Prayers 11th May 2025

4th Sunday of Easter/Te Rātapu Tuawhā o te Aranga

Prayers based on/inspired by Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23, Revelation 7: 9-17, John 10: 22-30, and the ANZPB.

Bidding: Lord, hear us.
Response: Lord, hear our prayer.

The Lord is my shepherd, I like nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He refreshes my soul.
[Psalm 23:1-3]

We pray for our communities.
Show us the path of peace,
grant us your protection and refreshment
and fulfil our needs.

[silence]

Bidding: Lord, hear us.
Response: Lord, hear our prayer.

Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil
for you are with me;
your rod and staff,
they comfort me.
[Psalm 23:4]

We pray for our church.
Give us the courage to face the world as it is.
Gather us around your throne,
and sanctify our worship.
May we learn to listen to your voice.
[Silence]

Bidding: Lord, hear us.
Response: Lord, hear our prayer.

You prepare a table before me
the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
[Psalm 23:5-6]

We pray for the world, your creation.
It may be difficult to imagine abundance;
how can we sit in the presence of our enemies?
We pray that your goodness and love would continue to change the world.
We pray in hope.

[Silence]

Bidding: Lord, hear us.
Response: Lord, hear our prayer. 

Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, that you do not believe because you are not my sheep. The sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”
[John 10:25-29]

Amen.