Any suitable response may be used. A selection follows, and more, including some seasonal ones, can be found in Common Worship: Daily Prayer, on page 326. Care should be taken that the response is appropriate for the form of prayer being used and for the concluding prayer (such as, 'Merciful Father, accept these prayers …'). For instance, if the intercessions address the Father, make sure that the response does not address the Son, and so on.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.
Hear us,
hear us, good Lord.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
In faith we pray
we pray to you our God.
Lord, hear your people
and answer our prayers.
God of love
hear our prayer.
We pray to the Father.
Hear our prayer.
Lord, meet us in the silence
and hear our prayer.
Jesus [or 'Father'], Lord of …
(life,
creation, … a phrase which can be
varied)
in your mercy, hear us.
Loving God, we look to you.
Receive our prayer.
Generous God
pour out your love.
Your kingdom come
Your will be done.
It can be effective to use a simple sung response during the intercessions. Musicians might be able to set any of the above to music. Examples follow:
O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my
prayer,
when I call, answer me.
O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer,
come and listen to me.
Through our lives and by our prayers
your kingdom come.
Oculi nostri ad Dominum Jesum,
oculi nostri ad Dominum nostrum.
(Our eyes are turned to the Lord Jesus
Christ,
our eyes are turned to the Lord God, our Saviour.)
Watch, watch and pray
Jesus keeps to his word.
Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy upon
us.
Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy upon
us.
In any service which includes Holy Communion, the section of the intercessions concerned with the communion of saints may be replaced by one of the following, which provide a weightier ending and point ahead to the communion.
Almighty God,
by your Holy Spirit you have made us one
with your saints in heaven and on
earth:
grant that in our earthly pilgrimage
we may ever be supported by this fellowship
of love and prayer,
and know ourselves surrounded by their witness to your
power and mercy;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Bring us all to your heavenly city,
to the joyful gathering of thousands of angels,
to the assembly of your first born,
to the spirits of good people made perfect,
to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant
and to the sprinkled blood that promises peace.
Merciful Father …
cf Hebrews 12.22-24
Hasten, Lord, the day
when people will come from east and west,
from north and south,
and sit at table in your kingdom
and we shall see your Son in his glory.
Merciful Father …
cf Luke 13.29
Lord and judge of all, grant to us
and to all those who long for your appearing
the crown of righteousness on the great day
of your coming.
Merciful Father …
Fill our hunger with the food that
lasts,
the bread of God which comes down from heaven
and gives life to the
world.
Merciful Father …
cf John 6.33
The congregational ending for the Common Worship Holy Communion intercessions may be replaced by one of the following endings. Further endings may be found at sections 1-4 and 8 on pages 288-9 of Common Worship.
Lord of the Church,
hear our prayer,
and make us one in heart and mind
to serve you with joy for ever.
Amen.
God of mercy,
you know us and love us
and hear our prayer:
keep us in the eternal fellowship of
Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Amen.
Whenever the Lord's Prayer is introduced it needs to be clear to the congregation which version is to be used. A full printed text is one way to make this clear. In Common Worship,the modified traditional and modern forms each have a distinctive introduction, to help the congregation to know which one to expect, as follows:
As our Saviour has taught us, so we pray:
Our Father in heaven, (the modern English
version)
or
Let us pray with confidence as our Saviour has taught us:
Our Father in heaven, (the modified
traditional English version)
Awaiting his coming in glory,
Rejoicing in the presence of God here among us,
Seeking the salvation of the world,
Trusting in the compassion of God,
Standing at the foot of the cross,
Rejoicing in God's new creation,
Being made one by the power of the Spirit,
The introductions which follow here may be used with any form of the Lord's Prayer. If they are used without a full printed text, care should be taken to ensure that the congregation is clear about which form of the Lord's Prayer is to follow.
Jesus taught us to call God our
Father,
so in faith and trust we pray:
Gathering our prayers and praises into one, let us pray as our Saviour taught us.
We praise the Father,
and pray in the words of Christ himself.
Let us pray for the coming of God's
kingdom
in the words our Saviour taught us.
As God's children, and heirs with
Christ
we cry in the Spirit, 'Abba', Father.
Lord, remember us in your kingdom,
as we pray in the words you gave us.
[Let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.]
For the peace that comes from God
alone,
for the unity of all peoples,
and for our salvation,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the Church of Christ, for N our Bishop, [for …]
and for the whole people of God,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the nations of the world, [for …,]
for Elizabeth our Queen and for all in authority,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For this city (or town or village or community),
[for …,]
for our neighbours and our friends,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the good earth which God has given
us,
and for the wisdom and will to conserve it,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the aged and infirm,
for the widowed and orphans,
for the sick and suffering,
[for …] and for all
in any need,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the poor and the oppressed,
for the unemployed and the destitute,
for prisoners and captives,
and for all who remember and care for them,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
[For
… let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.]
For the dying, for those who mourn [the death of …],
for the faithful whom we entrust to the Lord in hope,
as we look forward to the day when we share
the fullness of the
resurrection,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Rejoicing in the communion of […
and of all] the
saints,
let us commend ourselves, and one another,
and all our life, to God.
Silence is kept.
For yours is the majesty,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit;
yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory,
now and for ever.
Amen.
The following prayers are in versicle and response form. Some of the acclamations in Resource Section G may also be suitable. Further examples may be found in Common Worship: Daily Prayer.
