Gracious God, on All Saints’ Day we celebrate those who have lived to your glory, and we give thanks for their example and inspiration. As we pray together today, we ask for the courage and resolve to continue their work in the world.
As he prepares to visit South America, we pray for Pope Leo, thanking God for the Holy Father’s continued recovery and asking for his return to full health – that he may continue to lead the Church in wisdom and compassion.
We ask God to bring peace to those places affected by war, violence and turmoil, and to guide the hearts and minds of the leaders and policymakers whose actions and decisions affect citizens everywhere.
We pray for those affected by the recent storms. As we move into autumn, we pray for farmers and those who provide our food, asking God to support them through the coming months. We pray for our environment, asking for guidance as we strive to become better custodians of our planet.
In our prayers we remember all those whose work involves caring for us and our communities every day, giving thanks for the work done by teachers, health workers, shop workers, the emergency services, cleaners and carers. We ask God to bless them with strength, patience and fulfilment, to support them when they feel stressed or overwhelmed, and to remind us to show gratitude and respect for their work.
We give thanks for the saints who have gone before, and we pray for the saints who live among us, including those whose saintliness is unrecognised and unacknowledged. We pray for the courage and wisdom to support them in their mission.
We take a moment for personal prayer…
We bring our prayers to you, Lord, with grateful hearts. We give thanks for all those who show us how to live in faith, love and kindness. May their example encourage us to follow Jesus and share his light with others. In the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.