LEADING INTERCESSIONS A Practical Guide Why pray In

LEADING INTERCESSIONS A Practical Guide

Why pray? • In the morning, while it was still very dark, Jesus got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed Mark 1: 35 • They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers Acts 2: 42 • Jesus said “When you pray. . . ” Luke 11: 2 • Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in

What are we called to pray for? Exercise

What are we called to pray for? • FOR OUR WORLD First of all then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions. . . 1 Timothy 2: 1 -2 a

What are we called to pray for? • FOR THE CHURCH At the same time, pray for us as well that God will open to us a door for the word, that we may declare the mystery of Christ. . . Colossians 4: 3

What are we called to pray for? • ON BEHALF OF ALL Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints Ephesians 6: 18

What are our intercessions for? • • Sum of our individual thoughts and concerns Leading the prayers of the people Corporate and inclusive Local and contextual

What do I pray?

Frameworks to use • Litanies – short sections with a repeated response at the end of each • Collects – separate prayers ending with Amen • Bidding prayers – short introductions followed by silence

Topics to cover • Common Worship sequence: – The Church of Christ – Creation, human society, the Sovereign, those in authority – The local community – Those who suffer – The communion of saints (the departed) • May include other concerns or thanksgivings

Topics to cover Newspaper exercise

Practical advice

Resources • • • Local notice sheet or pewsheet Diocesan cycle of intercessions Deanery or local cycle of intercessions The media Books/websites

“An Interesting Form of Intercession!” Exercise

Intercessions - For different contexts • • Liturgical season Major festivals Special festivals – local or national All-age services

Intercessions - With children present • • Brief and simple Use easy to understand language Avoid wish-lists Relevant to the life of a child Engage their imagination Consider using movement, symbol, posture Create inner spiritual peace before you start Include children in writing/delivery of prayers