Here’s a beautiful prayer of intercession for Epiphany 5B (February 5, 2012). It was written by Reverend Eleanor Macalister, and posted on the Church of Scotland’s Starters for Sunday website.
A Prayer for Others
Lord Jesus Christ,
when you walked on dusty roads
or sat by glistening waters,
you met people where they were.
When you bent down low
to touch the leper,
or raised your eyes to touch Zacchaeus’ heart,
heaven and earth were met.
And so our prayer today is that our world will know
your healing touch
and your forgiving heart.
That those who have been hurt
by insincere actions
and damning words
will hear your healing voice.
That those whose lives are filled with dark thoughts,
or unimaginable fears,
will know your peace.
Walk beside those who are close to giving up hope
and where life seems to have no point;
where people struggle to make ends meet
and fear the bailiffs’ knock on the door.
May children living in sewers
or tending AIDS-racked parents
feel the touch of a caring hand
and an end to injustice and fear.
And may all who weep and mourn,
or feel abandoned and unloved
turn towards your voice,
move towards your arms
and hear the whisper of your presence
in the long hours of night.
Inspire us and encourage us to bend down low;
to embrace those for whom society has no time or patience.
Raise our eyes upwards to see the struggling patient
and the exhausted care giver.
And where young and old stumble and fall, may we be there to offer support,
that all will know your love that transcends all others.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.
— written by Reverend Eleanor Macalister, and posted on the Church of Scotland’s Starters for Sunday website.
For more worship resources for February 5, 2012 (the fifth Sunday after Epiphany), click on Epiphany 5B in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.
For more prayer resources on this blog, see the Scriptural Index of Prayers at the upper right side of the page.
