Intercessions for Acts 11:19-end and John 15:12-17

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.

People of various backgrounds, cultures, and languages gather together in 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.

Intercessions for 2 Corinthians 13:11-end and Matthew 28:16-end

The Church of Christ

Father, we pray for unity within your Church. May all members strive for restoration where there’s division, encourage one another, and live in peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Creation, human society, the Sovereign and those in authority

We pray for leaders across the world. We ask that they be guided by a desire for peace and justice and lead with mercy and compassion.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

The local community

We lift up our local community to you, Lord. May it be a place of peace and unity. Inspire us to love our neighbours as ourselves and to work towards reconciliation where there’s conflict.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Those who suffer

Father, we pray for those suffering in body, mind, or spirit. May they experience your peace and comfort and know they’re not alone in their suffering.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

The Communion of Saints

As we remember the Great Commission of your Son Jesus Christ, we pray for the courage and wisdom to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in your name and teaching them to obey your commands.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Father, we pray for unity within your Church.

Prayer ideas for each reading

Here are some prayers based on 2 Corinthians 13:11-end:

  1. Gracious God, we pray for unity and reconciliation among your people. Help us strive for restoration and peace in our relationships within the Church and the wider world. Fill us with your love and grace, enabling us to live in harmony with one another.
  2.  Loving God, we ask for your strength and encouragement as we face challenges and trials. Give us the perseverance to endure, knowing that your power is made perfect in our weakness. Help us to rely on your grace and to trust in your provision in every situation.
  3.  Merciful God, we pray for those who require your healing touch, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. Bring comfort and restoration to those who are broken or hurting, and grant them the strength to experience your peace and wholeness.
  4.  Compassionate God, we lift up those struggling with doubts or a crisis of faith. Surround them with your love and truth, and guide them into a deeper understanding of your Word. Grant them wisdom and discernment as they seek to grow in their relationship with you.
  5.  Gracious God, we give thanks for the grace and love that we have received through Jesus Christ. Help us embrace his example of selflessness and sacrificial love in our lives. Empower us to be agents of reconciliation, forgiveness, and compassion worldwide.

May these prayers based on 2 Corinthians 13:11-end inspire us to pursue unity, to rely on God’s strength in our weaknesses, to extend compassion to others, and to embody the love and grace of Jesus Christ in our daily lives.

Here are some prayers based on Matthew 28:16-end:

  1. Gracious God, we give thanks for the resurrected Jesus and the authority he holds over all creation. As we reflect on the Great Commission, we pray for a renewed passion and commitment to go and make disciples of all nations. Empower us with your Holy Spirit to boldly proclaim the Gospel and share your love with others.
  2.  Loving God, we pray for the courage to step out of our comfort zones and engage with those who have not heard the good news of salvation. Give us open hearts and open minds to recognize opportunities to be your witnesses in our communities, workplaces, and beyond.
  3.  Merciful God, we pray for those seeking truth and meaning in their lives. May they encounter your presence and experience the transforming power of your grace. Guide us in our interactions with them so that our words and actions may reflect your love and draw them closer to you.
  4.  Compassionate God, we pray for unity among your followers as we work together in fulfilling your commission. Help us to set aside our differences and collaborate in sharing the message of salvation. Strengthen the bonds of love and fellowship within your Church so that we may be compelling witnesses to your reconciling and transformative power.
  5.  Gracious God, we always give thanks for the promise of your abiding presence with us. As we journey forth to make disciples, help us to trust in your guidance, provision, and protection. Fill us with your peace and assurance, knowing that you are with us every step of the way.

May these prayers based on Matthew 28:16-end inspire us to actively participate in the Great Commission, to share the love of Christ, and to make disciples of all nations, trusting in the power and presence of our risen Lord.

Combined prayer based on 2 Corinthians 13:11-end and Matthew 28:16-end:

Gracious God, we come before you with hearts full of gratitude for the grace and love you have poured out upon us. As we reflect on the words of the apostle Paul and the commissioning of Jesus, we seek your guidance and empowerment to live as faithful disciples in the world.

Fill us with your Holy Spirit to embrace unity and reconciliation within the Church and those around us. Help us to extend compassion and forgiveness, bearing witness to the transforming power of your grace. Grant us the strength and courage to navigate challenges and trials, knowing that your power is made perfect in our weakness.

Lord, we commit ourselves to the Great Commission to go and make disciples of all nations. Open our eyes to the opportunities you place before us to share the Good News of salvation with those who have yet to hear. Give us boldness to speak truth and love, and help us to live as examples of your grace and mercy.

As we engage in this mission, may we be united in purpose, setting aside our differences and working together as one body. Strengthen the bonds of love and fellowship within your Church so that we may be a compelling witness to the reconciling and transformative power of the Gospel.

Lord, we recognize that this task is not ours alone. We trust in your abiding presence with us, empowering and guiding us every step of the way. Grant us your peace and assurance, knowing you are with us in all circumstances.

In the name of Jesus Christ,
our risen Savior,
we pray.

Amen.