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:
Pentecost 10
July 28, 2024
The response to the bidding, “Lord in your mercy,” is “Hear us”
God of Justice and mercy: We pray for our Nation and its future: We pray for the President, the Congress, the Courts, and all running for elected office, that they may be mindful of their sacred duty to serve the common good. We pray for the wisdom and the courage to not be found wanting in the task of defending our democracy at the ballot box. Lord in your mercy, Hear us.
We pray for the world and its needs: for peace with justice in the Holy Land of Israel Palestine: For the people of Gaza, and for all engaged in negotiating peace and providing humanitarian relief.
We pray for Ukraine as it resists Russian aggression, for the courage and steadfastness of the Ukrainian people, remembering their sacrifices for the preservation of a Free World Order.
We also remember the peoples of Sudan, where the specter of genocide once more stalks the land.
We pray for all driven by conflict to flee their homeland.
We pray for the needs of the earth, our island home, especially for those affected by extreme heat, wildfires, and catastrophic storms. We pray for all whose environment is degraded or devastated by climate change.
Lord in your mercy, 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 better see the path of God’s footprints etched out in the morning dew.
Lord in your mercy, Hear us.
We remember with love those who have asked for our solidarity in prayer: Hays & Linda, Evelyn, Jan, Mary, and those we name: [pause].
Lord in your mercy, Hear us.
We pray for our own needs, together with those nearest and dearest to us, remembering Hugh Hildesley, Eliza Robey, Liam Baron, Diana Hassel, Pat Whitman, and others known to us who are celebrating birthdays in the coming week.
Lord in your mercy, Hear us.
We remember those we love but see no longer, especially those we name [pause]. And we pray for all who grieve. Lord in your mercy, Hear us.
Celebrant adds a concluding prayer.
At end of service Prayer for Ukraine