During the short periods of silence, please add your own petitions and intercessions in the silence of your hearts.
We pray for the church.
God of all joy, look with mercy on this your family for which our Lord Jesus Christ was content to be betrayed and given up into the hands of sinners and to suffer death upon the cross.
Grant wisdom to all who minister in your name, strength to all who are being persecuted for your sake, and perseverance to us all on the journey of faith.
[ Silence ] We pray for the church.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for our world.
God of all power, you have created the heavens and the earth and made us in your own image: teach us to discern your hand in all your works and your likeness in all your children.
May all that unites us prevail over that which divides, all that is just and true over injustice and falsehood, all that nourishes and heals over that which exploits and destroys, and all that brings peace and reconciliation over violence and fear.
[ Silence ] We pray for our world.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for all who are suffering.
God of all comfort, our very present help in trouble, look with the eyes of your mercy on all who suffer, in body, mind or spirit; console them with a sense of your presence; preserve them from the enemy; and shelter and surround them with love.
Guide the hands of healers and the hearts of aid workers; bless all caregivers and advocates; and watch over all who are dying, and over those who watch and wait with them.
[Pause] We pray for all who are suffering.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for the souls of the departed.
God of all grace, grant your peace to those we love, but see no longer. Let light perpetual shine upon them, and in your loving wisdom and almighty power, work in them the good purpose of your perfect will.
[ Silence ] We pray for the souls of the departed.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for ourselves.
God of all, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you: pour your love into our hearts and draw us to yourself, that we may dwell in your presence and come to see you face to face.
[ Silence ] We pray for ourselves.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
And so
…we gather up and offer our prayers to the one who inspires and answers.
Merciful God, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
