The following prayers and initial excerpt were all taken from "Intercessions at Worship: A guide for those who lead them"(Copyrighted by Colin Semper 1982, 1992)
"If prayer is a natural activity then there can be no more natural part of it than the desire to pray for others, for the world. After all, for people who care for the world the whole idea is attractive. There is a chance to do something. There is a chance of feeling less helpless when confronted by the suffering of the world. There is a chance of grasping an idea that seems so simple, so easily a facet of faith." (p3)
"Lord, You are love and You see all suffering, injustice and misery. Have compassion upon the work of Your hands, the wounded world. Fill our hearts with love for those who suffer. Help us to perceive the bond that links Christian people with all mankind and which helps in bearing one another's burdens." (p28)
"Lord, we carry into Your presence those who are sick in body or mind. We thank You for all Your work in those who struggle to restore them to good health. Uphold our faith and the faith of those in pain so that together we may trust and not be afraid. May we all share in the task of making people whole." (p28)
"God of all beauty, whose will it is that all Your creatures should enjoy the world and the life You have given us; we know that many are unable to do this through hunger, poverty, disease, oppression , ignorance or sin. Let us never rest content in Your joys until we have done everything in our power and by Your grace to help others to share them also. O God of all goodness and willer of abundant life." (by George Appleton, p29)
- The Unemployed & the Homeless
"Jesus, Son of Man, look in mercy upon all who suffer the lack of livelihood and, like You, have nowhere to lay their head; let Your compassion move us to house the homeless, that in You all the families of the earth may be blessed." (p29)
"Lord Jesus Christ, in the mystery of so much of mental suffering, we look to You for an illumination that will satisfy our hearts and minds. Your love for us took You through great agony: encompass with that love all who live in the darkness of mental illness, especially N. You are the Light that has overcome darkness; pierce the darkness to bring peace, unity and wholeness." (p29)
"We bring before You, O Lord Jesus Christ, those whose earthly life is almost at an end. Lessen their fear, encourage them on their journey and give them the peace that comes from Your victory over death." (p31)
"Lord of love, giver of life and health; we pray for all who in their various callings serve the needs of men and women in sickness of body and mind, especially in N (and N) Hospital(s). Equip them as Your fellow workers in the ministry of healing and strengthen them to share in the task of making life whole. (Adapted from Basil Naylor, p64)
