Here’s a prayer of intercession based on the book of James. It was written by Rick Morley, and posted on
his A Garden Path blog.
He writes: The following version of the prayers of the people is inspired by the
Epistle of James, and might be used when a reading from the letter is preached
on or highlighted in the service in some other way.
Prayer of Intercession
(inspired by the book of James)
Father of Lights, from whom comes
every perfect gift,
hear our prayers which we offer
fervently to you,
and in the name of our glorious Lord
Jesus Christ.
We pray for the church,
that we might show forth our faith
in action,
regard all with impartiality,
and be quick to listen and slow to
anger.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
We pray for our nation,
that whenever trials may befall us,
that God may grant us endurance and
wisdom.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
We pray for the world,
that the lowly may be raised up,
and that mercy may fall on us all.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
We pray for the sick, the injured,
the vulnerable,
and those undergoing all forms of
adversity,
that they might all be raised up;
especially ______.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
We pray for those celebrating this
week, especially ____.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
We pray for those who have died
(especially ____),
that they would draw near to God,
and that God would draw near to them.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Gracious God,
let our prayers be offered to you
with the gentleness that is born
from your wisdom from above,
that is pure, peaceable, gentle,
willing to yield, and full of mercy. Amen.
