Intercession - Lent 2

-

Based on Mark 8:31-37


As we journey with Jesus, closer to Jerusalem with his cross before us, let us bring our prayers before our God of love, power and faithfulness.

The words of Jesus calls us to “take up your cross and follow me”.  We are not sure if it is the crosses of this life or the cross of sacrifice and suffering which leads us to the cross of death. Let us pray that through this call, God will help us chose the cross he wants each and every one to carry and give us strength to journey with him. We pray for those who are living with challenges in their day-to-day life – families, relationships, finances, integrity, justice.

The words of Jesus calls us to “deny yourself”. We are not sure which self it is. The self we put on for others, the self-centered self that wants everything for ourselves. We pray for burden this challenge places on the believer. The challenges on the home front, challenges within the body of Christ, in their places of work and outside factors not in their control. That all who are called to serve, sacrifice and follow Christ, will have the courage to let go of all that obstructs them fulfilling that call.

The words of Jesus calls us to “have the mind of God”. We are not sure if our hearts and minds and attitudes are the same as God or his son Jesus. We pray for the church which is the body of Christ here on this earth; for it’s leaders and laity; that they will show courage, humility and the will to show Jesus to this world. We pray for individual lives and transformation to a lifestyle that reflects the mind of Christ.

The words of Jesus calls us “not to be ashamed of him and his words”. We are not sure if it the lifestyle we life or the witness we show. We pray for us who are called to be witnesses of Christ in this world, to stand up of for justice, fairness and integrity in a nation which is being eroded of morality, honesty and integrity. We pray for our leaders that they may have at their heart the citizens of this land by upholding justice, freedom and dignity. We also pray for those who feel ashamed to put God first in their lives; very specially for those living in mixed marriages, those working in unethical work environments, those who are forced to live in contradiction to His words.


Gracious God, the call of your son Jesus seems to be he is asking so much from us. We need your holy spirit and your grace and mercy to answer your call. As you empowered those of old, the disciples and the early church and all who decided to follow you, empower us too. That with your strength we will live as true disciples of you. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Resources for prayers at home - Lent 4 (22.03.2020)

-
As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.” Isaiah 66:13 Silence Call to confession Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. Let us come to him, in sorrow for our sins, seeking healing and salvation. Matthew 8:4 Silence L:              Our selfishness betrays you In silence: The amount of food we stock and pile failing to be mindful if there is enough for those with a daily wage R:             Father forgive us and heal us. L:              We fail to share the pain of those who suffer and we flee from the afflicted In silence: Our attitude to the afflicted and the quarantined R:             Fat...
Read more

Thanksgiving Service : Christ Church Warleigh. 140 Years

-
Image
Christ Church Warleigh Thanking God for 140 years “Jesus Christ: the foundation of the church” Reign of Christ Sunday 25 th November 2018 10.OOam At 9.50 the Bishop, Clergy, congregation, altar servers, choir and cross bearer gather at the main gate.  As the bell is rung the Bishop will say…. Gathering We gather from the world and prepare ourselves to focus on God and worship Leader: (T)             The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad; Response:            let the earth be glad; Leader: (E)             The Lord, he is the head of the body, the church Response:         He is the beginning and the first born. Leader: (T)         Let us enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; Respo...
Read more

#SUNDAY WORSHIP - La Cote Anglican Church

-
Image
La Cote Anglican Church A service of Evening prayer La Cote Anglican Church 4.00pm on 29.10.2019 The opportunity to participate in an Anglican church evening prayer during my stay at the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey, Switzerland. Students who signed up were taken for this worship by two members of the church, Peta and John. We we warmly welcomed by the priest Rev. Carolyn Cooke the Chaplain of the parish. A very small cosy little church, where we could see quite a lot of participation from the lay people. Music was led by a two ladies on guitar and flute. And other parts of the service too were led by lay people. Whilst speaking from the text for the day Psalm 146, 1 Timothy 6:16-19, Luke 16:19-31, she spoke about the quality of life that the people enjoy. In the midst of all the prosperity that we have we should not be like the rich man to took no notice of Lazarus at his gate. Often in the pressure to seize all that comes our way many people are tramples and i...
Read more