Prayer of Intercession

Sunday, 12 May, 2019

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Prepared and led by Hope S. Antone

Let us unite our hearts and minds to pray on behalf of the world, the church, and one another. I will end each petition with “God, in your mercy,” then you may join in saying, “hear our prayer”.

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Creator God, thank you for the beautiful world that provides for our needs to sustain our life. We pray for those most affected by climate change, by disasters and the outbreak of diseases; and those affected by wars and weapons of destruction. Teach us to be better stewards of this world through responsible and sustainable use of the earth’s resources and through actions for peace. God, in your mercy: hear our prayer. 

Alighty God, you sent Christ Jesus to show us your way of gentleness and mercy. May the leaders of all nations, starting with those at home, govern with justice and compassion. Teach them to seek the welfare of their people, especially the needy and vulnerable, above power, wealth, fame, and re-election. God, in your mercy: hear our prayer. 

Liberating God, you sent prophets to show us your will for justice and righteousness. We remember those who have committed their lives in the cause of justice and human dignity. We pray for Liu Xia and other human rights activists in China; the newly freed journalists in Myanmar; and the many others whose voices of dissent are suppressed. We pray for government officials, leaders and legislators in Hong Kong – that they will take to heart the concerns of the people for justice and liberty. May those who risk their lives on behalf of others be supported and protected. God, in your mercy: hear our prayer.

Faithful God, we pray for all those in the church communities, men and women, ordained and lay, who have been called to the role of shepherds. May they follow closely the example of Christ and bear witness to his goodness, by caring for the lost, the least and the last. We pray for Kowloon Union Church as it prepares for the Annual General Meeting next Sunday; and for its various ministries that they may truly serve your people. God, in your mercy: hear our prayer. 

Loving God, thank you for mothers, foster mothers, and for all who care and love with a mother’s heart. May their lives be filled with wisdom, goodness, and endurance. Be their comfort, strength and shield when their burdens seem too heavy and overwhelming. May they find relief to their troubles and claim the life in fullness that you will for them. God, in your mercy: hear our prayer. 

Healing God, we pray for all the sick, lonely or confused; the hurting or despairing; and all who cry out for your mercy. Grant your healing mercies upon Lucy Lim, Ramon Bultron, Jenny Alegre, and others whose names we keep in our hearts. Restore them to wholeness and strengthen those who care for them. God, in your mercy: hear our prayer.

Gracious God, we remember the people and churches of Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal. Thank you for the blessings of beautiful natural resources, diverse cultures, languages, and arts, and their gift of resilience in the face of adversity. We pray for those who lost families and homes due to earthquakes and other disasters. Grant them strength and perseverance as they struggle to rebuild their lives. God, in your mercy: hear our prayer.

Merciful God, may we, who claim to be Christ’s disciples, abide with him that we may strive to bring peace, care and gentleness that the Good Shepherd wills for the whole world. Together we say the prayer that he taught his disciples, saying –

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. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.