Intercessions for Sunday 25th July 2021

Theme: The festival of St James the Apostle & Martyr 

After: “For all the saints who from their labours rest” the response is “Thy Name, O Jesus be for ever blest” 

Father in heaven you have gathered in your keeping the saints of the Church through the ages from every nation, thank you for their witness to you and their inspiration to us. Today we remember St James who left his family and followed Jesus as one of his disciples and remained faithful until he was killed by King Herod. Too many of your saints have paid the ultimate price of faithful witness, the last century seeing more martyrs than any other. May we be kept vigilant and alert by the sacrifices others have made , so that we may never take our faith for granted, and always be ready to take a stand. 

SILENCE

For all the saints who from their labours rest — Thy Name, O Jesus be for ever blest.

Father in heaven we give you thanks that you sent Jesus to live amongst us, we pray that we may share in his mission passing on the message of the gospel. May your whole Church be moved to share in this ministry. We pray for the work of our Church her at St Michael’s and our Rector, Dom, and Lay-Reader, Kevin. 

SILENCE

For all the saints who from their labours rest — Thy Name, O Jesus be for ever blest.

Father in heaven, all the kingdoms and nations on earth are answerable to your authority and much evil flourishes. Give us courage to speak your truth and message of love, whether it is popular or not. Give courage and strength to all who are working for relief agencies and generosity to all who are called to support them in their work. 

SILENCE

For all the saints who from their labours rest — Thy Name, O Jesus be for ever blest.

Father in heaven, we give you thanks and praise for our homes, families and friends. Teach us to be sensitive to the needs of others. Help us to listen and respond with help and encouragement. Bless all whom we love. 

SILENCE

For all the saints who from their labours rest — Thy Name, O Jesus be for ever blest.

Father in heaven, we give you thanks that you care for us. We hold before you all who are suffering, whether through illness, pain, loneliness; those who are homeless; those deeply in debt; those addicted to drugs or alcohol; and those who cannot cope. We pray for courage and endurance for National Health Service staff, carers and caring charities. 

SILENCE

For all the saints who from their labours rest — Thy Name, O Jesus be for ever blest.

Father in heaven we rejoice in the Good News of eternal life. We hold before you those who are departed from us and we continue to remember Ian Hume from our own congregation. We share with them in the fellowship of all your saints and commend them to your unfading love. 

SILENCE

For all the saints who from their labours rest — Thy Name, O Jesus be for ever blest.

Father in heaven, keep us aware of the noble line of all the saints and the privilege of following in their steps. Enrich the poverty of our love and commitment and keep us close to Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of You Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. AMEN.

Intercessor: Joan Sadden