Here’s a prayer of intercession inspired by John 6:35. It comes from the Lutheran Church of Australia’s Worship Planning Page.
Prayer of the Church
(inspired by John 6:35)
Jesus said, 'I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.' This is the promise of God to whom we now pray.
Heavenly Father: thank you for sending your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, to be the Bread of Life for the world. Forgive us for elevating earthly appetites above devotion to you. Feed us with the knowledge of Christ so that we recognise our sin and gladly repent in his name.
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.
We pray for those whose daily need for healthy food, clean water and proper shelter goes un-met, and for those misusing what they have in the vain pursuit of pleasure. Feed them with all the good things of Christ for life now and in eternity.
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.
Have mercy on those whose lives have been broken by violence and crime. Feed them with hope and a new life in Christ. And bless our brothers and sisters in prison and those who minister to them.
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.
Feed those who are sick or sorrowing with healing and consolation through Christ. We pray particularly for (insert names). And meet the needs of others we know personally to be in want and whom we now name silently in our hearts... (brief silence)
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.
Merciful Father, you heard the prayers of your people in the wilderness and fed them bread from heaven despite their sin. Graciously hear us today and feed us too with the Bread of Life from heaven, even our Lord Jesus Christ, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
~ adapted from the Lutheran Church of Australia’s LCA Worship Planning Page. http://www.lca.org.au/worship/
