Sunday 4 August 2019 Prayer of the Faithful

Celebrant: Let us offer our prayers to God, the Giver of life and Source of all that is good:

1. That the love of Christ may be the object of every prayer and work of our Church and parish community: let us pray to the Lord.
2. That the laws and policies of governments and nations may honour and uphold the sacred dignity of every person: let us pray to the Lord.
3. That equality and justice may guide the affairs of businesses, corporations, and financial institutions: let us pray to the Lord.
4. That families, households, and communities may grow rich in love, compassion, and forgiveness: let us pray to the Lord.
5. That we may respond to the plight of the poor, the homeless, and the destitute with unlimited and unconditional generosity: let us pray to the Lord.
6. That the souls of the faithful departed may be raised up “in company with Christ”: let us pray to the Lord.
7. That God will hear the prayers we now offer in the silence of our hearts:
   Celebrant:
   Gracious God, may your Spirit of wisdom and justice dwell within us always, guiding us and inspiring us to work joyfully and unceasingly to make these prayers a reality. We ask these things in the name of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Celebrant: Jesus promises that our heavenly Father hears the prayers of those who come before God in faith. And so, let us confidently lift up our hearts in prayer:

1. That, in our work and worship together, our Church and parish may reflect our faith
   in Christ’s resurrection: let us pray to the Lord.
2. That those who serve our Church as pastors, teachers, and counselors may be ministers of God’s reconciling and healing love: let us pray to the Lord.
3. That those nations, cities, and peoples plagued by war, oppression, and destruction may be rebuilt in the peace and justice of God: let us pray to the Lord.
4. That men and women of good will may speak, like Abraham, on behalf of the innocent victims of poverty, oppression, greed, and abuse: let us pray to the Lord.
5. That the sick, the suffering, and the dying may find hope and healing in company with Christ the Redeemer: let us pray to the Lord.
6. That the Father will to the new life of the Risen Jesus the souls of all who have died: let us pray to the Lord.
7. That God will hear the prayers we now offer in the silence of our hearts

Celebrant:
Loving Father, we know you hear our prayers. May the spirit in which we ask these things inspire us and enable us to make these prayers a reality. In Jesus’ name, we pray.