Prayers of The People
There are times when a Community Group may not have an outward partner, or may not be able to serve at their outward partner as part of their regular rhythm.
During these times, a great way to continue to engage with the outward rhythm is through prayer. Prayer leads us into mission and is, in fact, a mission all on its own. In prayer, we seek after God’s heart, we cry out for those in need, and beseech God to work through us.
We recommend taking time to pray through the Prayers of the People as a group. You may have each person pray one petition, and invite others to pray for specific things related to the petition, or the leader may pray each petition, followed by the rest of the group adding requests to that petition.
After the prayers have been gathered up, the leader says “Lord in your Mercy” and all respond with “Hear our Prayer” (which you see in bold below).
There is also time at the end of the prayers to lift up thanksgivings to God, or for additional prayers that were not prayed. Take as much or as little time as needed for each petition; it is alright to leave longer moments of silence as needed.
Leader: To begin, let’s take a posture of humility as we pray for the Church, city, world and one another. After each petition, I will leave some silence for you to bring up anything specific related to the petition. You can do this silently or out loud. Let’s start with a few moments of silence to still our hearts and minds before we bring them to God.
(The leader can open with a brief prayer).
Leader: For the peace of the whole world, and for the well-being and unity of the people of God.
{Group offers prayer requests, lifts up countries that are affected by violence, war and strife, and prays for peace.}
Leader Lord, in your mercy: People
People: Hear our prayer.
Leader: For all the leadership, clergy and people of our Diocese and Congregation. For churches in our city and country.
[Pray for the staff and council of our church, as well as other churches throughout our city.]
Leader Lord, in your mercy:
People Hear our prayer.
Leader: For all those who proclaim the Gospel at home and abroad, and for all who teach and disciple others.
[Take time to pray for your group’s outward partners, organizations that proclaim the gospel through word and deed, and missionaries who you know are serving around the world]
Leader: Lord, in your mercy:
People: Hear our prayer.
Leader: For our brothers and sisters in Christ who are persecuted for their faith.
[If there are people, or groups you know specifically, lift them up at this time… Optional, light a candle and spend a few minutes in silence remembering those who have given up their lives or sacrificed for the gospel]
Leader: Lord, in your mercy:
People: Hear our prayer.
Leader: For our nation, for those in authority, and for all in public service, especially Charles our King, Mark our Prime Minister, and the leaders of the Provincial, Municipal, and Indigenous governments.
[take time to pray specifically for names and people, for our mayor, city counsellors and those who serve our city]
Leader: Lord, in your mercy:
People: Hear our prayer.
Leader: For all those who are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity, in particular we lift _____???
[Take time to offer up personal prayer requests for healing, pray over one another if needed and pray for those in our community.]
Leader: Lord, in your mercy:
People: Hear our prayer.
Leader: We give thanks for all those who have departed this life in the certain hope of the resurrection, [especially ______,] in thanksgiving let us pray.
Leader: Lord, in your mercy:
People: Hear our prayer.
After praying through these petitions, invite the group to also lift up with joy and thanksgiving the many gifts God has given them, or invite them to give thanks for where they have seen God in the past weeks.
Heavenly Father, grant these our prayers for the sake of Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
