Heavenly Father, as we start our intercessions to you, we echo the words of your servant King David, spoken some 3000 years ago:

‘Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.
Preserve my life, for I am devoted to you; save your servant who trusts in you.
You are my God; be gracious to me, O Lord, for to you do I cry all day long.
Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my cry of supplication.
In the day of my trouble I call on you, for you will answer me.’
(Ps 86 ed)

Alleluia, Alleluia,
Give thanks to the risen Lord,
Alleluia, Alleluia,
Give praise to his name

We have experienced some lovely Church services, celebrating your victory over death and the powers of darkness, and your wonderful resurrection.

But now we are back to normal with a bump: the relations and friends have gone home and we are back on our own.

And, sadly, like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we so often don’t recognise you, Lord, when you join us on our daily walk; yet you are there with us all the time.

So help us each day to enjoy your company.

And, as we get back to the daily tasks, the common round, may we seek your help in every aspect of our lives. We particularly ask you guidance regarding the decisions we are about to make shortly at our Church AGM.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Today, as we look at our world we cannot help feeling despondent, Lord. There are so many countries where your help is urgently needed. We think of Gaza, Israel, Russia, Ukraine and the USA, to name just a few.

We long for the day when ‘your will is done on Earth, as it is in Heaven’.
Lord, for our land, in this our generation,
Spirits oppressed by pleasure, wealth and care:
For young and old, for commonwealth and nation,
Lord of our land, be pleased to hear our prayer.

Lord, for our world; when we disown and doubt you,
Loveless in strength, and comfortless in pain,
Hungry and helpless, lost indeed without you:
Lord of the world, we pray that Christ may reign.

Bless and guide Charles our king; give wisdom to all in authority; and direct this and every nation in the ways of justice and of peace; that we may honour one another, and seek the common good.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We each know good and lovely people this day who are up against it. At this time we particularly think of those who are suffering – either in hospital, in a nursing home or at home. We ask that you will protect them and those who look after them. The stone across the tomb may indeed be an illness, but it may also be grief, or a breakdown. Lord, you know the weight of these stones that lie heavy across the tomb.

So we ask that you will come in love and roll them away.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Hear us as we remember those who have recently died. And we particularly think of Pope Francis. We thank you for his life, work and example.

But, Lord, please be with all who suffer the loss of loved ones. May they experience the comfort that only your nail-pierced hands can give.

According to your promises, grant us with them a share in your eternal kingdom. Rejoicing in the fellowship of all your saints, we commend ourselves and all Christian people to your unfailing love.

Merciful Father, accept our prayers for the sake of your son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen