Prayers of Intercession: Sunday, May 18

God of resurrection and new life, we come before you in prayer for the church, the world, and all who are in need.

A brief silence.

Fill the church with the spirit of your redeeming love. Make us steadfast in our proclamation of your grace for all people without exceptions, especially those often overlooked in our communities. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Awaken joy in the beauty and abundance of your creation. Show us the wonder of your presence from the smallest flower to the tallest tree. Recommit us to preservation of wild places. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Instruct all world leaders to protect the most vulnerable among us. Guide those in power toward equitable and just economic policies, so that all might have sufficient resources to live safely and with dignity. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Pour out your love on all in need of care: those mourning losses, enduring trauma, experiencing broken relationships, yearning for companionship, or facing illness (especially Marc, Larry, Caleb, Dick, Sue, Phil, Pauline, and Kyle ). Wipe away every tear. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Abide with all who are victims of racism, especially people who are doubly marginalized because of gender, sexuality, or ability. Destroy all forms of systemic oppression, and renew our commitment to healing the wounds of our collective body in this community and beyond. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

We give thanks for all the saints whose lives bear witness to your redeeming love (especially Erik, King of Sweden). Guide us by their example, until we join them in your eternal home. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

We commend these and all our prayers to you, O God, trusting that you are always with us; in the name of Jesus Christ, our risen Savior.

Amen.