Make your ways known upon earth, Lord
God,
your saving power among all
peoples.
Renew your Church in holiness
and help us to serve you with
joy.
Guide the leaders of this and every
nation,
that justice may prevail throughout the
world.
Let not the needy be forgotten,
nor the hope of the poor be taken
away.
Make us instruments of your peace
and let your glory be over all the
earth.
Blessed are you, eternal God,
to be praised and glorified for
ever.
Hear us as we pray for your holy catholic
Church:
make us all one, that the world may
believe.
Grant that every member of the Church
may truly and humbly serve
you:
that the life of Christ may be revealed in
us.
Strengthen all who minister in Christ's
name:
give them courage to proclaim your
Gospel.
Inspire and lead those who hold
authority
in the nations of the
world:
guide them in the ways of justice and
peace.
Make us alive to the needs of our
community:
help us to share each other's joys and
burdens.
Look with kindness on our homes and
families:
grant that your love may grow in our
hearts.
Deepen our compassion for all who suffer
from sickness,
grief or trouble:
in your presence may they find their
strength.
We remember those who have died:
Father, into your hands we commend
them.
We praise you for all your saints who have
entered
your eternal glory:
bring us all to share in your heavenly
kingdom.
In your glory, Lord, protect us by the
power of your name,
that we may be one as you are
one.
We are in the world but not of it.
Protect us from the evil one.
Give us your word and the full measure of
your joy.
Sanctify us by your truth.
May your Spirit unite us in the love and
glory of
Father and Son.
May we be one that the world may
believe.
As you sent your Son into the world
so send us, to make your glory
known.
cf John 17.11-18
[We pray for strength to follow
Jesus.
Saviour, we hear your call.
Help us to follow.]
Jesus said: 'Whoever wishes to be great
among you
must be your servant,'
Saviour, we hear your call.
Help us to follow.
Jesus said: 'Unless you change
and become humble like little children,
you can never enter the kingdom of heaven.'
Saviour, we hear your call.
Help us to follow.
Jesus said: 'Happy are the humble;
they will receive what God has promised.'
Saviour, we hear your call.
Help us to follow.
Jesus said: 'Be merciful as your Father is merciful;
love your enemies and do good to them.'
Saviour, we hear your call.
Help us to follow.
Jesus said: 'Love one another, as I love you;
there is no greater love than this,
to lay down your life for your friends.'
Saviour, we hear your call.
Help us to follow.
Jesus said: 'Go to people everywhere
and make them my disciples,
and I will be with you always, to the end of time.'
Saviour, we hear your call.
Help us to follow.
God of mercy,
you know us and love us
and hear our prayer:
keep us in the eternal fellowship of
Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Amen.
Gracious God, fountain of all wisdom,
we pray for all Christian people;
for Bishop N, for all Christian
leaders,
and for those who teach and guard the faith …
May the word of Christ dwell richly in our hearts,
and knit us together in the bond of your love.
Hear us.
Hear us, good Lord.
We pray for the leaders of the
nations,
and for those in authority under them …
Give them the gift of your wisdom,
and a right discernment in all things.
Hear us.
Hear us, good Lord.
We pray for our … (city/town/village/community);
for those who live and work here,
and for those who visit this place …
Speak your word of peace in our midst,
and help us to serve one another as Christ has served us.
Hear us.
Hear us, good Lord.
We pray for those who do not believe,
and yet who long to know you, the very Word of life
…
Open their ears to hear your voice,
and open their hearts to the knowledge
of your love in Christ.
Hear us.
Hear us, good Lord.
We pray for those bowed down with grief,
fear or sickness,
especially …
May your living Word bring comfort and healing
to all those in need.
Hear us.
Hear us, good Lord.
We give thanks for all those who have died
in the
faith of Christ
and we rejoice with [N and]
all your saints,
trusting in the promise of your word fulfilled.
Lord of life,
hear our prayer,
and make us one in heart and mind
to serve you with joy for ever.
Amen.
cf Psalm 119
[We pray for God's grace.
Lord, receive our praise
and hear our prayer.]
Lord God, through your grace we are your
people:
through your Son you have redeemed us;
in your Spirit you have made us as your own.
We pray for … (new Christians, the Church)
Make our hearts respond to your love.
Lord, receive our praise
and hear our prayer.
We pray for …(the world, society, the local
community)
Make our lives bear witness to your glory in the world.
Lord, receive our praise
and hear our prayer.
We pray for …(people in
need, Christian service)
Make our wills eager to obey, and our hands ready to
heal.
Lord, receive our praise
and hear our prayer.
We give thanks for …
Make our voices one with all your people
in heaven and on earth.
Lord of life,
hear our prayer,
and make us one in heart and mind
to serve you with joy for ever.
Amen.
[We pray to the Lord.
In faith we pray.
We pray to you our God.]
That the rest of this day may be
holy,
peaceful and full of your
presence;
in faith we pray.
We pray to you our God.
That the work we have done
and the people we have met today
may bring us closer to you;
in faith we pray.
We pray to you our God.
[That we may be forgiven our sins and
failures;
in faith we pray.
We pray to you our God.]
That we may hear and respond to your
call
to peace and justice;
in faith we pray.
We pray to you our God.
That you will sustain the faith and hope of
those
who are lonely, oppressed and
anxious;
in faith we pray.
We pray to you our God.
That you will strengthen us in your
service,
and fill our hearts with longing for your kingdom;
in faith we pray.
We pray to you our God.
God of mercy,
you know us and love us
and hear our prayer:
keep us in the eternal fellowship of
Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Amen.
[Let us pray to God,
that he will bring to fruition all that he desires
for his creation.
Father, Lord of creation,
in your mercy, hear us.]
You have created the universe by your
eternal Word,
and have blessed humankind in making us
stewards of the earth.
We pray for your world,
that we may share and conserve its resources,
and live in reverence for the creation
and in harmony with one another.
Father, Lord of creation,
in your mercy, hear us.
You have given the human race a rich
land,
a land of streams and springs,
wheat and barley,
vines and oil and honey.
We have made by sin a world of suffering and sorrow.
We pray for those who bear the weight of affliction,
that they may come to share the life of wholeness
and plenty.
Father, Lord of creation,
in your mercy, hear us.
In Christ you call us to a new way of life,
loving our neighbours before ourselves.
Help us to treat with care and respect the world as it is
as we live in hope and anticipation of the world
as it will be
when your kingdom comes and your will is done.
Thank you for those, living and departed,
who have shown a true respect for your creation …
Help us to follow in their footsteps,
until, with them, we see you face to face,
where all is made new in Christ our Lord.
Merciful Father,
accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.
O God our creator,
whose good earth is entrusted to our care
and delight and tenderness,
we pray:
May those who sow in tears
reap with shouts of joy.
For all who are in captivity to debt,
whose lives are cramped by fear
from which there is no turning
except through abundant harvest.
May those who sow in tears
reap with shouts of joy.
For all who depend on the earth for
their
daily food and fuel
whose forests are destroyed
for the profits of a few.
May those who sow in tears
reap with shouts of joy.
For all who labour in poverty,
who are oppressed by unjust laws,
who are banned for speaking the truth,
who long for a harvest of justice.
May those who sow in tears
reap with shouts of joy.
For all who are in captivity
to greed and waste and boredom,
whose harvest joy is choked
with things they do not need.
May those who sow in tears
reap with shouts of joy.
Turn us again from our captivity
and restore our vision,
that our mouth may be filled with laughter
and our tongue with singing.
Amen.
Let us pray for our own needs and for the
needs of others,
following the pattern which Jesus gave
when he taught us to pray to God our Father.
Through our love of the countryside,
through our care for animals,
through our respect for property and tools:
Father, hallowed be your name.
On our farms and in our homes,
in our colleges and schools,
where machinery is made,
and where policy is planned:
Father, your kingdom come.
By our seeking your guidance,
by our keeping your commandments,
by our living true to our consciences:
Father, your will be done.
For the millions who live in poverty and
hunger,
for our own needs, and the requirements of our
neighbours,
by co-operation, sympathy and generosity:
give us today our daily bread.
Because we have broken your
commandments,
doing what we ought not to do and neglecting
what we ought to do:
forgive us our sins.
If any have injured us by injustice, double
dealing
or exploitation:
we forgive those who sin against
us.
When prosperity lulls us to false
security,
or hard times prompt us to despair,
When success makes us boastful,
or failure makes us bitter:
lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
In the assurance of faith,
in the confidence of hope,
in the will to serve,
help us to love Christ as Lord,
and our neighbour as ourselves.
for the kingdom, the power
and the glory are yours,
now and for ever.
Amen.
[In joyful expectation of his coming
we pray to Jesus, saying,
Maranatha.*
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.]
Come to your Church as Lord and
Judge.
We pray for …
Help us to live in the light of your coming
and give us a longing for your kingdom.
Maranatha.
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
Come to your world as King of the
nations.
We pray for …
Before you rulers will stand in silence.
Maranatha.
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
Come to your people with a message of
victory
and peace.
We pray for …
Give us the victory over death, temptation and evil.
Maranatha.
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
Come to us as Saviour and Comforter.
We pray for …
Break into our lives,
where we struggle with sickness and distress,
and set us free to serve you for ever.
Maranatha.
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
Come to us from heaven, Lord Jesus, with
power and great glory.
Lift us up to meet you,
with [N and] all your saints
and angels,
to live with you for ever.
Maranatha.
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
Short biddings
are offered in the form
To [the suffering; the sick; those in
authority;
Mrs Smith in hospital; etc.]…
The response is used
each time
Come, Lord Jesus.
The response can be varied to suit the season
Come Holy Spirit; Come risen Lord; etc.
These can easily be used with children present and, after a series of biddings led by the president, further biddings could be encouraged from the congregation, and a suitable collect used at the end.
Christ, for whom there was no room in the
inn,
give courage to all who are homeless;
in your mercy
hear our prayer.
Christ, who fled into Egypt,
give comfort to all refugees;
in your mercy
hear our prayer.
Christ, who fasted in the desert,
give relief to all who are starving;
in your mercy
hear our prayer.
Christ, who hung in agony on the
cross,
give strength to all who suffer;
in your mercy
hear our prayer.
Christ, who died to save us,
give peace to all who seek pardon.
Lord of the Church
hear our prayer,
and make us one in heart and mind
to serve you with joy for ever.
Amen.
Christ, born in a stable,
give courage to all who are homeless:
Jesus, Saviour,
hear our prayer.
