son Jesus was not freed from trials and temptations. Help us not to be ashamed of trials and temptations; but strengthen us so we will not be overcome by them or give in to them. May we choose the way of faithfulness rather than popularity; service rather than fame; and sacrifice rather than power. Lord, through your promise, hear our prayer.

Eternal God, during the new lunar new year, may our wishes for one another transcend the temporal senses of good luck, good fortune, more wealth, success and prosperity. May it be tempered by our observance of Christ’s passion during this Lenten season, reminding us that our fasting should be mindful of those in our community who are hungry, thirsty and needy. Lord, through your promise, hear our prayer.

Gracious God, we pray for the people and Christians in France, Germany and Monaco. May they overcome their fears, suspicions, and anti-immigrant sentiments as a result of the terrorist attacks. May their political leaders help to further the common good not only for their countries, but for Europe and the rest of world. Lord, through your promise, hear our prayer.