Prayers For The World

A Liturgy.

Since moving to the small town of Tairua where we’ve been living for the last two years, my family have been part of a small traditional Anglican parish, St Francis Church.

It’s deeply liturgical, which, for a man like myself with my church background has been both enriching and challenging in all the best ways.

Recently, I was invited to join the liturgical team for scripture readings and intercessory prayer during the services. One of Katie and my favourite aspects of the liturgy is the intercession for the world that takes place every week. It’s powerful to pray with the church, and to articulate our aches for it.

Writing these prayers has felt weighty, and holy. Especially in these times.

Well, yesterday I was sick and couldn’t be there in person to pray for my week on. But I thought I would share them with you. Maybe it can be a liturgy for your family, or your small group, or your church, too. Or maybe you can take a moment just to sit and pray with me for the world and all that’s taking place.

Or none of the above!

In any case, I thought I would share with you some of my own prayers for the world in this time.

All my love,
Strahan.

Prayers For The World
March 13, 2022.

Lord of lords, King of kings, and Father of us all, we thank you for the life within us, for the life before us, and for the promise of your ever-listening ear. You stand over not only us, but the world, its people and its history, and we trust you. Your love encircles us, your joy sings over us, and your faithfulness sustains our every breath. Guide us now as we seek you, adore you, and cry out to you for the world.

Hear us Lord
Lord hear our prayer

Father, this Lent, in a world poised on a precipice, and full of misunderstanding and dysfunction, we your children ask for your forgiveness and mercy. We have struggled to love one another over these years, let alone our neighbours, let alone our enemies. We have often responded blow for blow be it with words, thoughts or judgements, instead of turning. We have all contributed in some way to the dysfunction of the world. We repent, Lord, and recognise our need for renewal. Where we have fallen short of your Son’s teaching, and have so far to go, have mercy on us Lord, and renew us in the strength of your Spirit and the faithfulness of your Son.

Hear us Lord
Lord hear our prayer

In Europe, the innocent and vulnerable of Ukraine need you. We thank you for the spirit of courage you have already given its people, and for those you have already protected. We ask now, Lord that you would hear the tears of the displaced, mothers and fathers who are losing children, split families and fearful soldiers and bring a miraculous end to this war. We pray for provision for the fleeing, wisdom for the Ukrainian leadership, humility for Russian decision makers and the limiting of death on both sides.

Hear us Lord
Lord hear our prayer

For those already affected by rising living costs, and for the vulnerable who are looking ahead with fear, we ask for your peace and provision. We ask for wisdom for the leaders in our government that they would see creative solutions for shielding the most vulnerable from inflation, keeping them from loss and harm. Give global and government leaders special discernment, energy and alertness to navigate these complex issues in the best way possible. We’re aware of the grave injustice of our global financial system and the greed and power-abuse of its wealthiest. We ask that you would level the mountains, Lord, and raise the valleys up, that justice may relieve the suffering of the poor, vulnerable and oppressed.

Hear us Lord 
Lord hear our prayer

The world is changing, and it’s changing faster than many of us are ready for. But you are creative, God, doing new things. Where we see death, you see resurrection and an opportunity for your kingdom to grow. We ask, Holy Spirit, that you would enflame that resurrection life in us, making us a prophetic people, that we would bring the goodness of your kingdom to a new world, painting the world with Christ.

Hear us Lord
Lord hear our prayer

God, we remember those who aren’t here, those who are sick, who are under strain and those who have passed. We take a moment now to bring them before you in silence or by naming them.

Hear us Lord 
Lord hear our prayer

And finally Lord, for each of us, pour out the fire of your Spirit. That Christ would be seen and fully known first within us your people, then through us in the lives we live. Making your name hallowed. 

All glory and honour are yours Father, and we ache for the coming of your Son with the whole of us.

Hear us Lord 
Lord hear our prayer

Amen.

PHOTO: The famous Independence Square in Kiev on a sunny day. The square was the site of Euromaidan protests beginning in November 2013, progressing to violent clashes, fires, and ending in the February 2014 Ukrainian revolution. By Euan Cameron.