Christ, for whom the angels sang,
give the song of the kingdom to all who weep:
Jesus, Saviour,
hear our prayer.
Christ, worshipped by the shepherds,
give peace on earth to all who are oppressed:
Jesus, Saviour,
hear our prayer.
Christ, before whom the wise men
knelt,
give humility and wisdom to all who govern:
Jesus, Saviour,
hear our prayer.
Christ, whose radiance filled a lowly
manger,
give the glory of your resurrection to all who rest in
you:
Jesus, Saviour,
hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus Christ,
Son of the Father,
full of the Spirit,
hear our prayer,
receive our praises,
fill our lives.
Amen.
Unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is
given.
Let us offer our prayers for the needs of the world.
Wonderful Counsellor,
give your wisdom to the rulers of the nations …
Lord, in your mercy
hear our
prayer.
Mighty God,
make the whole world know
that the government is on your shoulders …
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.
Everlasting Father,
establish your reign of justice and righteousness
for ever …
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.
Prince of Peace,
bring in the endless kingdom of your peace …
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.
Lord of the Church,
hear our prayer,
and make us one in heart and mind
to serve you with joy for ever.
Amen.
The phrase 'in this holy night' makes this prayer particularly appropriate for use on Christmas Eve during the night. With the omission of this phrase (or its replacment with 'at this holy time') it is suitable for use on other occasions during the Christmas season.
Father, [in this holy night] your Son our
Saviour
was born as a child among
us.
Renew your Church as the Body of Christ.
Holy God
hear our prayer.
[In this holy night] there was no room for
your Son
in the inn.
Protect with your love those who have no home
and all who live in poverty.
Holy God
hear our prayer.
[In this holy night] Mary, in the pain of
labour,
brought your Son to birth.
Hold in your hand [… and] all who are in pain or
distress.
Holy God
hear our prayer.
[In this holy night] your Christ came
as a light shining in the
darkness.
Bring comfort to [… and] all who suffer
in the sadness of our
world.
Holy God
hear our prayer.
[In this holy night] the angels sang
'Peace to God's people on
earth'.
Strengthen those who work for peace and justice
in [… and in] all
the world.
Holy God
hear our prayer.
[In this holy night] shepherds in the field
heard
good tidings of joy.
Give us grace to preach the gospel of Christ's
redemption.
Holy God
hear our prayer.
[In this holy night] heaven is come down to
earth,
and earth is raised to heaven.
Keep in safety [… and] all those who have
passed through death in the hope
of heaven.
Holy God
hear our prayer.
[In this holy night] Christians the world
over
celebrate his birth.
Open our hearts that he may be born in us today.
Holy God
hear our prayer.
Father,
[in this holy night] angels and shepherds worshipped at
the manger throne.
Receive the worship we offer in fellowship with Mary,
Joseph and the saints
through him who is your Word made flesh,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.
These intercessions are particularly appropriate for use when small children are present. The prayer should be very simple, if possible drawing from the children the subjects for intercession.
Jesus, born in a human family:
we pray for … (families)
Lord Jesus,
hear our prayer.
Jesus, cradled in a manger:
we pray for … (homeless,
refugees)
Lord Jesus,
hear our prayer.
Jesus, sharing the stable with the
animals:
we pray for … (the
creation)
Lord Jesus,
hear our prayer.
Jesus, worshipped by shepherds and
kings:
we pray for … (nations,
races, peoples)
Lord Jesus,
hear our prayer.
Jesus, our Emmanuel:
we pray for … (those in
particular need)
Lord Jesus,
hear our prayer.
[Let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, come to your people.
In your mercy set us free.]
The following, bracketed, section may be omitted in Epiphany.
[Unlooked for,
Christ comes.
To shepherds,
watching their sheep through the long, dark night,
he comes with the glory of the angels' song
and in the humility of the manger.
Silence
Loving God, we pray for our community
…
In the midst of our everyday lives,
surprise us with glimpses of your glorious, humble love,
at the heart of existence.
Lord, come to your people.
In your mercy set us free.]
Searched for,
Christ comes.
To the wise and powerful,
star-led to Bethlehem, seeking a king,
he comes, child of Mary,
crowned with meekness,
worthy of every gift.
Silence
Loving God, we pray for the leaders of the
world …
Guide them with your light
to seek wisdom, justice and peace.
Lord, come to your people.
In your mercy set us free.
Longed for,
Christ comes.
To Anna and Simeon,
whose days are lived in faithful expectation,
he comes, a new life to the old,
a living prophecy of hope.
Silence
Loving God, we pray for the Church in all
the world …
Unite us by your Spirit,
and make us faithful witnesses to the hope we have in you.
Lord, come to your people.
In your mercy set us free.
Prayed for,
Christ comes.
To men and women, girls and boys,
crying out in darkness, pain and loneliness,
he comes, at one with us,
our Saviour, healer and friend.
Silence
Loving God, we pray for those whose lives
are
hard and painful
or whose existence is sorrowful, bitter or empty …
In their need, may they know your healing touch,
reaching out to comfort, strengthen and restore.
Lord, come to your people.
In your mercy set us free.
[Unlooked for and not searched for,]
longed for and prayed for,
loving God, you come to us now
as you have come to your people in every age.
We thank you for all who have reflected
the light of Christ.
Help us to follow their example
and bring us with them to eternal life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Let us worship the Saviour with joy
and make our prayer to our heavenly Father.
