Prayers of the People/Intercession on Government
Father God–You invite us to come as a child to his/her daddy. You invite us to open our souls to You. You invite us to lay our desires before You. You are fond of us, Your children–so we come to You humbly, lovingly, yet confidently. We pray for your world–which You created and called “good”. Now we see it so riddled by war and hatred, infected with hopelessness and despair, confused, having lost its way, and refusing to walk in Yours.
Shine Your light in the dark corners of the earth: Ignite your followers as lamps to show the Way. Encourage disheartened missionaries. We pray for our world and nation. Heal our land! Let Your justice roll down like a mighty river, to cleanse away injustice. Replace suspicion of neighbor with trust. Guide our leaders in Your ways, and give us all the courage to follow Your paths. Grant your wisdom and strength to our President, Vice President, Legislators and judges. Lord, Revive Your church in America! Make us all salt in a dying and tasteless culture.
Make us light in places where night has fallen. And, pour out Your Spirit on this church–Empowering the ministry You’ve already given us and lead us in new avenues of reaching this community, and the World, with the good News of Your Son Jesus Christ. We ask Your comfort for friends and loved ones who mourn.
Walk with them through the valley of the shadow. Give them Your peace which passes all understanding. We pray especially for … We pray for Your healing for those who are ill, injured, recuperating from or anticipating surgery: Heal them in body, soul and spirit. Protect them from anxiety; buoy them with hope. We ask Your healing grace especially for ….All this, and more, we confidently ask You to hear and grant, to the glory of Your Son, our Savior–Jesus–Amen.
Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: You taught us to pray not only for ourselves but for people everywhere, so now hear us as we pray for others, in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. We ask that You inspire Your whole church in power, unity, and peace. Grant that all who trust you may obey Your Word, and live together in love.
As we pray for the world, we ask that You lead all nations in the way of Your true justice and righteous goodwill. Direct those who govern, that they may rule fairly, maintain order, help those in need, and defend the oppressed; so this world may know your rule and experience true peace. Lord, awaken all people to the danger we’ve inflicted upon the earth.
Implant in each of us a reverence for all you’ve made that we may preserve the delicate balance in creation for all who will come after us. Please give your grace and strength to all who proclaim the gospel through Word and Sacrament and in deeds of mercy, so that by their teaching and example they may show your love for all people, at all times and in all places. Comfort and relieve, O Lord, all who are in trouble…sorrow…poverty…sickness…grief…
especially those known to us, and those whom we hold before you in silence…Heal them in body, mind, or circumstance, working in them, by your grace, wonders beyond all they may ask for, dream or hope. In addition, bring to our minds and hearts all those who, having served you on earth, now sing your praise always in heaven. May the endurance of your faithful ones give us courage and their faithfulness give us hope. This we ask in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. AMEN
Episcopalian Prayers of the People, Form I
Deacon or other leader
With all our heart and with all our mind, let us pray to the
Lord, saying “Lord, have mercy.”
For the peace from above, for the loving-kindness of God,
and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace of the world, for the welfare of the Holy Church
of God, and for the unity of all peoples, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For our Bishop, and for all the clergy and people, let us pray
to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For our President, for the leaders of the nations, and for all in
authority, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For this city (town, village, ), for every city and
community, and for those who live in them, let us pray to
the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For seasonable weather, and for an abundance of the fruits of
the earth, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the good earth which God has given us, and for the
wisdom and will to conserve it, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For those who travel on land, on water, or in the air [or
through outer space], let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the aged and infirm, for the widowed and orphans, and
for the sick and the suffering, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For , let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the poor and the oppressed, for the unemployed and the
destitute, for prisoners and captives, and for all who
remember and care for them, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For all who have died in the hope of the resurrection, and for
all the departed, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For deliverance from all danger, violence, oppression, and
degradation, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the absolution and remission of our sins and offenses, let us
pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
That we may end our lives in faith and hope, without
suffering and without reproach, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Defend us, deliver us, and in thy compassion protect us, O
Lord, by thy grace.
Lord, have mercy.
In the communion of [ and of all the] saints, let
us commend ourselves, and one another, and all our life, to
Christ our God.
To thee, O Lord our God.
Silence.
The Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church (1979)
Episcopalian Prayer of the People, Form II
In the course of the silence after each bidding, the People offer their own prayers, either silently or aloud.
I ask your prayers for God’s people throughout the world;
for our Bishop(s) ; for this gathering; and for all
ministers and people.
Pray for the Church.
Silence
I ask your prayers for peace; for goodwill among nations;
and for the well-being of all people.
Pray for justice and peace.
Silence
I ask your prayers for the poor, the sick, the hungry, the
oppressed, and those in prison.
Pray for those in any need or trouble.
Silence
I ask your prayers for all who seek God, or a deeper
knowledge of him.
Pray that they may find and be found by him.
Silence
I ask your prayers for the departed [especially ].
Pray for those who have died.
Silence
Members of the congregation may ask the prayers or the thanksgivings of those present.
I ask your prayers for .
I ask your thanksgiving for .
