Forms of Intercession

¶		Forms of Intercession

		1

		This form may be used either with the insertion of specific subjects between the paragraphs or as a continuous whole, with or without brief biddings addressed to the people before the prayer begins.

		Not all paragraphs need to be used on every occasion.

		Individual names may be added at the places indicated.

		The responses indicated in the service order may be usedat appropriate points in the text.

		At the end of this form of intercession, silence may be kept and a Collect or other ending may be said.

		In the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ,
		let us pray to the Father.

		Almighty God, our heavenly Father, you promised through your Son Jesus Christ to hear us when we pray in faith.

		Strengthen N our bishop and all your Church in the service of Christ, that those who confess your name may be united in your truth, live together in your love, and reveal your glory in the world.

		Bless and guide Elizabeth our Queen; give wisdom to all in authority; and direct this and every nation in the ways of justice and of peace; that we may honour one another, and seek the common good.

		Give grace to us, our families and friends, and to all our neighbours, that we may serve Christ in one another, and love as he loves us.
		Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit …; give them courage and hope in their troubles;
		and bring them the joy of your salvation.

		Hear us as we remember those who have died in the faith of Christ …; according to your promises, grant us with them a share in your eternal kingdom.

		Rejoicing in the fellowship of [N and of] all your saints, we commend ourselves and the whole creation to your unfailing love.

		Silence may be kept and a Collect or other ending may be said.

		2

		This form may be used either with the insertion of specific subjects at the points indicated or as a continuous whole, with or without brief biddings addressed to the people before the prayer begins.

		The responses indicated in the service order may be used at appropriate points in the text.

		In the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ,
		let us pray to the Father.

		O God, the creator and preserver of all,
		we pray for people in every kind of need;
		make your ways known on earth,
		your saving health among all nations …

		We pray for the good estate of the catholic Church;
		guide and govern us by your good Spirit,
		that all who profess and call themselves Christians
		may be led into the way of truth,
		and hold the faith in unity of spirit,
		in the bond of peace and in righteousness of life …

		We commend to your fatherly goodness
		all those who are any ways afflicted or distressed,
		in mind, body or estate;
		comfort and relieve them in their need,
		give them patience in their sufferings,
		and bring good out of all their afflictions …

		We remember those who have gone before us
		in the peace of Christ,
		and we give you praise for all your faithful ones,
		with whom we rejoice in the communion of saints …

		All this we ask for Jesus Christ's sake.
All		Amen.

		3

		This form is used as a continuous whole without interpolation except, if desired, the inclusion of responses printed in the service order. However, biddings may be addressed to the people before the prayer begins. Not all paragraphs need be used on every occasion.

		In the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ, let us pray to the Father.

		Almighty and ever-living God, who by thy holy apostle hast taught us to make prayers and supplications, and to give thanks, for all men: we humbly beseech thee most mercifully to receive these our prayers, which we offer unto thy divine majesty; beseeching thee to inspire continually the universal Church with the spirit of truth, unity and concord; and grant that all they that do confess thy holy name may agree in the truth of thy holy word, and live in unity and godly love.

		We beseech thee also to lead all nations in the way of righteousness and peace; and so to direct all kings and rulers, that under them thy people may be godly and quietly governed. And grant unto thy servant Elizabeth our Queen, and to all that are put in authority under her, that they may truly and impartially administer justice, to the punishment of wickedness and vice, and to the maintenance of thy true religion and virtue.

		Give grace, O heavenly Father, to all bishops, priests and deacons, especially to thy servant N our bishop, that they may both by their life and doctrine set forth thy true and lively word, and rightly and duly administer thy holy sacraments.

		Guide and prosper, we pray thee, those who are labouring for the spread of thy gospel among the nations, and enlighten with thy Spirit all places of education and learning; that the whole world may be filled with the knowledge of thy truth.

		And to all thy people give thy heavenly grace; and specially to this congregation here present, that, with meek heart and due reverence, they may hear and receive thy holy word, truly serving thee in holiness and righteousness all the days of their life.

		And we most humbly beseech thee of thy goodness, O Lord, to comfort and succour all them who in this transitory life are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity.

		And we commend to thy gracious keeping, O Lord, all thy servants departed this life in thy faith and fear, beseeching thee, according to thy promises, to grant them refreshment, light and peace.

