Prayer of the Day

God of might,
Your messengers’ words were not always well received, but they were full of your truth. Give us courage to speak out in the face of injustice and opposition, confident that you will strengthen us by the power of your Holy Spirit, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.

Prayers of Intercession

L:      We pray for the church, the world, and all those in need, saying “God of wisdom,” and responding “Hear our prayer.”

A brief silence.

L:      Gracious God, Stephen spoke your truth with conviction, and the people rejected him. Grant your church and all those within it the same boldness, empowered by your Holy Spirit. God of wisdom,

C:      Hear our prayer.

L:      The attention paid to some widows, and not others, in the early church demonstrates how easily even we people of faith can forget to care for the vulnerable among us. Keep us mindful of others’ needs amid our many competing concerns. God of wisdom,

C:      Hear our prayer.

L:      Stones meant to strengthen, protect, and build up can also be used to destroy and kill. May we choose intelligent ways of employing your resources for the benefit of all, and not plundering them for our own selfish purposes. God of wisdom,

C:      Hear our prayer.

L:      Protect those who are endangered by the physically, emotionally and spiritually abusive, and help them to escape unsafe environments where their well-being is threatened. Heal the sick in body and soul, especially those we name before you now… God of wisdom,

C:      Hear our prayer.

L:      For Stephen and all faithful martyrs we give you thanks, and look to their faithful examples of how to live as your followers. God of wisdom,

C:      Hear our prayer.

Here other petitions may be offered.

L:      Incline your ear to our prayers and fill us with power to live out our faith, in the name of your Son our savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Adapted from Clergy Stuff Resources 2021