pastoral prayer

PASTORAL PRAYER AND

Heavenly Father: we pray for your church on earth, that all Christians may bear their cross and follow Jesus.

We pray for brothers and sisters who praise you , like the crowds. Bless the witness of your church this holy week that the word of your Son’s death and resurrection may be clearly portrayed before the world.

We pray for all those who suffer, as Jesus did.  Give them grace whether they be broken of body, or mind, waiting for diagnosis or treatment, or preparing to die.

We pray for those who have sinned, like Peter.

Teach us to be sorry for our sins, and forgive us for Jesus' sake.

We pray for prisoners and criminals like Barrabas.

May they find true freedom by changing the way they live.

We pray for people in government, like Pilate.

May they be responsible and serve truth and justice.

We pray for those who are dying, like the thieves who died with Jesus.

May they die with Jesus by their side, and be received into your kingdom.

We pray for parents like Mary who have lost a child.

May they bear their suffering and know the comfort of your love.

We pray for the whole human race, that we may all come to know Jesus as our Lord and Saviour.

Father, may the suffering and death of Jesus lighten the burdens of all those who suffer. Lead us in the way of the cross, so that, as we suffer with Jesus, we may rise to life in his glory, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.