The Church of Christ
Lord, we pray for your Church worldwide. May it spread your word and love to all corners of the earth, crossing language, culture, and national boundaries. Strengthen us in times of difficulty and persecution, and help us to remain steadfast in our faith.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Creation, human society, the Sovereign and those in authority
We pray for the leaders of our world. May they be guided by the love you command us to show each other. May this love influence policies and decisions that affect the welfare of people and our planet.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
The local community
We lift up our local community to you, asking that we may reflect your love and friendship. May we care for one another as you have cared for us, and may we find joy in obeying your commands.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Those who suffer
We pray for those suffering in body, mind, or spirit. Surround them with your love and peace, and provide comfort in their distress. May they know they are loved as friends, not just servants, in your Kingdom.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
The Communion of Saints
We remember the joy of obeying your commands and the love we are called to show one another. Help us to love each other as you have loved us, and remind us of the joy that comes from being called your friends.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Prayer ideas for each reading
Here is a prayer based on Acts 11:19-end:
Gracious God, we give thanks for the spread of the Gospel as witnessed in the early Church, as described in the book of Acts. As we reflect on the account of believers sharing the good news in Antioch and beyond, we pray for your guidance and inspiration to carry on this mission in our lives and communities.
Lord, help us have open hearts and minds to recognize opportunities to proclaim your truth and love. Give us the courage to step out of our comfort zones to engage with those seeking truth and meaning in their lives. May our words and actions reflect your grace, drawing others closer to you.
We pray for those hungering for your message of hope and salvation. May they encounter your presence and experience the transforming power of your grace. Grant us sensitivity and discernment in our interactions so that we may be effective witnesses of your love and bearers of your truth.
Lord, we ask for unity among your followers, as seen in the early Church. Help us set aside our differences, collaborate, and work harmoniously. Strengthen the bonds of love and fellowship within your Church so that we may be a shining example of your reconciling and transformative power.
We trust in your guidance and provision, Lord, as we obey your call. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, empowering us to faithfully carry out the mission you have entrusted to us. Grant us boldness, wisdom, and the necessary resources to make disciples, impacting our communities and the world for your glory.
We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Amen.
Here is a prayer based on John 15:12-17:
Gracious God, we come before you with hearts full of gratitude for the love and friendship you have bestowed upon us. As we reflect on the words of Jesus in John 15, we pray that you would help us to live out the commandment to love one another as he has loved us.
Lord, fill us with your love and compassion so that we may extend grace, mercy, and kindness to those around us. Help us to see others through your eyes, to treat them with dignity and respect, and to be instruments of your love in their lives.
Teach us to love others, laying down our lives for them as Jesus did for us. Give us the strength and humility to serve one another selflessly, bearing each other’s burdens and meeting each other’s needs.
Lord, we pray for unity among your followers. May we be united in love and purpose, working together to advance your Kingdom. Help us to set aside our differences and embrace the diversity within your body, recognizing that together we are stronger.
We ask for your guidance in choosing and nurturing friendships that honour you. Help us to cultivate relationships built on love, trust, and mutual support. May our friendships reflect your love and be a source of encouragement and growth.
Lord, we recognize that our ability to love others flows from our connection with you. Help us remain in you, abiding in your love and seeking wisdom and guidance. Enable us to bear fruit that glorifies you and brings blessings to others.
In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.
Here is a combined prayer based on Acts 11:19-end and John 15:12-17:
Gracious God, we come before you with hearts full of gratitude for the abundant love and grace you have poured upon us. As we reflect on the early believers in Antioch and the teachings of Jesus, we seek your guidance and empowerment to live as your disciples and spread your love to the world.
Lord, help us to embrace the commandment to love one another as Jesus has loved us. Fill us with your selfless love that knows no boundaries or conditions. May our love for others reflect your unconditional love and testimony to the Gospel’s transforming power.
We pray for opportunities to share your love and truth with those around us. Just as the early believers in Antioch proclaimed the good news, give us boldness and wisdom to effectively communicate your message of hope and salvation. Help us engage with those seeking truth, and may our lives and words bear witness to your grace.
Lord, we ask for unity among your followers. Unite us in purpose and love, that we may work together to extend your kingdom. Help us set aside differences and embrace the diversity within your body as we strive to serve one another and impact our communities with your love.
Teach us to love one another, laying down our lives for our friends, just as Jesus laid down his life for us. Enable us to cultivate deep and meaningful relationships based on your love, and may these friendships be a source of encouragement, accountability, and growth in our faith.
Lord, we recognize that our ability to love others flows from our connection with you. Help us to remain in you, abiding in your love and seeking your guidance in all things. May our lives bear fruit that glorifies you and brings blessings to others.
We pray in the name of Jesus Christ,
our Lord and Saviour.
Amen.

