Here’s a prayer of intercession from the Church of Scotland’s Starters for Sunday website.
Prayer for Others
Heavenly Father,
bring stillness to our hearts,
empty our minds of other things
and direct our thoughts to those who especially need our prayers.
When we reflect on how you have supported and cared for us in the past,
we cannot fail to give you thanks.
When we consider the way you give us courage and help for each new day,
we are filled with a sense of gratitude and praise.
When you lift us from the pit of doubt and despair,
our whole being feels renewed and refreshed.
What a comfort it is, to know the love and support you bring to us
through your Son and by your Spirit.
In our joy, let us not forget those this morning
who know little else but sadness.
In our sense of gratitude and praise,
let us not forget those whose lives are filled with regrets and heartbreaks.
In our feeling of support and guidance,
let us not forget those who feel they
have struggled against life’s difficulties and disappointments
alone and uncared for.
In our desire to give You praise,
do not blur our vision of the hardship in this life.
The despair of the homeless in our inner cities.
The feelings of guilt by parents who cannot feed their children.
The worries and fears of those in hospital.
The isolation of the lonely.
The deep sense of loss to those in bereavement.
Heavenly Father,
you are not only the God of this world,
you are the ruler of your heavenly Kingdom.
Strengthen us while we live out our life on this earth,
to show the compassion and the caring of Jesus.
Hold before us the reality of your Kingdom,
where there is no suffering, pain or regret,
so that we may share it with those who are without hope.
For we ask all these things through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
~ posted on the Church of Scotland’s Starters for Sunday website. http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/
