Prayers of Intercession: Sunday, April 13

Led by the Spirit, let us turn to God in prayer for the church, the world, and all those in need.

A brief silence.

Guide your church this Holy Week as we follow in the servant way of Jesus. Protect those who face hostility or oppression for their faith. Humble those who would use faith to dominate others and reinforce their own power. God, in your mercy,

receive our prayer.

Make your creation a living witness to Christ’s passion and resurrection: in waving palms, shouting stones, fragrant vineyards, murmuring wheat, and revealing fire. Make us attentive to your holy presence in the world, that we may care for the earth you love. God, in your mercy,

receive our prayer.

Let your face shine upon the leaders of nations and let the same mind be in them as was in Christ Jesus, so that those with the most power may humble themselves to serve the most vulnerable. God, in your mercy,

receive our prayer.

Sustain the weary with a word. Grant perseverance to political prisoners and to any who are exploited, unjustly accused, or wrongly convicted. Abide with all who are in jails, detention centers, or prisons. Console all who experience times of trial or suffering (especially Marc, Larry, Caleb, Carol, Dick, Sue, and Kyle). God, in your mercy,

receive our prayer.

Give strength to those who will lead worship during Holy Week: pastors and deacons, altar guilds and sacristans, musicians and assisting ministers, ushers, and office staff. Instill in them awe and joy, that their service may reflect the love of Jesus. God, in your mercy,

receive our prayer.

We give thanks to you for our beloved dead, trusting that as the cross of Jesus led to the empty tomb, so you welcome those who have died into the paradise of your presence. God, in your mercy,

receive our prayer.

Receive the prayers of your people and draw all things together in your love, in the name of Jesus, who leads us from death to life.

Amen.