Silence
Praise God for those in every generation in whom Christ has been honored
[especially whom we remember today].
Pray that we may have grace to glorify Christ in our own day.
Silence
The Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church (1979)
Episcopalian Prayers of the People, Form III
The Leader and People pray responsively
Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church;
That we all may be one.
Grant that every member of the Church may truly and
humbly serve you;
That your Name may be glorified by all people.
We pray for all bishops, priests, and deacons;
That they may be faithful ministers of your Word and
Sacraments.
We pray for all who govern and hold authority in the nations
of the world;
That there may be justice and peace on the earth.
Give us grace to do your will in all that we undertake;
That our works may find favor in your sight.
Have compassion on those who suffer from any grief or trouble;
That they may be delivered from their distress.
Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.
We praise you for your saints who have entered into joy;
May we also come to share in your heavenly kingdom.
Let us pray for our own needs and those of others.
Silence
The People may add their own petitions.
The Celebrant adds a concluding Collect.
The Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church (1979)
Prayer for our Country
Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church (1979)
Prayer for the President of the United States and all in Civil Authority
O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world: We commend this nation to thy merciful care, that, being guided by thy Providence, we may dwell secure in thy peace. Grant to the President of the United States, the Governor of this State (or Commonwealth), and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do thy will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people in thy fear; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
The Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church (1979)
Prayer for Congress or a State Legislature
O God, the fountain of wisdom, whose will is good and gracious, and whose law is truth: We beseech thee so to guide and bless our Senators and Representatives in Congress assembled (or in the Legislature of this State, or Commonwealth), that they may enact such laws as shall please thee, to the glory of thy Name and the welfare of this people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church (1979)
Prayer for Sound Government
The responses in italics may be omitted.
O Lord our Governor, bless the leaders of our land, that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth.
Lord, keep this nation under your care.
To the President and members of the Cabinet, to Governors of States, Mayors of Cities, and to all in administrative authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their duties.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.
To Senators and Representatives, and those who make our laws in States, Cities, and Towns, give courage, wisdom, and foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to fulfill our obligations in the community of nations.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.
To the Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and justice served.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.
And finally, teach our people to rely on your strength and to accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for the well-being of our society; that we may serve you faithfully in our generation and honor your holy Name.
For yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Amen.
The Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church (1979)
Prayer for Local Government
Almighty God our heavenly Father, send down upon those who hold office in this State (Commonwealth, City, County, Town, ____________) the spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice; that with steadfast purpose they may faithfully serve in their offices to promote the well-being of all people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church (1979)
Praying for Your City
The good folks at The Center for Action & Contemplation and Mile High Ministries in Denver, Colorado,
have written a beautiful prayer adapted from Walter Brueggemann’s Prayers for a Privileged People. It’s
hoped it will inspire Christians to pray for their local communities.
As per their invitation, I’ve inserted prompts so you can adapt the prayer for your local community.
The prayer may be prayed in a group setting with one voice reading the regular print and all voices
reading the bold print, it may be prayed by two voices, or it may be prayed by a single voice.
Loving God, you have set us in families and clans, in cities and neighborhoods.
Our common life began in a garden, but our destiny lies in the city.
You have placed us in NAME OF CITY. This is our home.
Your creativity is on display here through the work of human hearts and hands.
We pray for NAME OF CITY today—for the East Side, West Side, North, and South.
For NAME NEIGHBORHOODS OR REGIONS OF THE CITY.
We pray for our poorest neighbors and for powerful people in offices downtown. We pray for people
from the ’hood and the barrio, LIST ADDITIONAL GROUPS OF PEOPLE IN YOUR CITY.
We pray for NAME OF CITY’S neighbors:
NAMES OF NEIGHBORING CITIES OR NOTABLE ORGANIZATIONS (Like a military base or college. You
could also add sister cities to this section.)
and a thousand other cities connected to our own.
In all our neighborhoods this day there will be crime and callous moneymaking;
there will be powerful people unable or unwilling to see the vulnerable who are their neighbors.
There will also be beautiful acts of compassion and creativity in all these places—forgiveness and
generosity; neighbors working together for a more just community.
Help us see this place as something other than a battleground between us and them, where our
imaginations are limited by win/lose propositions and endless rivalry.
Show us a deeper reality, God: Show us your playground, and invite us to play.
Like the city of your dreams, make this a city where those who were once poor enjoy the fruits of their
labor;
A place where children are no longer doomed to misfortune, but play safely in the streets under the
watchful eyes of caring, healthy adults;
A place where former rivals and natural enemies work and play together in peace;
And where all people enjoy communion with you.
Those gathered are invited to offer their own prayers during a time of silence.
We pray in the name of the one who wept over the city, Jesus the Christ. Amen.
Adapted from Beyond Our Efforts: A Celebration of Denver Peacemaking (Mile High Ministries: 2019),
251; and Walter Brueggemann, “This City . . . of God,” Prayers for a Privileged People (Abingdon Press:
2010), 157 by Lisa Degrenia, www.revlisad.com.