Here’s a prayer of intercession written by Rev. Richard J. Fairchild, and posted on his Kir-shalom website.
Prayer of Confession & Intercession
(based on Matthew 22: 34-40)
Merciful Jesus, you said that:
'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart.'
For when our hearts have been focused on the vanities of this life
and we have loved you less than we love the things of this world,
forgive us Lord.
............ (silent confession) ............
You said as well, Gracious One, that:
'You shall love the Lord your God with all your soul.'
For when we have pursed a selfish happiness
instead of seeking to please you
by diligently heeding your commandments and your laws,
forgive us Lord.
............ (silent confession) ............
You said, as well, O Christ, that:
'You shall love the Lord your God with all your mind and all your strength.'
For when we have concentrated on our burdens and worries
and have failed to seek your wisdom
and to turn to you for your strength and support,
forgive us Lord.
............ (silent confession) ............
You have said as well, O God, that
'You shall love your neighbour as yourself.'
For when we have failed to love our brothers and sisters;
particularly when we have neglected the poor
and the strangers among us
and for when we have treated others as less than ourselves,
forgive us Lord.
............ (silent confession) ............
Lord God, Christ Jesus, Holy Spirit, we thank you for your mercy and
your love. You make new all who turn to you.
We bless you and thank you for your faithfulness to your people
and for your care for the world.
Today we pray not only that we might be a people
who love as you have shown us how to love.
We pray as well for the people and the nations around us,
that they may know you
and your healing and saving power in their lives
and render you thanks and praise.
We hold before you, O God, and ask your blessing upon each person
and each situation that you bring now to our hearts
and to our lips and our ears....
(Prayers and intercessions for persons and situations as they
may be offered aloud and/or in the silence of our hearts)
Lord, hear our prayer.
And in your love answer.
Holy and Compassionate God:
We thank you for hearing us, and for answering us.
Give us eyes to see you in our midst,
ears to hear your words of challenge and of encouragement,
hearts to welcome you,
and hands and feet to serve you and walk humbly with you,
trusting in your great mercy and power
as it has been shown to us in and through Christ Jesus,
your Son and our Lord, our brother, and our friend. Amen.
— Copyright © Rev. Richard J. Fairchild, and posted on his Kir-Shalom website. Visit his site for other lectionary-based worship resources and sermons.