The Magi came from the east to worship your
Son:
Father, grant to Christians everywhere
the spirit of adoration
…
Lord of glory,
hear our prayer.
The infant Christ received gifts of gold,
incense and myrrh:
Father, accept the offering of our hearts and minds
[at the beginning of this year] …
Lord of glory,
hear our prayer.
The kingdoms of this world have
become
the kingdom of our God and of his
Christ:
Father, grant an abundance of peace to your world
…
Lord of glory,
hear our prayer.
The Holy Family lived in exile and in the
shadow of death:
Father, look in mercy on all who are poor and powerless,
and all who suffer …
Lord of glory,
hear our prayer.
Your Son shared the life of his home and
family
at Nazareth:
Father, protect in your love our neighbours,
our families and this community of which we are a part
…
Lord of glory,
hear our prayer.
Rejoicing in fellowship with the
shepherds,
the angels, the magi, the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph
and all the faithful departed,
we commend ourselves and all people
to your unfailing love.
Merciful Father, …
If this prayer is used as a meditation or Holy Week intercession, the silence comes best after the first line in each section, as here; if it is used as a Sunday intercession, it may come better before 'Lord, hear us', where particular requests may be inserted. This is an example of a set of intercessions which would be suitable for two people with contrasting voices: one to read the first part of each bidding and the other to lead the part after the silence.
[Let us pray to the Father,
who loved the world so much that he sent
his only Son to give us
life.]
Simon from Cyrene was forced to carry the
cross
for your Son.
Silence
Give us grace to lift heavy loads from
those we meet
and to stand with those condemned to die.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Your Son watched the soldiers gamble
to share his clothes.
Silence
Transform the hearts of those who make a
profit
from their victims,
and those whose hearts are hardened by their work.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
The thief, who was crucified with
Jesus,
was promised a place in your kingdom,
Silence
Give pardon and hope, healing and
peace
to all who look death in the face.
Lord, hear us:
Lord, graciously hear us.
From the cross, Jesus entrusted Mary his
mother and
John his disciple to each other's
care.
Silence
Help us also to care for one another
and fill our homes with the spirit of your love
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
The centurion was astonished to recognize
your glory
in the crucified Messiah.
Silence
Open the minds of those who do not know
you
to grasp in your Son the meaning of life and death.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Joseph of Arimathea came to take your Son's body away.
Silence
Give hope and faith to the dying and
bereaved,
gentleness to those who minister to them,
and courage to those whose faith is secret.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Simon and Joseph, Mary and John,
became part of the life of your church in Jerusalem.
Bring into your Church today a varied company of people,
to walk with Christ in the way of his passion,
and to find their salvation in the victory of his cross.
Lord of the Church:
hear our prayer,
and make us one in heart and mind
to serve you with joy for ever.
Amen.
In joy and hope we pray.
We pray to the Father.
Hear our prayer.
That our risen Saviour may fill us with the
joy of his glorious
and life-giving resurrection
…
We pray to the Father.
Hear our prayer.
That isolated and persecuted churches
may find fresh strength in the good news
of Easter …
we pray to the Father.
Hear our prayer.
That God may grant us humility
to be subject to one another in
Christian love …
we pray to the Father.
Hear our prayer.
That he may provide for those who lack
food,
work, or shelter …
we pray to the Father.
Hear our prayer.
That by his power war and famine
may cease through all the world
…
we pray to the Father.
Hear our prayer.
That he may reveal the light of his
presence to the sick,
the weak and the dying,
to comfort and strengthen them …
we pray to the Father.
Hear our prayer.
That he may send the fire of the Holy
Spirit upon
his people,
so that we may bear faithful witness to his
resurrection,
we pray to the Father.
Hear our prayer.
Jesus our exalted Lord has been given all
authority.
Let us seek his intercession that our prayers may be
perfected by his prayer.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Jesus Christ, great high priest,
living for ever to intercede for us,
pray for the Church, your broken body in the world
…
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Jesus Christ, king of righteousness,
enthroned at the right hand of the majesty on high,
pray for the world, and make it subject to
your gentle rule …
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Jesus Christ, Son of Man,
drawing humanity into the life of God,
pray for your brothers and sisters in need,
distress or sorrow …
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Jesus Christ, pioneer of our
salvation,
bringing us to glory through your death and resurrection,
surround with your saints and angels
those who have died trusting your promises …
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Jesus Christ, Lord over all things,
ascended far above the heavens and filling the universe,
pray for us who receive the gifts you give us for
work in your service
…
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Jesus Christ,
keep the Church in the unity of the Spirit
and in the bond of peace,
and bring the whole created order
to worship at your feet;
for you are alive and reign with the Father
and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
[We pray to God the Holy Spirit.
Holy Spirit, come upon us.]
Come, Holy Spirit, creator,
and renew the earth.
Holy Spirit, come upon us.
Come, Holy Spirit, counsellor,
and touch our lips that we may proclaim your word.
Holy Spirit, come upon us.
Come, Holy Spirit, power from on
high.
make us channels of peace and ministers of healing:
Holy Spirit, come upon us.
Come, Holy Spirit, breath of God,
give life to the dry bones around us,
and make us a living people, holy and free.
Holy Spirit, come upon us.
Come, Holy Spirit, wisdom and truth;
strengthen us to be bold in faith.
Holy Spirit, come upon us.
