Universal Prayer – Fifth Sunday Of Lent

We turn to the Lord of all creation and plead for His help for all His suffering children.

Let us pray for Christians throughout the world, that their love for Jesus will be shown by their selfless care and compassion for all their brothers and sisters who are in need.

Lord, in your mercy . . . Hear our prayer

Let us pray for the decision-makers in Government, the National Health Service, the Treasury, the police and the armed services, that, strengthened by God’s Spirit of Power, they will work together with mutual trust to find the best solutions to the present challenges.

Lord, in your mercy . . . Hear our prayer

Let us pray for the victims of the coronavirus pandemic, that the dead will be at rest in the loving embrace of the Father and that those who grieve for them will be blessed with comfort and peace in their loss.

Lord, in your mercy . . . Hear our prayer

Let us pray for all nurses, carers and volunteers, striving to ensure the good health, safety and comfort of the sick and elderly, that the Lord will protect them from the virus and enable them to be channels of God’s love to those in their charge.

Lord, in your mercy . . . Hear our prayer

Let us pray for all who are finding restrictions on their movements hard to endure, especially families confined in high-rise flats and the elderly in their homes, that the Lord will give them patience and help them to use their time profitably and wisely.

Lord, in your mercy . . . Hear our prayer

As we enter Passiontide, let us pray for every member of our parish community, that we may all strive to walk with Christ on His journey to Calvary, ever grateful for this demonstration of His great love for us, and ever thankful for the gift of life.

Lord, in your mercy . . . Hear our prayer

May Mary be our model and inspiration in following Christ her Son: Hail Mary . . .

Deep in our hearts, may we make our own petitions for those who have asked for our prayers.

Lord God, listen to our prayers and help us to live each day empowered by Your Spirit who dwells in our hearts. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.