Prayers of the People/Intercession on Eternity
God of time and eternity–for you all of time is now: past, present, future are the same to You.
You are the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, nothing was before You and nothing is or will be after or beyond You; and we can hardly fathom that.
But we’re thankful that it’s true because it means there is nothing beyond Your reach, understanding, and grace. Our loved ones who are sick or injured—are all within reach of your healing hand. Please, Lord, restore them to full health and lift their spirits. Lord, defeat depression’s darkness and give hope to all in need.
For those who grieve—put the arm of your compassion and love around their shoulders, and turn their hearts to You and your resurrection hope, Lord. We especially ask for comfort and give your peace to ….For those we know who have walked, or run, away from Your grace, truth and peace–bring them home again, Lord, and restore their joy and the hope of salvation.
For marriages strained to the breaking point—be a reconciler, Lord; and help us be reconcilers, too. For nations separated by war, hatred and suspicion—be a peacemaker, Lord; and help us be peacemakers, too. For those who lack the very basic things of life–be a provider, Lord; and help us be providers, too.
See to it, Lord, that there is clothing for the naked; food for the hungry; shelter for the homeless; companionship for the lonely; justice for the beaten-down; strength for the weak; and love for all. For our nation–Lord, we ask that Your guiding hand would direct our leaders and lead us all in the ways of Your good and gracious Kingdom.
And, Lord, bless Your church so that we might bless the community, the country and the world, showing Your love and sharing Your Gospel. Keep us in Your way in all we do; and fill our leaders and pastors with Your Spirit. Empower and inspire us all to serve You with joy; and ignite a fire in our souls making us a source of light and warmth in a dark, cold world.
And today—inspire our preacher with Your truth and grace, so that the word he brings is Your Word that can change our lives. To You be the glory, Lord, as we offer this prayer in the name above all names, the name of Jesus. AMEN
God of wonder and grace: You knew us from even before we were born; You loved us from eternity. Then, when we needed to know you most, You called us by name and saved us. Nothing escapes Your notice and is beyond Your care.
We remember and thank You for those who’ve gone before us. Thank You for those who lived, fought and died for our freedom. Thank You for those who loved us enough to share the gospel with us.
We ask You to protect, support, and guide those who still defend this land—especially young men and women serving in harm’s way; and all who live in places where wars are waged, civilian and soldier alike. And, we ask You to empower, embolden and encourage those who declare Your gospel as missionaries in places as varied as college campuses to urban streets, from Kenya to Mexico, Japan to Egypt.
We pray for those who are ill or injured, anticipating surgery or recovering and rehabilitating: in Your love and by Your sacrifice heal them, restore them and strengthen them in the Spirit. For families in grief, we ask You to comfort them with Your hope and with confidence in Your resurrection.
May they not be afraid to remember, finding peace in Your presence now as then. Bless those who answer Your call today to serve You as elders, deacons and trustees of this congregation. Give them faith, love, wisdom and courage–may they lead us to follow You, not fearing to lead where we may be reluctant to go in order to keep us faithful to Your gospel and mission. Bless Your Word and the servant who declares it today. This is our prayer, prayed in Jesus’ name. Amen.