[We pray for God to fill us with his
Spirit.
Lord, come to bless us.
Fill us with your Spirit.]
Generous God, we thank you for the
power
of your Holy Spirit.
We ask that we may be strengthened to serve you better.
Lord, come to bless us.
Fill us with your Spirit.
We thank you for the wisdom of your Holy
Spirit.
We ask you to make us wise to understand your will.
Lord, come to bless us.
Fill us with your Spirit.
We thank you for the peace of your Holy
Spirit.
We ask you to keep us confident of your love,
wherever you call us.
Lord, come to bless us.
Fill us with your Spirit.
We thank you for the healing of your Holy
Spirit.
We ask you to bring reconciliation and wholeness
where there is division, sickness and sorrow.
Lord, come to bless us.
Fill us with your Spirit.
We thank you for the gifts of your Holy
Spirit.
We ask you to equip us for the work which you
have given us.
Lord, come to bless us.
Fill us with your Spirit.
We thank you for the fruit of your Holy
Spirit.
We ask you to reveal in our lives the love of Jesus.
Lord, come to bless us.
Fill us with your Spirit.
We thank you for the breath of your Holy
Spirit,
given by the risen Lord.
We ask you to keep the whole Church,
living and departed,
in the joy of eternal life.
Lord, come to bless us.
Fill us with your Spirit.
Generous God, you sent your Holy Spirit
upon your Messiah
at the River Jordan,
and upon the disciples in the upper room.
In your mercy fill us with your Spirit.
Hear our prayer,
and make us one in heart and mind
to serve you with joy for ever.
Amen.
[We pray that God's Holy Spirit may direct
our lives.
Lord, come to bless us.
Fill us with your Spirit.]
'The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy and
peace.'
Father, we know that your world needs love and harmony.
Lord, come to bless us.
Fill us with your Spirit.
'The fruit of the Spirit is patience,
kindness and goodness.'
Father, we know that our world is starved of love and
care.
Lord, come to bless us.
Fill us with your Spirit.
'The fruit of the Spirit is faithfulness,
gentleness
and self-control.'
Father, we know that our world is short of truth
and justice.
Lord, come to bless us.
Fill us with your Spirit.
Send us out in the power of your Spirit
to live and work to your praise and glory.
Amen.
cf Galatians 5.22, 23
[We pray that Christ may be seen in the
life of the Church.
Jesus, Lord of the Church,
in your mercy, hear us.]
You have called us into the family of those
who are
the children of God.
May our love for our brothers and sisters
be strengthened by your grace.
Jesus, Lord of the Church,
in your mercy, hear us.
You have called us to be a temple
where the Holy Spirit can dwell.
Give us clean hands and pure hearts,
so that our lives will reflect your holiness.
Jesus, Lord of the Church,
in your mercy, hear us.
You have called us to be a light to the
world,
so that those in darkness come to you.
May our lives shine
as a witness to the saving grace you have given for all.
Jesus, Lord of the Church,
in your mercy, hear us.
You have called us to be members of your
body,
so that when one suffers, all suffer together.
We ask for your comfort and healing power
to bring hope to those in distress.
Jesus, Lord of the Church,
in your mercy, hear us.
You have called us to be the Bride,
where you, Lord, are the Bridegroom.
Prepare us for the wedding feast,
where we will be united with you for ever.
Jesus, Lord of the Church,
hear our prayer,
and make us one in heart and mind
to serve you with joy for ever.
Amen.
High and holy God,
robed in majesty,
Lord of heaven and earth,
we pray that you will bring justice, faith and
salvation to all peoples.
[Especially we pray
…]
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
You chose us in Christ to be your
people
and to be the temple of your Holy Spirit;
we pray that you will fill your Church with
vision and hope.
[Especially we pray
…]
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Your Spirit enables us to cry, 'Abba!
Father!',
affirms that we are fellow-heirs with Christ
and pleads for us in our weakness;
we pray for all who are in need or distress.
[Especially we pray
…]
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
In the baptism and birth of Jesus,
you have opened heaven to us
and enabled us to share in your glory:
the joy of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit
from before the world was made.
[Especially we remember
…]
May your whole Church, living and departed,
come to a joyful resurrection in your city of light.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
[We pray to Jesus who is present with us to
eternity.
Jesus, Lord of life,
in your mercy, hear us.]
Jesus, light of the world,
bring the light and peace of your gospel
to the nations …
Jesus, Lord of life,
in your mercy, hear us.
Jesus, bread of life,
give food to the hungry …
and nourish us all with your word.
Jesus, Lord of life,
in your mercy, hear us.
Jesus, our way, our truth, our life,
be with us and all who follow you in the way …
Deepen our appreciation of your truth,
and fill us with your life.
Jesus, Lord of life,
in your mercy, hear us.
Jesus, Good Shepherd who gave your life for
the sheep,
recover the straggler,
bind up the injured,
strengthen the sick
and lead the healthy and strong to new pastures.
Jesus, Lord of life,
in your mercy, hear us.
Jesus, the resurrection and the life,
we give you thanks for all who have lived and
believed in you …
Raise us with them to eternal life.
Jesus, Lord of life,
in your mercy, hear us,
accept our prayers, and be with us always.
Amen.
[We pray for the family of the
Church,
for loving relationships,
and for the life of families around us.
Jesus, Lord of love,
in your mercy, hear us.]
