Prayers 25th May 2025
6th Sunday of Easter/Te Rātapu Tuaono o te Aranga
Prayers taken from/inspired by Acts 16:19-5; Psalm 67; Revelation 21:10, 22, 22:5; John 14:23-29, and John 5:1-9
Bidding: May the peoples praise you, God;
Response: may all the peoples praise you.
[Psalm 67:3]
Let us pray.
Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me…”
[John 14:23-24]
We pray for our communities.
Strengthened us with your love and teaching, Lord;
make your home among us.
[silence]
Bidding: May the peoples praise you, God;
Response: may all the peoples praise you.
“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid…”
[John 14:25-27]
We pray for your church.
Guide us with your Spirit;
remind us of your teaching
and ground us in your peace.
[silence]
Bidding: May the peoples praise you, God;
Response: may all the peoples praise you.
“You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.”
[John 14:28-29]
We pray for creation;
it cries out for you,
it cries out for your Gift.
[silence]
Bidding: May the peoples praise you, God;
Response: may all the peoples praise you.
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.
[Revelation 22:1-5]
Almighty God, you sent your Holy Spirit to the disciples, filling them with joy and boldness to preach the gospel; send us out in the power of the same Spirit to witness to your redeeming love and draw all people to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever.
Amen.
