With confidence in Christ, the true vine who gives life to the world, we bring our prayers before God our Father.
We pray for all Christian leaders. May they lead us in our faithful following of Jesus so that, staying firmly united to him, we may draw life from his word and bear fruit in works of mercy, justice, and peace.
We pray for the world and its leaders. May those entrusted with authority work for peace, protect the vulnerable, and create opportunities for people of all religious, social and cultural backgrounds to live together in harmony.
We pray for peace in the Middle East, between Russia and Ukraine and in Sudan. May those in authority look beyond personal power and wealth to see the suffering and hardship which war has inflicted on millions of innocent people.
We pray for the mariners stranded far from home in the Straits of Hormuz and for their families. May they be safe and be reunited as soon as possible.
We pray for those who feel isolated, especially for people who are lonely, anxious, housebound or who struggle with illness or loss. May they know the closeness of Christ and the support of our community.
We pray for ourselves. May our willingness to live and work together bear good fruit in our homes, workplaces and neighbourhoods.
God our Father, source of all life, hear the prayers we offer in faith. Keep us united to your Son, that we may bear fruit that will last. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.