Intercessions for Rogation Sunday

13 May 2007, Easter 6 (Year C)

Lord, in our readings this morning we have heard of visions – the vision which sent Paul to Lydia in Macedonia and the vision which came to John of the holy city, the new Jerusalem. We ask you to grant to your children such vision as may make the world a better place.

Lord, you give us peace, if we will accept your gift. We pray for our broken world, so much in need of peace. We remember the people of the present day Jerusalem, with all its tensions. We pray too for the people of Gaza and the West Bank and for all the Israelis and Palestinians in the land where Christ lived his earthly life. We remember those in Iraq, Dafur, and every place where there is suffering, largely of the innocents. Grant vision and endurance to those who work for peace.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We pray for all those in every place who suffer the anguish of a missing child, ... Be with them and all who support them.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We pray for those who are sick, remembering from our congregation... Surround them with your comforting presence. Bless their carers and give them the vision to know what to do and say, to ease the pain of body or of mind. We pray too for those who have died, living with you and glorying in your light. We pray for those who have been bereaved, asking that you will bring comfort.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Lord, we pray for all political leaders, remembering especially all involved in changes at the head of government, the historic developments in Northern Ireland and the negotiations for transition within the Scottish Parliament. We pray also for our newly elected local councillors. We ask that those who have been chosen to serve may be men and women of vision, sincerely seeking the best for those they represent. We expect a great deal of them, especially those who are often separated from their families, and we ask you to bless them.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Lord, on this Rogation Sunday, we pray for all who farm our land and those who have any responsibility for looking after our beautiful countryside. Give them the vision to know how best to pass on this inheritance to future generations, whilst ensuring that those who live and work in the country can still find housing and make a reasonable living.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Lord, we pray for your church throughout the world, especially for the work of Christian Aid, in this its fiftieth anniversary year. Grant vision and strength to all those who seek to follow your command to take the good news by deed and word to all the world, and protect them where they serve in places of danger. In our own country we pray for Idris, our Primus, David our Bishop and Patrick our Rector. Guide them, we ask you, as they seek to lead us in worship and ministry.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We ask these our prayers in the name of Jesus Christ, the light of our lives and the Light of the World. Amen.