Leading intercessions

[TomUK]

Are there any resources on the internet which assist in leading intercessions in church? Preferably i'm looking for structures etc.

:wave:

[PaladinValer]

Do you mean something like a "Prayers of the People?"

[Naomi4Christ]

Are there any resources on the internet which assist in leading intercessions in church? Preferably i'm looking for structures etc.

:wave:

Don't know of anything on the web, although someone must have written something!

Are you looking for something very conventional, or alternative? Whatever you do, you want to pray for your church family, your local community, the country and the world, and end with the Lord's Prayer. If you are being conventional, you can put in a "Lord, in your mercy - hear our prayer" between each section.

I think it is nice just to say what you feel and keep the prayers specific, topical and relevent, but if you need help, there are phrases in CW that you can use.

[Polycarp1]

The American Church's Prayer Book has a set of six options for "Prayers of the People" (http://holycross-raleigh.org/bcp/383.html) (use of them not being mandatory) which begins with a summary of what should be interceded for.

My wife and I are both Lectors, and one or other of us gets assigned to lead the Prayers about once every other month. Something we often do which we've been told is extremely effective is to use one of the bidding forms. We will go up to the proper place for leading them together, announce what we're using and how, and that the congregation is invited to offer their own intercessions, either silently or aloud, after the bidding. Then one of us will read the actual liturgical bidding, while the other then immediately afterwards announces the specific intercessions made known to the parish beforehand (and in our parish this is often about a two-inch-long in fine print "laundry list" of things and people to intercede for in connection with the various biddings). There is then a brief silence for people to announce additional concerns and to pray as bid. Our doing it as a team in this way seems to connect with people somehow.

[Naomi4Christ]

Found a site that may be useful:

The Prayer Guide (http://www.prayerguide.org.uk/leading.htm)

Here's another: St Michael's Beddington (http://st-michaels-beddington.org/mambo/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27&Itemid=2)

Actually, just put "leading intercessions" into Google and you will get loads. :)

[PaladinValer]

I would suggest Form I from the ECUSA's 1979 BCP. I would suggest using all the optional verses plus augmenting it to offer three pauses for the congregation to state their own petitions (prayers of thanksgiving, prayers for the dead, and prayers for special needs).

[gtsecc]

From the BCP:

Then, unless the Eucharist or a form of general intercession is to follow, one of these

prayers for mission is added



Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole

body of thy faithful people is governed and sanctified:

Receive our supplications and prayers which we offer before

thee for all members of thy holy Church, that in their

vocation and ministry they may truly and godly serve thee;

through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.



or the following



O God, who hast made of one blood all the peoples of the

earth, and didst send thy blessed Son to preach peace to those

who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people

everywhere may seek after thee and find thee; bring the

nations into thy fold; pour out thy Spirit upon all flesh; and

hasten the coming of thy kingdom; through the same thy

Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.



or this



Lord Jesus Christ, who didst stretch out thine arms of love

on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come

within the reach of thy saving embrace: So clothe us in thy

Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring

those who do not know thee to the knowledge and love of

thee; for the honor of thy Name. Amen.

[gtsecc]

p. 380


Form I



Deacon or other leader



With all our heart and with all our mind, let us pray to the

Lord, saying, “Lord, have mercy.”



For the peace from above, for the loving‑kindness of God,

and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.



For the peace of the world, for the welfare of the holy Church

of God, and for the unity of all peoples, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.



For our Bishop, and for all the clergy and people, let us pray

to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.



For our President, for the leaders of the nations, and for all in

authority, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.



For this city (town, village,__________), for every city and

community, and for those who live in them, let us pray to

the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.



For seasonable weather, and for an abundance of the fruits of

the earth, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.



For the good earth which God has given us, and for the

wisdom and will to conserve it, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.



For those who travel on land, on water, or in the air [or

through outer space], let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.



For the aged and infirm, for the widowed and orphans, and

for the sick and the suffering, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.



For_______________, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.



For the poor and the oppressed, for the unemployed and the

destitute, for prisoners and captives, and for all who

remember and care for them, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.



For all who have died in the hope of the resurrection, and for

all the departed, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.



For deliverance from all danger, violence, oppression, and

degradation, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.



For the absolution and remission of our sins and offenses, let

us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.



That we may end our lives in faith and hope, without

suffering and without reproach, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.



Defend us, deliver us, and in thy compassion protect us, O

Lord, by thy grace.

Lord, have mercy.



In the communion of [___________ and of all the] saints, let

us commend ourselves, and one another, and all our life, to

Christ our God.

To thee, O Lord our God.



Silence



The Celebrant adds a concluding Collect.

[gtsecc]

Form II



In the course of the silence after each bidding, the People offer their

own prayers, either silently or aloud.



I ask your prayers for God’s people throughout the world;

for our Bishop(s)__________; for this gathering; and for all

ministers and people.

Pray for the Church.



Silence


I ask your prayers for peace; for goodwill among nations;

and for the well‑being of all people.

Pray for justice and peace.



Silence



I ask your prayers for the poor, the sick, the hungry, the

oppressed, and those in prison.

Pray for those in any need or trouble.



Silence



I ask your prayers for all who seek God, or a deeper

knowledge of him.

Pray that they may find and be found by him.



Silence



I ask your prayers for the departed [especially______________],

Pray for those who have died.



Silence



Members of the congregation may ask the prayers or the thanksgivings of those present



I ask your prayers for_____________.



I ask your thanksgiving for________________.



Silence



Praise God for those in every generation in whom Christ has

been honored [especially ___________ whom we remember today].

Pray that we may have grace to glorify Christ in our own day.



Silence


The Celebrant adds a concluding Collect.

[gtsecc]

Form III



The Leader and People pray responsively



Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church;

That we all may be one.



Grant that every member of the Church may truly and

humbly serve you;

That your Name may be glorified by all people.



We pray for all bishops, priests, and deacons;

That they may be faithful ministers of your Word and

Sacraments.



We pray for all who govern and hold authority in the nations

of the world;

That there may be justice and peace on the earth.



Give us grace to do your will in all that we undertake;

That our works may find favor in your sight.



Have compassion on those who suffer from any grief or trouble;

That they may be delivered from their distress.



Give to the departed eternal rest;

Let light perpetual shine upon them.



We praise you for your saints who have entered into joy;

May we also come to share in your heavenly kingdom.



Let us pray for our own needs and those of others.



Silence




The People may add their own petitions.



The Celebrant adds a concluding Collect.

[gtsecc]

Form IV



Deacon or other leader



Let us pray for the Church and for the world.



Grant, Almighty God, that all who confess your Name may

be united in your truth, live together in your love, and reveal

your glory in the world.



Silence



Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer.



Guide the people of this land, and of all the nations, in the

ways of justice and peace; that we may honor one another

and serve the common good.



Silence



Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer.



Give us all a reverence for the earth as your own creation,

that we may use its resources rightly in the service of others

and to your honor and glory.



Silence



Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer.



Bless all whose lives are closely linked with ours, and grant

that we may serve Christ in them, and love one another as he

loves us.




Silence



Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer.



Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind, or

spirit; give them courage and hope in their troubles, and

bring them the joy of your salvation.



Silence



Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer.



We commend to your mercy all who have died, that your will

for them may be fulfilled; and we pray that we may share

with all your saints in your eternal kingdom.



Silence



Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer.



The Celebrant adds a concluding Collect.

[gtsecc]

Form V



Deacon or other leader



In peace, let us pray to the Lord, saying, “Lord, have mercy”

(or “Kyrie eleison”).



For the holy Church of God, that it may be filled with truth

and love, and be found without fault at the day of your

coming, we pray to you, O Lord.



Here and after every petition the People respond



Kyrie eleison. or Lord, have mercy.




For N. our Presiding Bishop, for N. (N.) our own Bishop(s),

for all bishops and other ministers, and for all the holy people

of God, we pray to you, O Lord.



For all who fear God and believe in you, Lord Christ, that our

divisions may cease, and that all may be one as you and the

Father are one, we pray to you, O Lord.



For the mission of the Church, that in faithful witness it may

preach the Gospel to the ends of the earth, we pray to you, O

Lord.



For those who do not yet believe, and for those who have lost

their faith, that they may receive the light of the Gospel, we

pray to you, O Lord.



For the peace of the world, that a spirit of respect and

forbearance may grow among nations and peoples, we pray

to you, O Lord.



For those in positions of public trust [especially___________],

that they may serve justice, and promote the dignity and

freedom of every person, we pray to you, O Lord.



For all who live and work in this community [especially

_____________], we pray to you, O Lord.



For a blessing upon all human labor, and for the right use

of the riches of creation, that the world may be freed from

poverty, famine, and disaster, we pray to you, O Lord.



For the poor, the persecuted, the sick, and all who suffer; for

refugees, prisoners, and all who are in danger; that they may

be relieved and protected, we pray to you, O Lord.




For this congregation [for those who are present, and for

those who are absent], that we may be delivered from

hardness of heart, and show forth your glory in all that we

do, we pray to you, O Lord.



For our enemies and those who wish us harm; and for all

whom we have injured or offended, we pray to you, O Lord.



For ourselves; for the forgiveness of our sins, and for the

grace of the Holy Spirit to amend our lives, we pray to you, O

Lord.



For all who have commended themselves to our prayers; for

our families, friends, and neighbors; that being freed from

anxiety, they may live in joy, peace, and health, we pray to

you, O Lord.






For ________________, we pray to you, O Lord.



For all who have died in the communion of your Church, and

those whose faith is known to you alone, that, with all the

saints, they may have rest in that place where there is no pain

or grief, but life eternal, we pray to you, O Lord.



Rejoicing in the fellowship of [the ever‑blessed Virgin Mary,

(blessed N.) and] all the saints, let us commend ourselves,

and one another, and all our life to Christ our God.

To you, O Lord our God.



Silence



The Celebrant adds a concluding Collect, or the following Doxology



For yours is the majesty, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit;

yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, now and

for ever. Amen.

[gtsecc]

Form VI



The Leader and People pray responsively



In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.



Silence



For all people in their daily life and work;

For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who

are alone.



For this community, the nation, and the world;

For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.



For the just and proper use of your creation;

For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.



For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;

For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the

needy.



For the peace and unity of the Church of God;

For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.



For [N. our Presiding Bishop, and N. (N.) our Bishop(s); and for] all

bishops and other ministers;

For all who serve God in his Church.



For the special needs and concerns of this congregation.



Silence



The People may add their own petitions



Hear us, Lord;

For your mercy is great.




We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life.



Silence



The People may add their own thanksgivings



We will exalt you, O God our King;

And praise your Name for ever and ever.



We pray for all who have died, that they may have a place in

your eternal kingdom.



Silence



The People may add their own petitions



Lord, let your loving‑kindness be upon them;

Who put their trust in you.



We pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins.



Silence may be kept.



Leader and People



Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father;

in your compassion forgive us our sins,

known and unknown,

things done and left undone;

and so uphold us by your Spirit

that we may live and serve you in newness of life,

to the honor and glory of your Name;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.



The Celebrant concludes with an absolution or a suitable Collect.

[gtsecc]

The Collect at the Prayers





For the concluding Collect, the Celebrant selects



(a) a Collect appropriate to the Season or occasion being celebrated;



(b) a Collect expressive of some special need in the life of the local congregation;



(c) a Collect for the mission of the Church;



(d) a general Collect such as the following:



1



Lord, hear the prayers of thy people; and what we have

asked faithfully, grant that we may obtain effectually, to the

glory of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.



2



Heavenly Father, you have promised to hear what we ask in

the Name of your Son: Accept and fulfill our petitions, we

pray, not as we ask in our ignorance, nor as we deserve in our

sinfulness, but as you know and love us in your Son Jesus

Christ our Lord. Amen.



3



Almighty and eternal God, ruler of all things in heaven and

earth: Mercifully accept the prayers of your people, and

strengthen us to do your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.



4



Almighty God, to whom our needs are known before we ask:

Help us to ask only what accords with your will; and those




good things which we dare not, or in our blindness cannot

ask, grant us for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.



5



O Lord our God, accept the fervent prayers of your people; in

the multitude of your mercies, look with compassion upon us

and all who turn to you for help; for you are gracious, O

lover of souls, and to you we give glory, Father, Son, and

Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.



6



Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles, “Peace I give

to you; my own peace I leave with you:” Regard not our sins,

but the faith of your Church, and give to us the peace and

unity of that heavenly City, where with the Father and the

Holy Spirit you live and reign, now and for ever. Amen.



7



Hasten, O Father, the coming of thy kingdom; and grant that

we thy servants, who now live by faith, may with joy behold

thy Son at his coming in glorious majesty; even Jesus Christ,

our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.



8



Almighty God, by your Holy Spirit you have made us one

with your saints in heaven and on earth: Grant that in our

earthly pilgrimage we may always be supported by this

fellowship of love and prayer, and know ourselves to be

surrounded by their witness to your power and mercy. We

ask this for the sake of Jesus Christ, in whom all our

intercessions are acceptable through the Spirit, and who lives

and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

[Naomi4Christ]

I would suggest Form I from the ECUSA's 1979 BCP. I would suggest using all the optional verses plus augmenting it to offer three pauses for the congregation to state their own petitions (prayers of thanksgiving, prayers for the dead, and prayers for special needs).

Why would you suggest that? It's not really the done thing in the CofE to reel off rote words out of a prayer book. Intercessions are usually specific, topical and relevent. Ye write yer own.

[PaladinValer]

I suggested it because that's what Tom wanted.

Do you have a problem with that?

[Naomi4Christ]

I suggested it because that's what Tom wanted.

Do you have a problem with that?

Is that what he wanted? I don't think you tried to figure out what he wanted. You just suggested the boring old thing that you do in your church, and if this is the kind of thing he wanted, I'm sure he wouldn't have been asking.

[PaladinValer]

Dogsbody, read the second post in this thread.

Game. Set. Match.

[Naomi4Christ]

You have to wait for an answer.

When we have intercessions in the CofE, they are different every week. There is no reading straight from the prayer book - that would be a total cop out. It's good to understand what goes on in the mother church - and to use it as a model.

[Father Rick]

Here is a link to an Anglican liturgical resource page... It has links to numerous sites..

http://anglicansonline.org/resources/liturgical.html

[gtsecc]

It's good to understand what goes on in the mother church - and to use it as a model.

The Mother Church is the undivided church.
You have prostested reading anything about it on these forums. :doh:

[gtsecc]

Naomi,

Do you really think your parish has discovered extemporaneous prayer or that parishes which use the prayer book would be happier or more spirit filled if they tried it?

[Naomi4Christ]

Naomi,

Do you really think your parish has discovered extemporaneous prayer or that parishes which use the prayer book would be happier or more spirit filled if they tried it?




I will answer if you re-write the question in plain English.

[TomUK]

Thanks for your help, guys.

Naomi, i believe both types of prayer can be beneficial. There are times when reading a set of prayers is appropriate, and equally there are times when being moved by the spirit what to pray for is appropriate.

I believe to favour just one type would be to the detriment of the prayer life of any church.

[Naomi4Christ]

Thanks for your help, guys.

Naomi, i believe both types of prayer can be beneficial. There are times when reading a set of prayers is appropriate, and equally there are times when being moved by the spirit what to pray for is appropriate.

I believe to favour just one type would be to the detriment of the prayer life of any church.

I agree with you, but I doubt that you would really be looking for help on reading straight from CW or BCP :)

Have you recently joined the Intercessions ministry in your church? If so, when are you making your debut?

I've only done intercessions a couple of times, but I find that it feels like you have a lot of responsibility on your shoulders. I found that very few people give you feedback, so it's hard to know how you have done. The handy little phrases that everyone else uses seem to desert you when you are writing yours - but that's probably a good thing because you don't want to be 'super-spiritual' :cool: .

[SirTimothy]

I agree with you, but I doubt that you would really be looking for help on reading straight from CW or BCP

CW has quite a good form of Intercessions... it has a beginning and an opening prayer for each section, and gives space for extemporous prayer from within that... it's kind of built on the building block that the ASB started...

Timothy