Sunday 27 August 2023
Together We Pray
SUNDAY 27 August 2023, 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings: Exodus 1:8 - 2:10; Rom 12:1-8; Matt 16:13-20
Let us pray for the church and for the world, giving thanks for God’s goodness.
Eternal God, strengthen our faith, quiet our fears, and be with us in the shadows of our doubts. You call us to come just as we are. Help us to trust in that love. Your Son Jesus Christ came bringing peace and freedom and love, the gentle Saviour we finally comprehend. ‘Clothe us in truth and righteousness, Lord. Give us sturdy shoes to the walk the paths of peace in the troubled places of the world’*. Give us words where we had none, inspired by all you have done. Keep us faithful when it is hard, prayerful when we would forget. Let us share sacred stories of finding you with one another.
God in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for our cities and farms, wild places, snowy mountains and the sea. We pray for all who offer their time and talents in parishes and community centres; for clergy leaders and Bishop Justin, and for all who serve. Let us remember families: children at play and school, and all who parent and teach them. You know full well the triumphs and tragedies of our own families, God; the delights and disagreements, harsh words and tender dreams. Lord, our time is in your hands. We pray for those who are ill or facing surgery, awaiting tests or procedures yet to come*. May they respond to healing and comfort. We pray for all those who are welcoming new life, and new relationships; and for those experiencing old hurts, that they may feel the forgiveness that frees them. Loving God, shield us in joy and be near us in sorrow. Make us agents of Love; work through us, for we all stand in need of grace*.
God in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for Ukraine, the Congo, South Sudan, and all nations enduring conflict and war, for places in political chaos and suffering; for countries where lives have been shattered and peace is nowhere to be found. We pray for refugees trying to flee, and all those making dangerous journeys toward freedom. Be with them dear God and help them reach safety and hoped-for life. We pray for people involved in rescue operations and all who send food and safe passage. We pray too for doctors and others in places where disease and famine are rampant. Holy God, you know each of us, whatever lies ahead. Jesus, you are the Messiah, come to save humankind. Your will is for healing after loss; for joy after sadness; for rebuilding after destruction. We are your dwelling-place on earth. Help us cherish one another, in whatever ways we can. Build in us the dream of the kingdom.
Help us to see you in the daily moments of our lives, in kind eyes and helping hands; in the cup of tea offered, and biscuits. When we gather, we join a whole community of others who want to help in whatever ways they can. May we see your love at work and may our lives be a blessing. Amen.
Sources: NRSV Bible; NZPB; *Prayers from Iona; John Pritchard, Intercessions Handbook; NEB Starr.