Jesus, born in poverty and soon a
refugee,
be with families today who are poor
and live in hunger and want …
Jesus, Lord of love,
in your mercy, hear us.
Jesus, as you grew in wisdom and in favour
with
God and the people
in the family of Joseph the carpenter,
bring wisdom and the presence of God
into the work and growth of families today …
Jesus, Lord of love,
in your mercy, hear us.
Jesus, as you blessed marriage in the
wedding at Cana,
be with those preparing for marriage
and with those who come to the end of
their resources …
Jesus, Lord of love,
in your mercy, hear us.
Jesus, as you healed Peter's
mother-in-law,
bring healing to those in our families who are ill today
…
Jesus, Lord of love,
in your mercy, hear us.
Jesus, when you were dying you called Mary
and John to
care for one another.
Provide today for those who lose their families:
the bereaved and childless, orphans and widows …
Jesus, Lord of love,
in your mercy, hear us.
Jesus, as you ate breakfast on the beach
with
your disciples
after you were raised from the dead,
bring the whole Church on earth and in heaven
into your risen presence to eat at the eternal banquet.
Jesus, Lord of love,
in your mercy, hear us,
accept our prayers and be with us always.
Amen.
[Let us pray to God, our heavenly
Father.
Father of all
hear your children's prayer.]
Sovereign Lord,
your Son has revealed you as our heavenly Father,
from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named.
Father of all
hear your children's prayer.
You have made your Church a spiritual
family,
a household of faith.
Through baptism we are reborn as the brothers and
sisters of Christ.
Deepen our unity and fellowship in him.
Father of all
hear your children's prayer.
You sent your Son to give his life
as a ransom for the whole human family.
Give justice, peace and racial harmony to the
world he died to save.
Father of all
hear your children's prayer.
You gave your Son a share in the life of
a
family in Nazareth.
Help us to value our families, to be thankful for them,
and to live sensitively within them.
Father of all
hear your children's prayer.
Your Son drew around him a company of
friends.
Bring love and joy to all who are alone.
Help us all to find in the brothers and sisters of Christ
a loving family.
Father of all
hear your children's prayer.
You are the God of the dead as well as of
the living.
In confidence we remember those of the household of
faith who have gone before
us.
Bring us with them to the joy of your home in heaven.
Father of all
hear your children's prayer.
[We pray to the Lord for the courage to
give ourselves to
him [this Lent].
Lord, meet us in the silence.
Give us strength and hear our
prayer.]
Give us the courage to look beyond
ourselves
to mission in your world.
[We pray for N our bishop
and …]
May the blood and water flowing from the
side of Jesus
bring forgiveness to your people
and help us to face the cost of proclaiming salvation.
Lord, meet us in the silence.
Give us strength and hear our
prayer.
Give us the courage to give up war,
bitterness and hatred,
and to seek peace.
[We pray for…]
May the shoulders of the risen Jesus,
once scourged by soldiers,
bear the burden of political and military conflict in
our world.
Lord, meet us in the silence.
Give us strength and hear our
prayer.
Give us the courage to give up quarrels,
strife and jealousy
in our families, neighbourhoods and communities.
[We pray for…]
May the presence of the risen Jesus,
his body once broken and now made whole,
bring peace and direction as we live with one another.
Lord, meet us in the silence.
Give us strength and hear our
prayer.
Give us the courage to live for
others,
giving time, care and comfort to the sick and those in
need.
[We pray for…]
May the wounded hands of Jesus bring his
healing,
and the light of his presence fill their lives.
Lord, meet us in the silence.
Give us strength and hear our
prayer.
Give us the courage to give up our fear of
death
and to rejoice with those who have died in faith.
[Especially we hold … in our
minds.]
May the risen Lord Jesus, whose feet were
once nailed to the cross,
walk alongside the dying and bereaved,
and lead them and all your Church, through death
to the gate of glory.
Lord, meet us in the silence.
Give us strength and hear our prayer,
here and in eternity.
Amen.
[We pray for God's faithfulness to be known
in our world.
Faithful God
glorify your name.]
In a world of change and hope,
of fear and adventure;
faithful God
glorify your name.
In human rebellion and obedience,
in our seeking and our finding;
faithful God
glorify your name.
In the common life of our society,
in prosperity and need;
faithful God
glorify your name.
As your Church proclaims your goodness
in
words and action;
faithful God
glorify your name.
Among our friends
and in our homes;
faithful God
glorify your name.
In our times of joy,
in our days of sorrow;
faithful God
glorify your name.
In our strengths and triumphs,
in our weakness and at our death;
faithful God
glorify your name.
In your saints in glory
and on the day of Christ's coming;
faithful God
glorify your name.
[We pray for the coming of God's
kingdom.
Father, by your Spirit
bring in your kingdom.]
You sent your Son to bring good news to the
poor,
sight to the blind,
freedom to captives,
and salvation to your people:
anoint us with your Spirit;
rouse us to work in his name.
Father, by your Spirit
bring in your kingdom.
Send us to bring help to the poor
and freedom to the oppressed.
Father, by your Spirit
bring in your kingdom.
Send us to tell the world
the good news of your healing love.
Father, by your Spirit
bring in your kingdom.
Send us to those who mourn,
to bring joy and gladness instead of grief.
Father, by your Spirit
bring in your kingdom.