		And here we give thee most high praise and hearty thanks for all thy saints, who have been the chosen vessels of thy grace, and lights of the world in their several generations; and we pray that, rejoicing in their fellowship and following their good examples, we may be partakers with them of thy heavenly kingdom.

		Grant this, O Father, for Jesus Christ's sake, our only mediator and advocate.
All		Amen.

		4

		At the end of this form of intercession, silence may be kept and a Collect or other ending may be said.

		In the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ,
		let us pray to the Father.

		Hear our prayers, O Lord our God.
All		Hear us, good Lord.

		Govern and direct your holy Church; fill it with love and truth;
		and grant it that unity which is your will.
All		Hear us, good Lord.

		Give us boldness to preach the gospel in all the world, and to make disciples of all the nations.
All		Hear us, good Lord.

		Enlighten N our bishop and all your ministers with knowledge and understanding, that by their teaching and their lives they may proclaim your word.
All		Hear us, good Lord.

		Give your people grace to hear and receive your word, and to bring forth the fruit of the Spirit.
All		Hear us, good Lord.

		Bring into the way of truth all who have erred and are deceived.
All		Hear us, good Lord.

		Strengthen those who stand, comfort and help the faint-hearted;
		raise up the fallen; and finally beat down Satan under our feet.
All		Hear us, good Lord.

		Guide the leaders of the nations into the ways of peace and justice.
All		Hear us, good Lord.

		Guard and strengthen your servant Elizabeth our Queen, that she may put her trust in you, and seek your honour and glory.
All		Hear us, good Lord.

		Endue the High Court of Parliament and all the ministers of
		the Crown with wisdom and understanding.
All		Hear us, good Lord.

		Bless those who administer the law, that they may uphold
		justice, honesty and truth.
All		Hear us, good Lord.

		Give us the will to use the fruits of the earth to your glory,
		and for the good of all creation.
All		Hear us, good Lord.

		Bless and keep all your people.
All		Hear us, good Lord.

		Help and comfort the lonely, the bereaved and the oppressed.
All		Lord, have mercy.

		Keep in safety those who travel, and all who are in danger.
All		Lord, have mercy.

		Heal the sick in body and mind, and provide for the homeless,
		the hungry, and the destitute.
All		Lord, have mercy.

		Show your pity on prisoners and refugees, and all who are in trouble.
All		Lord, have mercy.

		Forgive our enemies, persecutors and slanderers, and turn
		their hearts.
All		Lord, have mercy.

		Hear us as we remember those who have died in the peace of Christ, both those who have confessed the faith and those
		whose faith is known to you alone, and grant us with them a share in your eternal kingdom.
All		Lord, have mercy.

		Silence may be kept and a Collect or other ending may be said.

		5

		At the end of this form of intercession, silence may be kept and a Collect or other ending may be said.

		In the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ,
		let us pray to the Father.

		For the peace of the whole world,
		for the welfare of the Holy Church of God,
		and for the unity of all,
		let us pray to the Lord.
All		Lord, have mercy.

		For N our bishop,
		for the leaders of our sister Churches,
		and for all clergy and people,
		let us pray to the Lord.
All		Lord, have mercy.

		For Elizabeth our Queen,
		for the leaders of the nations,
		and for all in authority,
		let us pray to the Lord.
All		Lord, have mercy.

		For this community,
		for every city, town and village,
		and for all the people who live within them,
		let us pray to the Lord.
All		Lord, have mercy.

		For good weather,
		and for abundant harvests for all to share,
		let us pray to the Lord.
All		Lord, have mercy.

		For those who travel by land, air, or water,
		for the sick and the suffering,
		[for … ,]
		for prisoners and captives,
		and for their safety, health and salvation,
		let us pray to the Lord.
All		Lord, have mercy.

		For our deliverance from all affliction, strife and need,
		and for the absolution of our sins and offences,
		let us pray to the Lord.
All		Lord, have mercy.

		Remembering [… and]
		all who have gone before us in faith,
		and in communion with [… and] all the saints,
		we commit ourselves, one another,
		and our whole life to Christ our God;
All		to you, O Lord.

		Silence may be kept and a Collect or other ending may be said.

© The Archbishops' Council of the Church of England, 2000-2004
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