Lord God, as we read your Holy Word today, we are encouraged to love our enemies and told not to judge others. And so in our prayers, Lord, we invite you to imprint these lessons on to our soul.
We pray for Pope Francis as he continues to stay in hospital. We ask the Holy Spirit to be alongside him and those caring for him.
We pray for the Church as it follows the example of Christ in bringing hope to a troubled world. May we be sustained and empowered by faith in the power and goodness of God.
We pray for the world leaders, particularly those involved in discussions to try to bring about peace in a troubled world. May they be guided by the Holy Spirit in wisdom and humanity, and may they put reconciliation and justice first in everything they do and in all the decisions they make.
We pray for the communities in which we live and work. We pray for schools and other places of learning, that questions may be asked and that truth may be sought and found there.
We pray for those we know who are in particular need, suffering the turmoil of illness, bereavement or any other trouble, that they may find hope and peace.
We pray for the departed, giving thanks for those who have gone before us in the faith, and we await the time when we will join them in God’s kingdom, where our place has been prepared.
We take a moment for our own personal prayers…
Loving Lord, we bring before you all those we know and love. We pray for your grace, that we might become forces for healing in the world. Amen.