Send us to proclaim that the time is
here
for you to save your people.
Father, by your Spirit
bring in your kingdom.
God of mercy,
you know us and love us
and hear our prayer:
keep us in the eternal fellowship of
Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Amen.
cf Isaiah 61.1-3
[In the power of the Spirit let us pray to
the Father
through Christ the saviour of the world.
Let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.]
For forgiveness for the many times we have
denied Jesus,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For grace to seek out those habits of
sin
which mean spiritual death,
and by prayer and self-discipline to overcome them,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For Christian people,
that through the suffering of disunity
there may grow a rich union in Christ,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For those who make laws, interpret
them,
and administer them,
that our common life may be ordered in justice and mercy,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For those who still make Jerusalem a
battleground,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For those who have the courage and
honesty
to work openly for justice and peace,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For those in the darkness and agony of
isolation,
that they may find support and encouragement,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For those who, weighed down with
hardship,
failure, or sorrow,
feel that God is far from them,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For those who are tempted to give up the
way of the cross,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
That we, with those who have died in
faith,
may find mercy in the day of Christ,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
This may also be used
Holy God,
holy and strong,
holy and immortal,
have mercy upon us.
[Let us pray to the Lord, who has conquered
death.
Hear us, risen Lord,
our resurrection and our life.]
Jesus, bread from heaven,
you satisfy the hungry with good things:
grant us a share with all the faithful departed
in the banquet of your kingdom.
Hear us, risen Lord,
our resurrection and our life.
Jesus, the light of the world,
you gave the man born blind the gift of sight.
Open the eye of faith
and bring us from darkness
to your eternal light and glory.
Hear us, risen Lord,
our resurrection and our life.
Jesus, Son of the living God,
you summoned your friend Lazarus from death to life:
raise us at the last to full and eternal life with you.
Hear us, risen Lord,
our resurrection and our life.
Jesus, crucified Saviour,
in your dying you entrusted each to the other,
Mary your mother and John your beloved disciple:
sustain and comfort all who mourn.
Hear us, risen Lord,
our resurrection and our life.
Jesus, our way and truth and life,
you drew your disciple Thomas from doubt to faith:
reveal the resurrection faith to the doubting and the
lost.
Hear us, risen Lord,
our resurrection and our life.
May God in his infinite love and
mercy
bring the whole Church,
living and departed in the Lord Jesus,
to a joyful resurrection
and the fulfilment of his eternal kingdom.
Amen.
United in the company of all the
faithful
and looking for the coming of the kingdom,
let us offer our prayers to God,
the source of all life and holiness.
Merciful Lord,
strengthen all Christian people by your Holy Spirit,
that we may live as a royal priesthood and a holy nation
to the praise of Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Lord, have mercy.
Bless N
our bishop, and all ministers of your Church,
that by faithful proclamation of your word
we may be built on the foundation of the apostles
and prophets
into a holy temple in the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Empower us by the gift of your holy and
life-giving Spirit,
that we may be transformed into the likeness of Christ
from glory to glory.
Lord, have mercy.
Give to the world and its peoples
the peace that comes from above,
that they may find Christ's way of freedom and life.
Lord, have mercy.
Hold in your embrace all who witness to
your love in the
service of the poor and
needy;
all those who minister to the sick and dying;
and all who bring light to those in darkness.
Lord, have mercy.
Touch and heal all those whose lives are
scarred by sin
or disfigured by pain,
that, raised from death to life in Christ,
their sorrow may be turned to eternal joy.
Lord, have mercy.
Remember in your mercy all those gone
before us,
who have been well-pleasing to you from eternity;
preserve in your faith your servants on earth,
guide us to your kingdom,
and grant us your peace at all times.
Lord, have mercy.
Hasten the day when many will come
from east and west, from north and south,
and sit at table in your kingdom.
Lord, have mercy.
We give you thanks
for the whole company of your saints in glory,
with whom in fellowship we join our prayers and praises;
by your grace may we, like them,
be made perfect in your love.
Blessing and glory and wisdom,
thanksgiving and honour and power,
be to our God for ever and ever.
Amen.
(or)
Merciful Father,
accept these prayers
for the sake our your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.
These intercessions are especially suitable for a service for the commemoration of the faithful departed, but may appropriately be used at other times.
[In faith and hope we pray,
Lord of mercy,
Lord, hear us.]
Almighty God,
you bring your chosen people together
in one communion,
in the body of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
We rejoice in your light and your peace
with your whole Church in heaven and on earth.
Lord of mercy,
Lord, hear us.
[Give to all who mourn a sure
confidence
in your loving care,
that we may cast all our sorrow on you
and know the consolation of your love.
Lord of mercy,
Lord, hear us.]
Give your faithful people pardon and
peace,
that we may be cleansed from all our sins
and serve you with a quiet mind.
Lord of mercy,
Lord, hear us.
Give us strength to meet the days
ahead
in the joyful expectation of eternal life
with those you love.
Lord of mercy,
Lord, hear us.
Give to us who are still in our
pilgrimage,
and who walk as yet by faith,
your Holy Spirit to lead us in holiness and righteousness
all our days.
Lord of mercy,
Lord, hear us.
May all who have been made one with
Christ
in his death and in his resurrection
die to sin and rise to newness of life.
Lord of mercy,
Lord, hear us.
© The Archbishops' Council of the Church of England, 2000-2004