Intercessory prayers

The Bible suggests many topics for intercessory prayer, some of which are rarely heard in our churches. Scripture and Christian experience also suggest that different patterns of prayer can be helpful for involving people and edifying the church. In addition to those listed here, other patterns for intercession may be found in An Australian Prayer Book, pp. 91-102, A Prayer Book for Australia, pp. 184-87, and New Patterns for Worship, pp. 185-218. It is easier to concentrate on prayers that are not too long and invite a congregational response on a regular basis. Spontaneous or extempore prayer can be broken up by responses such as these, signalling a change of topic:

Lord in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Lord hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.

Father, hear our prayer,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

God of grace,
hear our prayer.

10.1	Almighty God, your Son Jesus Christ has promised that you will hear us when we ask in faith: receive the prayers we offer. We give thanks for... We pray for... Christians in other countries, especially where there is suffering, danger and persecution; those sent out as missionaries (especially...); Christians in our country; the Anglican Church of Australia; this diocese; N our archbishop and N our regional bishop; this parish; N our minister(s)... Strengthen your people for their witness and work in the world. Fill your ministers with your Spirit, that they may faithfully preach the gospel and administer your holy sacraments. Unite in the truth all who confess your name, that we may live together in love and proclaim your glory in all the world. Father, hear our prayer, through Jesus Christ our Lord. We give thanks for... We pray for... the peoples of the world and their leaders; countries in crisis; the Queen of Australia, leaders of Federal, State and local government; the police and those who administer our laws; all who have responsibility; all men and women in their daily work. Give wisdom to those in authority in every land, and give to all peoples a desire for righteousness and peace, with the will to work together in trust, to seek the common good and to share with justice the resources of the earth,. Father, hear our prayer, through Jesus Christ our Lord. We give thanks for... We pray for...our community: one another; our local community; those caring for people in need; those who teach Scripture in our schools; people known to us (especially...)... We commend to your keeping, Father, ourselves and each other, our families, our neighbours, and our friends. Enable us by your Spirit to live in love for you and for one another. Father, hear our prayer, through Jesus Christ our Lord. We give thanks for... We pray for... those in need: those who suffer; the sick; the poor; the distressed; the lonely; the unloved; the persecuted; the unemployed; those who grieve; and those who care for them... Comfort and heal, merciful Lord, all who are in sorrow, need, sickness, or any other trouble. Give them a firm trust in your goodness; help those who minister to them; and bring us all into the joy of your salvation. Father, hear our prayer, through Jesus Christ our Lord. We give thanks for the life and witness of... We praise you, Lord God, for your faithful servants in every age, and ask that we may share with them Christ's resurrection glory, through his death and rising again for our salvation. Hear us, Father, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. or Accept our prayers through Jesus Christ our Lord, who taught us to pray Our Father... An Australian Prayer Book, as modified in Sunday Services
10.2	Gracious Father, your Son Jesus Christ has promised that you will hear us when we ask in faith: receive the prayers we offer. We give thanks for... We pray for... the nations: Guide with your wisdom and power the leaders of the nations, so that everyone may live in peace and mutual trust, sharing with justice the resources of the earth. Give the people of this land a spirit of unselfishness, compassion, and fairness in public and private life. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. We give thanks for... We pray for...the Church: Send out the light and truth of your gospel and bring people everywhere to know and love you. Enable those who minister among us to commend your truth by their example and teaching. May we gladly receive and obey your word. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. We give thanks for... We pray for...those in need: We commend to your fatherly care, merciful God, all who are in sorrow, sickness, discouragement or any other trouble. Give them patience and a firm trust in your goodness. Help those who care for them, and bring us all into the joy of your salvation. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. We give thanks for the life and work of... We praise you for all your servants whose lives have honoured Christ. Encourage us by their example, so that we may run with perseverance the race that lies before us, and share with them the fullness of joy in your kingdom. Hear us, Father, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. A Prayer Book for Australia (modified).
10.3	God of everlasting love, you generously provide all things for us. We pray for people everywhere: make your way known to them, your saving power among all nations (especially we pray for...). We pray for the welfare of your church here on earth: guide and govern it by your good Spirit, so that all who call themselves Christians may be led in the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life (especially we pray for...). We commend to your fatherly goodness all who are afflicted or distressed in body, mind or circumstances (especially we pray for...). Relieve them according to their needs, give them patience in their sufferings, and deliver them from all their afflictions. All this we ask for the sake of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. Sunday Services (modified)
10.4	Almighty God, we praise you for your creation, and all you richly provide. Enable us to live in such a way that your majesty and mercy are seen by all. Father hear our prayer, through Jesus Christ our Lord. All governments rule under your authority. May they work for the good of those they rule, seeking your justice and peace in every law and action. Father hear our prayer, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Enable those who are engaged in industry and commerce, the media and education, sport and the arts, to fulfil their responsibilities with integrity and an attitude of service. Father hear our prayer, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Comfort and strengthen those who are gripped by poverty, weakened by illness, or oppressed by cruelty. May they know your love and experience your care. Father hear our prayer, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Inspire your church here on earth to proclaim the gospel of your love in the death and resurrection of your Son. May all people hear the call to trust you. Father hear our prayer, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Help your people to display your compassion to all those in need. May the poor and the lost of this world find in you their true wealth and sure destiny. Refresh and equip us, O God, to be your faithful and obedient people, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Sunday Services (modified)