The Church of Christ Creation,
The Sovereign and those in authority
The local community and human society,
Those who suffer
The communion of saints
These responses may be used:
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Let us pray for the Church and for the world, and let us thank God
for his goodness.
Almighty God our heavenly father, you promised
through your Son Jesus Christ to hear us when we pray in faith.
Inclusive God, your Church should be a place where all are welcome, where all are loved into the Kingdom. Yet we have black churches and white churches, youth churches and churches which only have the elderly, churches which attract the wealthy and churches which attract the poor. We in your Church have failed to remove the boundaries in order to make our churches are all-inclusive. Help your church to work with those who are rejected, and to count it an honour to stand alongside the marginalised.
Today with the world-wide church we pray especially for your Church in ...
Strengthen N our bishop and all your Church in the service
of Christ; that those who confess your name may be united in your truth, live
together in your love, and reveal your glory in the world.
Inclusive
God, refugees are amongst the most rejected of human beings. Fleeing their own
country through fear of the regime or of reprisals, they are regarded as a
problem by other countries and often rejected by them too. May governments and
leaders work together to ensure that their people can live in safety, and where
this is not possible, may other countries show your compassion in welcoming the
rejected.
Bless and guide Elizabeth our queen; give wisdom to all in authority; and direct this and every nation in the ways of justice and of peace; that we may honour one another, and seek the common good.
Inclusive God, we all know it only needs good people to do nothing for evil to abound. Give us your righteous anger when we see or hear about the abuse or rejection of other human beings, that we may work always towards equality for all.
Give grace to us, our families and friends, and to all our neighbours; that we may serve Christ in one another, and love as he loves us.
Inclusive God, there are illnesses which are repugnant and scary, but you rejected no-one, not even lepers. May we be aware when we treat other people like lepers, and work with the medical profession to acknowledge and treat all illnesses. We name before you those of our friends and families who are sick, asking you to lay your healing hands upon them ......
Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind or spirit...; give them courage and hope in their troubles; and bring them the joy of your salvation.
Inclusive God, sometimes people are treated like lepers just because they are bereaved. Because we humnas find it difficult to know what to say, we cross the road to the other side rather than interact with someone who might display grief. Forgive our cowardice, and enable us to care for those who mourn, giving them the strength and support and love they need. Especially we remember the family of ...., and those for whom this time of year brings a sad anniversary....
Hear us as we remember those who have died in the faith of Christ....; according to your promises grant us with them a share in your eternal kingdom.
Rejoicing in the fellowship of (N and of) all your saints, we commend ourselves and all people to your unfailing love.
Merciful Father,
Accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
