Prayers of Intercession: Sunday, April 6

Led by the Spirit, let us turn to God in prayer for the church, the world, and all those in need.

A brief silence.

The church declares your praise, O God. Guide us in the example of Isaiah’s imagination, Paul’s transformed identity, and Mary’s faith and devotion; that our lives, too, may be poured out in love as we trust in your promises. God, in your mercy,

receive our prayer.

The earth declares your praise, O God. Make a way for the planet’s future in the sea and the wilderness, the mountains and plains, the tundra and wetlands. Repair habitats and sustainable ecosystems on, above, and beneath the ground. God, in your mercy,

receive our prayer.

The nations declare your praise, O God. Where religious differences divide, bring together those who worship you in the name of Jesus Christ and those who call to you with different names. Guide inter-religious dialogue, that faith may unite rather than divide communities. God, in your mercy,

receive our prayer.

The people declare your praise, O God. Restore those whose hope has been dampened through a health diagnosis, job or home loss, divorce, or death. Bring healing to those in need (especially Marc, Larry, Caleb, Carol, Dick, Sue, and Kyle). May all who weep now sing songs of joy again. God, in your mercy,

receive our prayer.

The gifts of the Spirit declare your praise, O God. We thank you for artists who proclaim the gospel (especially Albrecht Dürer, Matthias Grünewald, and Lucas Cranach). Inspire music, poetry, and images that proclaim the new thing you are doing. God, in your mercy,

receive our prayer.

The communion of saints declares your praise, O God. Giving thanks for those who have died, we trust in the one who has made them his own: Christ Jesus, our crucified and risen Savior. God, in your mercy,

receive our prayer.

Receive the prayers of your people and draw all things together in your love, in the name of Jesus, who leads us from death to life.

Amen.