Intercessions for Sunday 31st May 
As the first disciples gathered in prayer behind locked doors, let us now unite our hearts to receive the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Blessed Trinity, empower our witness, bring peace to the world and heal the broken-hearted.
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.
Gracious Lord, pour your Spirit upon the worldwide church and all church leaders. May they make the Gospel understandable to people of every race, language and culture. May the Holy Spirit of Peace unit and reconcile the peoples and nations of the earth, bringing an end to war, hatred and discrimination.
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.
Father God, we pray for your world. So often we struggle to understand the reasons behind acts of terrorism and war, and yet we know that in the midst of such events, your love is shown in the acts of bravery, selflessness and compassion which follows. We pray for all who suffer in such dreadful circumstances and those who provide medical and community support and long-term reconstruction. Guide all leaders of the nations with the discernment to choose justice, protect the vulnerable and work tirelessly for peace.
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.
Loving God, breathe your peace into our homes, workplaces and neighbourhoods. Renew our vision for this church and help us be a welcoming, united place of worship that reflects your transforming grace. Help us to build connections, focusing on what unites us rather than what separates us and highlights our differences. Inspire us to look beyond our comfort zones and to be your hands and feet, reaching out to the marginalised and those in need in our local area.
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.
God of healing, we pray for the sick, the weary and those who are facing challenging times. Strengthen those who are lonely, anxious or bereaved. May the Holy Spirit bring comfort, healing and courage to endure their struggles. We remember those who have recently passed away and those who mourn. May they find enduring hope in your eternal presence.
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.
Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Blessed Trinity, as another week draws to an end and another one begins, give us the grace to live out our faith among those we meet and eat with, whose lives we share, without compromising that calling to be the body of Christ.
Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen