The Book of Common Prayer uses the title “Prayers of the People” for the oratio fidelium or general intercessions in the eucharist. Such prayers have a long and venerable history. Their existence was first mentioned by Justin Martyr about the year 150, and for centuries they formed a vital part of the Daily Office and eucharistic liturgy. In the early church they usually included a long series of biddings that were chanted by a deacon, to each of which the people responded with “Kyrie eleison”
At St. Martin’s, the Prayers of the People are seen as a companion to the sermon and thus composed by either the Rector or the preacher of the day and led by a member of the congregation. They seek to focus our attention on timely concerns in both our community and the world around us – channelling the power of our communal prayer to strengthen the values and expectations of God’s kingdom for the world.
Prayers of the People:
4 Advent
22 December 2024
The response to the bidding, “Lord,” is “Hear us”
Lord in time and space –as we prepare to greet the birth of Jesus as our Savior – we pray that we may likewise be ready to greet him at his coming again. Lord, Hear us.
We pray for the Church and her life: For Sean, Presiding Bishop, and Nicholas, our bishop; for the primatial see of Canterbury at this difficult season in the Church of England; for Hosam, Archbishop of Jerusalem, and for the Christians of Bethlehem and other communities in the West Bank and Gaza celebrating Christmas amidst painful circumstances; for Pope Francis; for Bartholomew, Ecumenical Patriarch, and other Christian leaders. Lord, Hear us.
We pray for the world and its pressing needs: We continue to pray for peace with justice to come to the Holy Lands of Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria. We pray for the people of Ukraine, for continued strengthening of the Western Alliance. We remember the peoples of Sudan, and pray for the earth, our fragile island home. Lord, Hear us.
We pray for all in need: for those whose strength is failing through ill health; whose spirits are flagging through depression; whose determination is being sapped through addiction; that they might know God’s comforting presence and healing. Lord, Hear us.
We remember with love those who have asked for our solidarity in prayer: Mary, Priscilla, Lisa, Steve, Adeline, and those we name: [pause].
We pray for our own needs, together with those nearest and dearest to us, remembering especially those celebrating birthdays in the coming week: Fla Lewis, Bridgette Hubbard, Dennis Stark, and Jessie Kerr. Lord, Hear us.
Rejoicing in the fellowship of so great a cloud of witnesses, we remember those we love but see no longer, especially those we name. [pause] we remember those struggling with an experience of loss amidst a season of joy. Lord, Hear us.
Celebrant adds a concluding prayer.