THE INTERCESSIONS
THE INTERCESSIONS
Instead of, or in addition to, the following litany of intercessions, other words may be used, prayerful songs may be sung between intercessions, or people may be encouraged to join in open prayer. The leading of the intercessions may be shared among the people. The intercessions may be introduced as follows:
Minister Let us pray.
The people kneel.
Either - THIS LITANY
Leader May the Bishops and leaders of our churches have wisdom and speak with one voice.
People Amen. Lord have mercy.
Leader May the leaders of our country rule with righteousness.
People Amen. Lord have mercy.
Leader May justice be our shield and defender.
People Amen. Lord have mercy.
Leader May the country have peace and the people be blessed.
People Amen. Lord have mercy.
Leader May the flocks and the herds prosper and the fish abound in our lakes.
People Amen. Lord have mercy.
Leader May the fields be fertile and the harvest plentiful.
People Amen. Lord have mercy.
Leader May we and our enemies turn towards peace.
People Amen. Lord have mercy.
Leader May the love of the Father touch the lonely, the bereaved and the suffering.
People Amen. Lord have mercy.
Leader May the path of the world be swept of all dangers.
People Hallelujah. The Lord of Mercy is with us.
or THESE PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
Leader Let us pray for the Church. Almighty God, our heavenly Father, bless and guide all our bishops, pastors, church workers and all your faithful people. Grant wisdom to our archbishop ... and to our bishop ... that under them we may be led in the unity of the Holy Spirit. May all who confess your holy name continue to witness by serving their neighbours, loving their enemies and working together for the extension of your kingdom in and beyond our land. Graciously hear our prayer:
People We beseech you O Lord
Leader Let us pray for our nation. Merciful Father, protect and guide our President ... and all who are in authority under him that we may be governed in the way of peace, love and unity. May our leaders exercise your authority without fear or favour so that justice may roll down like waters, and righteousness like an everflowing stream. Graciously hear our prayer.
People We beseech you O Lord
Leader Let us pray for the needs of the world. Loving Father, your Son grew in wisdom and stature, in favour with God and man: as he brought your good news to the poor, we now bring to you those who are suffering from hunger, poverty and sickness, and who are under oppression and exploitation. Your kingdom come, your will be done in transforming their lives and inspiring us to share your gospel, so that friends and strangers may be saved. Graciously hear our Prayer.
People We beseech you O Lord
Leader Let us thank God for the lives of those who have departed in Christ. Gracious Father, we heartily thank you for our faithful ancestors and all who have passed through death to the new life of joy in our heavenly home. We pray that, surrounded by so great a crowd of witnesses, we may walk in their footsteps and be fully united with them in your everlasting kingdom. Grant the prayers for your family Father:
People Through Jesus Christ, our mediator.
THE PRAYERS OF PENITENCE
The people remain kneeling
Minister Hear the words of challenge and comfort our Saviour Christ says to all who follow Him.
If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. (Luke 9:23,24)
Come unto me all who are tired of carrying your heavy loads, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
So, all of you who repent of your sins, who love your neighbours, and intend to live a new life following the way of Jesus, come with faith and take this holy sacrament to strengthen you.
Let us reverently confess our sins to Almighty God.
All Almighty God, Creator of all, you marvellously made us in your image; but we have corrupted ourselves and damaged your likeness by rejecting your love and hurting our neighbours. We have done wrong and neglected to do right We are sincerely sorry and heartily repent of our sins. Cleanse us and forgive us by the sacrifice of your Son; Remake us and lead us by your Spirit, the Comforter. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Minister Almighty God, whose steadfast love is as great as the heavens are high above the earth, remove your sins from you, as far as the east is from the west, strengthen your life in his kingdom and keep you upright to the last day; through Jesus Christ, our merciful High Priest. Amen.
All Thank you, Father, for forgiveness. We come to your table as your children, not presuming but assured, not trusting ourselves but your Word; we hunger and thirst for righteousness, and ask for our hearts to be satisfied with the body and blood of your Son, Jesus Christ the Righteous. Amen.
