Sunday, May 19, 2013

Pentecost intercessions

  1. This morning we're having our intercessions in eight different languages. This is a slightly adapted version of the English script we're using this morning.  Because the intercessions are all based around texts from the psalms it becomes easier for everyone to understand and less work for those drafting the intercessions. Members of our congregation (who come from many different nations) can read the psalm text from their own bibles and we know what they are saying because they English text is written in the service books. The introduction to the prayers, although it is in English, is being read by one of the American members of our congregation. 
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These intercessions will be led in multiple languages. The response to Kyrie eleison (“Lord have mercy” in Greek) will be Christe eleison(“Christ have mercy”)


Lord God, we give you thanks this Pentecost for the gift of the Spirit, who brings unity to the church enabling her to proclaim the good news to people from many different nations, speaking many tongues. We too are gathered from many nations and we ask you to hear us as we pray in faith.

(A prayer for the church, led in French) 
Give praise, you servants of the Lord, O praise the name of the Lord. Blessed be the name of the Lord, from this time forth and for evermore.(Psalm 113:1-2)
We pray for our bishops John and James and for our church, that she will be inspired and strengthened to proclaim the good news to all people.
Response: Kyrie eleison. Christe eleison

(A prayer for the poor, led in one of the African languages)
Lord, you will hear the desire of the poor; you will incline your ear to the fullness of their heart, to give justice to the orphan and oppressed, so that people are no longer driven in terror from the land. 
(Psalm 10:18-19)
We pray for the poor, and those who are struggling with debt at this time. 
R: Kyrie eleison.Christe eleison

(A prayer for peace, led in Yoruba) 
Come and behold the works of the Lord, what destruction he has wrought upon the earth. He makes wars to cease in all the world; he shatters the bow and snaps the spear and burns the chariots in the fire. (Psalm 46: 8-9)
We pray for peace on Earth, especially in Korea, in Syria and everywhere people are fighting.
R: Kyrie eleison. Christe eleison

(A prayer for the grieving, led in Japanese)
The cords of death entwined me and the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.In my distress I called upon the Lord and cried out to my God for help. 
(Psalm 18:4, 6)
We pray for those who have recently lost someone they love, that God will comfort them.
R: Kyrie eleison.Christe eleison.

(A prayer for those who are ill, led in Mandarin Chinese)
They cried to the Lord in
their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He sent forth his word and healed them, and saved them from destruction.
(Psalm 107:19-20) 
We pray for those who are ill or in pain at this time 
R: Kyrie eleison.Christe eleison

(A prayer for the sorrowful, led in Welsh)
 The sorrows of my heart have increased; O bring me out of my distress. Look upon my adversity and misery and forgive me all my sin.
 (Psalm 25:16-17) 
We pray for those who are heartbroken or full of sorrow at this time.
R: Kyrie eleison. Christe eleison

(A prayer for the Lord to hear our prayers, led in Polish)
May the Lord hear you in the day of trouble, the name of the God of Jacob defend you; Send you help from his sanctuary and strengthen you out of Zion; 
(Psalm 20:1-2)
R: Kyrie eleisonChriste eleison

The intercessions finish with these words
 Merciful father,
All: accept these prayers for the sake of your son, our saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.