Intercessions for Sunday 4th July 2021

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

Prayer of Thanksgiving, Intercession and Commemoration

Intercessor: Jane Taylor

To the words‘Lord, in your mercy’, the response is ‘Hear our prayer’

Holy and mighty God, the light of your Word probes the darkest corners of the world, and flings open the shutters of our souls.

Your voice sounds the trumpet-call of freedom, calling us to leave behind our dull and spirit-cramping existence,and stride forth in a blaze of confidence and joy to announce the news of your coming, and to make your glory known.

Gracious Lord, in the same way that you have created us as unique and precious reflections of yourself: so you have assigned each one of us our own particular role in the work you are doing on earth, according to our own special gifts and talents.

As we remember this, and ask your help in discerning how best we can serve you: we thank you and praise you for your love and goodness, your tenderness and generosity: and for all the blessings that you shower upon us, day by day.

Father in Heaven, whose compassion knows no bounds, and who longs for our trust and confidence: we seek your mercy, your help and your healing for the earth, and for all that is in it.

May your Church be true to you, and blessed by the power of your Holy Spirit: that she may be faithful in all you have commissioned her to do, and by her teaching and example, bring all people to your love and grace. Silence

Lord, in your mercy,

Hear our prayer

Bless Elizabeth, our Queen; Strengthen her for her task, and speak to her government: that our land may be ruled with fairness and compassion, the weakest be defended, and none be left without a voice. Silence

Lord, in your mercy,

Hear our prayer

We pray for people and places everywhere, suffering hardship and violence, cruelty and oppression.

Especially we remember those doing their best to survive amid war and conflict; famine and disease.

Those who have been forced to flee home and country; all prisoners and captives, and those trying to cope with the weary anxiety of illness; the frustration of handicap, and the pain of bereavement and grief. Silence

Lord, in your mercy,

Hear our prayer

May all whose lives are broken know the comfort of your Presence, and find hope and a fresh start through you: Lay your hand upon them, that the nightmare of their existence may be ended, and they find new life: and let us not rest until we have done all that we can to eradicate the causes of their trouble. Silence

Lord, in your mercy,

Hear our prayer

Give grace to us, our families and friends, and to all who seek to walk in the way of Christ, that we may serve one another; that we may love as Christ loves us, and that we may help build a world of fairness, understanding and love. Silence

Lord, in your mercy,

Hear our prayer

In silence, now, we make our own private prayers for those whose particular needs are close to our hearts ……………

Lord, in your mercy,

Hear our prayer

We remember, O Lord, with thanksgiving, the community of saints in heaven; the faithful departed, and those dear to us, who are at rest in you. May we, in our time, take up the work they have laid down and so carry the torch of Christ that when our day is ended, the evening shadows lengthen

and we prepare for our own rest: we may look forward to joining them, and eternal life in your Presence with dancing hearts and joyful spirits: through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Merciful Father,

Accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.