Here’s a prayer of intercession based on the suggested scripture readings for October 16, 2011 (Proper 24A, Ordinary 29A) from the Starters for Sunday website.
The second half of the prayer includes intercessions for government officials and politicians. You may need to revise it slightly to suit your country’s particular system of government.
For other possible Prayers of the People for October 16, see:
Prayer of Thanksgiving and intercession
(inspired by Matthew 22:15-22, I Thessalonians 1:1-10, Exodus 33:12-23)
Companion God,
we praise you for the grace which is always on the move,
from death to life, desolation to hope, famine to feasting.
As we travel this road of pain and rejoicing,
we give thanks that you go with us as our guardian and friend:
that you have taken us by the hand and led us,
giving guidance and support.
Your presence travels with us: You will give us rest.
- that you have strengthened us for the work of faith,
the labour of love, the steadfastness of hope.
Your presence travels with us: You will give us rest.
- that you have made us imitators of your saints and disciples,
and of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Your presence travels with us: You will give us rest.
- that as we have received your Word with joy,
even in the midst of our suffering,
you have revealed to us your ways.
Your presence travels with us: You will give us rest.
- that we belong to you and you have shown us your glory.
Your presence travels with us: You will give us rest.
- that through our example others have been encouraged and
inspired.
Your presence travels with us: You will give us rest.
Almighty God, ruler of the ends of the earth,
we pray for those to whom you have entrusted
power and responsibility.
We think first of our own country
and those elected to office as Members of Parliament—
those who serve in government,
whether in cabinet office, junior posts
or on backbench committees;
those in opposition with their mandate
to challenge and debate government policies and decisions;
and especially we pray for our Prime Minister
and the leaders of all other parties.
Almighty God,
grant them wisdom,
insight,
patience,
dedication,
integrity,
open-mindedness,
and humility,
that each may be equipped
to honour the trust placed in them.
We pray for those in local government,
entrusted with representing the interests
of local people in their communities,
taking decisions which will directly influence their lives,
wrestling with limited resources and numerous demands.
Give to them the qualities they need to serve faithfully,
staying true to their convictions
yet putting people before party.
We pray for those in authority in other lands,
leaders of nations large and small,
super-powers and tiny states,
shaping the lives of millions or relatively few.
Grant them also the guidance and the gifts they need
to govern wisely,
that they may work for the good of all their people,
and strive to promote justice,
freedom of speech and opportunity,
inner harmony and international peace.
Finally we pray for those nations
affected by an abuse of power,
divided by rival factions,
oppressed by military dictatorships,
exploited by corrupt regimes,
suppressed by totalitarian authorities.
Support those who suffer under such government,
and strengthen those who struggle
to bring justice to those places,
so that the time may come
when truth and justice prevail.
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
— Nick Fawcett, adapted by Rev. I. Scott McCarthy and posted on the Starters for Sunday website from the Church of Scotland.
