Together We Pray

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings: Exod 3:1-15; Rom 12:9-21; Matt 16:21-28

Let us pray for the church and for the world, giving thanks for God’s goodness.

O God, we pray for all in need of shelter and the chance to live freely; we pray for those in need of medical care and rescue on land or sea. We pray for victims of violence, that they may find safety and refuge for themselves and their children. May we welcome them with open arms, as we have been welcomed.

God of love, hear our prayer.

Dear God, teach us to love your creation, to work for its flourishing. We pray for victims of disasters: the wildfires in Maui, storms in the Pacific and damage on our own coastlines; for lives lost. We pray for peace in Ukraine, Africa, and places closer to home: our own towns and neighbourhoods. We pray for shop owners and lost youths; for the power of gangs to be broken by the strength of God’s grasp. We pray for all who are hurting, and those whose calling it is to watch over them. Heal us, O Lord. Bring us to the Father. For the joyous, we ask protection. For those in the shadow of death, may they receive your enfolding love, the grace of being known. For those who weep, may they may be comforted.

God of love, hear our prayer.

We pray for these islands: for doctors and scientists, parents and store clerks, people at work and at home. We pray for teachers, students and children. It has been a tough year for many, so we ask for peace and moments for rest. Loving God, you make us in your image; help us hold fast to what is loving and good. Give us courage to confront social issues, and live in harmony and peace. We pray for the courage to speak and be heard, to offer kindness even to those find it hard to love. Lord, help us overcome evil with good. We pray for the faith to hold on and not let go; for the courage to follow where the Spirit leads. May we find God in a smile, or deed, or kindness returned; in the wonder of creation restored in newborn lambs and newfound love.

God of love, hear our prayer.

We pray for your Word to guide us; for the saving words of Christ to dwell in us. May they flow in every seeking heart. We pray for Wellington: for Bishop Justin, lay and clergy leaders, parishioners and those walking past. Each day may we spread God’s light a little further, ‘til darkness has no claim on our souls, and we become agents of His light.

Sources: NRSV Bible; NZ Prayer Book; NEB Starr, original prayers.