Here’s a prayer of intercession inspired by the suggested scripture readings for Proper 23A. Feel free to revise this prayer to suit your needs.
Prayer of Intercession
(based on Exodus 32:1-14, Psalm 106,
Philippians 4:1-9 and Matthew 22:1-14)
Philippians 4:1-9 and Matthew 22:1-14)
God, we come into Your presence
with praise and thanksgiving for Your faithful love.
Your love never fails—not even we turn away from You:
when we ignore Your invitation,
or desert You for gods of our own making.
Even then You do not abandon us,
but reach out—again and again—
inviting us back into relationship once more.
As You welcome us, so You welcome our prayers.
We bring them to You with confidence,
knowing that You will hear and answer.
We pray for the world You created, and the people who share it with us:
- for countries caught up in war or violent conflict,
- for regions of the world struggling with increased cases of COVID-19,
- for those whose homes and lives are threatened by natural disaster;
For these and all the other areas in our world
where there is need and despair,
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for our country and for its people:
- for our government leaders, federal and local,
- for our judicial system, police forces and military,
- for our cities, towns, and rural communities,
- for employers and employees, for young and old,
For all who are part of this great country,
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for our local community—the people of this city/town,
- for those who are unemployed,
- for those in prison,
- for those who are hungry,
- for those who are alone and afraid,
For all our neighbours, both known and unknown to us,
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for this congregation—our brothers and sisters in Christ,
- for those who are ill. or whose loved ones are ill,
- for those who are anxious about the future,
- for those struggling with their faith,
- for those who minister among us,
For all Your people in this place,
Lord, hear our prayer.
Pour out Your Spirit on us!
Fix our hearts and minds on what is true and honourable and right.
Give us the joy and peace that comes from knowing and doing Your will.
Keep us faithful to the call we have received in Christ Jesus, our Lord,
extending Your loving invitation to the world around us.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
~ Christine Longhurst, re:Worship
