We can think of intercession as expanding God’s being in every situation we open to Him.
– Sr Margaret Mary, SPB in “Seeking God in the Silence”
In intercession, we, the intercessors, need to know something of the circumstances to kindle our concern. God already knows it all, but it seems in the mystery of humanity, where God has given us free will, he will not bypass this and treat us like robots. Our love and concern open the way for God’s energy, the Holy Spirit, to flow into the world.
So, God, source of all life and being, on this day of Pentecost, when you first gave us the gift of your Holy Spirit, we bring our concerns for the world to you. We do this:
that your energy, light, and love may be unleashed to transform what is broken;
to heal who and what are wounded;
to make straight what is crooked and destructive;
to build up and enliven what is good and true;
that your will may be done on earth as it is in heaven.
In faith and trust: we thank you for fulfilling your promises
Lord in the stillness of our deepest hearts, beyond all words, lighten the darkness and protect…
those facing unremitting violence, unrest, and suffering in so many countries, including Thailand, Ukraine, Russia, Afghanistan, Mexico, Venezuela, Bolivia, Myanmar, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Israel, Gaza, the Gulf States, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Egypt, South Africa…
those mourning the dead and sick, and all working to contain and nurse those infected in the Ebola crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Kenya
those seeking to shine the light of truth, accountability, and justice where corruption, lies, and cronyism protect those in power or influence, including the USA, Australia, Italy, Israel, Russia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Iran, Iraq, and the UK
In faith and trust: we thank you for fulfilling your promises
God, ever merciful and full of forgiveness, compassion, and faithful love, bless, encourage, and give joy and strength…
all aid workers, whether paid or voluntary, who, forgetting themselves, help others in disaster zones and also in our local communities, often caring for the marginalized and forgotten
all those relatives, friends, and carers providing loving support for those seemingly lost in dementia, or living with life-limiting conditions
every act of kindness and love, that it may spread a web of love and peace in the world to counteract the malignant selfishness and greed so pushed by so many interests at this time of chaos, fear, and stress.
Empower all working to break down the seeming inability of so many in power or influence to hear and see that each one of us is made in your image. Inspire and protect all who work together, engendering hope and not hate.
In faith and trust: we thank you for fulfilling your promises
As we celebrate the sometimes uncomfortable and disturbing gift of your Holy Spirit, remind us again daily that your way is not the way of power and domination, but of self-giving love and sacrifice for all. Challenge our narrow and sadly often judgmental views and remind us that because you chose to forsake all to come as a helpless human, to live and learn and grow as we do, you enabled Easter to happen. Your death and resurrection opened the gateway to reconciliation with you that was lost when we chose to exercise our free will to turn away from you in our daily lives.
Give us the courage to say “Yes” to you, as Mary did when Gabriel came and disrupted her life with the news of what you wanted of her. This is a construction zone, for each one of us and also for your world. Transform us, by your light and love, and the transforming power of your Holy Spirit, into the people and world you created us to be.
In Jesus’ name, we share our prayers. AMEN.