Prayers 14 September 2025
Holy Cross Day/Te Rā o te Rīpeka Tapu
Prayers taken from/inspired by Numbers 21: 4b-9; Psalm 98:1-5; 1 Corinthians 1:18-24; John 13:13-17, and the ANZPB.
Bidding The Lord has made known his salvation;
Response: He has revealed his righteousness.
[from Psalm 98:2]
Let us pray.
Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.
[John 13:20-21]
Loving God, raise up communities of Holy Fools
for the sake of your kingdom.
[silence]
Bidding The Lord has made known his salvation;
Response: He has revealed his righteousness.
No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.
[John 3:13-14]
[silence]
May the Church lift you up, Lord Jesus. Remind us of your promises.
[silence]
Bidding The Lord has made known his salvation;
Response: He has revealed his righteousness.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
[John 3:16-17]
We pray that creation would be drawn to your divine love and remade in your image.
[silence]
Bidding The Lord has made known his salvation;
Response: He has revealed his righteousness.
Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
[1 Corinthians 1:22-24]
Loving God, in Jesus you gather us into your family; confidently we call you Father; may your Spirit bring us to share the glorious liberty of your children. Hear this prayer for your love’s sake.
Amen.
