Intercessions for Palm Sunday 29th March
Almighty God, as we approach Holy Week hearing again the story of Christ’s passion, may it help us to truly understand the sacrifice he made for us.
Take into your heart the needs and concerns of us your children, and hear us as we pray:
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.
Gracious and loving God, we think of Christ at prayer whilst his disciples slept. We recognise that sometimes we put off prayer and thanksgiving as we give way to our human frailty. We thank you for those who pray and intercede on our behalf.
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.
As Jesus confronted the powers and principalities of the world, kings, emperors and authorities of religion and state so empower us to unmask all injustice, envy, violence and greed. We pray for all world leaders at this current time of uncertainty that they might make right decisions. We pray for religious leaders of the world especially for the newly installed Archbishop of Canterbury.
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.
Almighty God, please help us never to abandon someone in their time of greatest need. Help us to forgive those who have wounded and abandoned us in times of crisis. Cleanse our hearts from bitterness and resentment so that we can be more like Jesus, who was abandoned and betrayed by those closest to him.
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.
As Jesus became one with the poor, the criminal, the outcast, and the dying, so send your resurrection grace to all who suffer, that they may be comforted by the promise of your heavenly kingdom. He accepted pain, humiliation, contempt, and powerlessness with patient strength and steadfast hope, be present in those for whom we pray for now in a moment of silence.
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.
Loving God be with us in this community that we may be a people of compassion and peace, willing to embrace the outcast and suffering, bringing them into your healing presence. We pray for all who bring comfort, care and healing as we bring before you those who are in need; the sick, the sorrowful, those who have recently died and those who are bereaved by their passing.
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.
As Jesus emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, humbling himself and being obedient to the point of death, so inspire your Church to follow faithfully in the way that he has led us, that we may share in his exaltation and resurrection. Send us out into Holy Week commending all whom we meet, for whom Christ suffered, to your mercy and protection.
Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen
Please feel free to use these intercessions for your own prayers, or in your own service.