Transcendent God...
Intercession
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
The Church of Christ
Creation, human society, the Sovereign and those in authority
The local community
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.
Transcendent God, I want to hear your voice, but silence is scary. I'm afraid that I shan't know what to do with myself. Silence can feel creepy too, and I always want someone to break it somehow, to speak or play music or something. It occurs to me that I may be afraid, because all the rubbish I've spent years pushing down inside me may begin to surface in the silence, and that sounds like it might hurt! Or perhaps I'm afraid, deep down inside where I can't see, to really meet with you. Gentle and understanding God, will you hold my hand? I need to know you're there, going down with me into the silence, monitoring what it may hold, keeping me secure against the terrors. And then, perhaps, life will be transfigured for me too.
Transcendent God, we in your Church so often long for transformation. We see so much that is wrong with your Church and hear only about the negative. It would be so good for the world to see you transfigured and to know for themselves that you are alive and active. Transcendent God, remind us that we are your Church, and that your Church's image depends on us. Help us so to know you that we are transfigured, and your Church begins to be seen as full of radiant light.
Together with the Church throughout the world we pray especially today for the Church in the Sudan which experiences both persecution and growth, and its Archbishop Joseph Marona, and the Church in Kuopio, Finland and its Bishop Willi Riekkinen.
Transcendent God, may human life on this earth be transformed. May we learn such love for each other that no-one knows hunger, no-one knows violence, no-one knows poverty. Pour your love into human hearts that we may always work together for the good of all human beings, excluding no-one.
We continue to pray for the situation in the Middle East, and for all asylum seekers and refugees. May our countries deal generously with those in need, welcoming them to share in our plenty. And may they become fully accepted and integrated into our society.
Transcendent God, Peter James and John saw you in a mystical, visionary way. May we encourage the visionary experiences of human beings, especially of our children. Teach us not to fear your spiritual gifts, but to accept and welcome them with huge delight. May we stop regarding with suspicion those from different background and churches and traditions, but enjoy the gifts they offer and accept their help to widen our own experiences.
In our community we pray especially today for ...
Transcendent God, transform the lives of those we know who are sick. May they experience your healing power cascading through them, restoring to full health and strength that within them which is damaged. Give wisdom and strength to those who care for the sick. Guide the hands and the thought of those involved with medicine, and fill with love those who nurse, whether at home or in hospital. We name especially before you today for your healing touch .....
Transcendent God, your full transcendence was seen only in your resurrection, but the three disciples glimpsed an aspect of that resurrection up on the mountain. May we so order our lives that we too glimpse aspects of your kingdom in this life, so that we may be more fully prepared for that glorious life after death. We hold in your presence today all those who have died recently, and the families and friends they leave behind them..... and those for whom this time brings annual sadness...
Thank you, transcendent God.
Merciful Father,
Accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
The Church of Christ
Creation, human society, the Sovereign and those in authority
The local community
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.
Transcendent God, I want to hear your voice, but silence is scary. I'm afraid that I shan't know what to do with myself. Silence can feel creepy too, and I always want someone to break it somehow, to speak or play music or something. It occurs to me that I may be afraid, because all the rubbish I've spent years pushing down inside me may begin to surface in the silence, and that sounds like it might hurt! Or perhaps I'm afraid, deep down inside where I can't see, to really meet with you. Gentle and understanding God, will you hold my hand? I need to know you're there, going down with me into the silence, monitoring what it may hold, keeping me secure against the terrors. And then, perhaps, life will be transfigured for me too.
Transcendent God, we in your Church so often long for transformation. We see so much that is wrong with your Church and hear only about the negative. It would be so good for the world to see you transfigured and to know for themselves that you are alive and active. Transcendent God, remind us that we are your Church, and that your Church's image depends on us. Help us so to know you that we are transfigured, and your Church begins to be seen as full of radiant light.
Together with the Church throughout the world we pray especially today for the Church in the Sudan which experiences both persecution and growth, and its Archbishop Joseph Marona, and the Church in Kuopio, Finland and its Bishop Willi Riekkinen.
Transcendent God, may human life on this earth be transformed. May we learn such love for each other that no-one knows hunger, no-one knows violence, no-one knows poverty. Pour your love into human hearts that we may always work together for the good of all human beings, excluding no-one.
We continue to pray for the situation in the Middle East, and for all asylum seekers and refugees. May our countries deal generously with those in need, welcoming them to share in our plenty. And may they become fully accepted and integrated into our society.
Transcendent God, Peter James and John saw you in a mystical, visionary way. May we encourage the visionary experiences of human beings, especially of our children. Teach us not to fear your spiritual gifts, but to accept and welcome them with huge delight. May we stop regarding with suspicion those from different background and churches and traditions, but enjoy the gifts they offer and accept their help to widen our own experiences.
In our community we pray especially today for ...
Transcendent God, transform the lives of those we know who are sick. May they experience your healing power cascading through them, restoring to full health and strength that within them which is damaged. Give wisdom and strength to those who care for the sick. Guide the hands and the thought of those involved with medicine, and fill with love those who nurse, whether at home or in hospital. We name especially before you today for your healing touch .....
Transcendent God, your full transcendence was seen only in your resurrection, but the three disciples glimpsed an aspect of that resurrection up on the mountain. May we so order our lives that we too glimpse aspects of your kingdom in this life, so that we may be more fully prepared for that glorious life after death. We hold in your presence today all those who have died recently, and the families and friends they leave behind them..... and those for whom this time brings annual sadness...
Thank you, transcendent God.
Merciful Father,
Accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
