INTERCESSIONS (Sunday 22 November 2009, Christ the King)

Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven; praise with us the King of peace.

O God our Father, hear the prayers of those gathered in this Cathedral church today. May our brothers and sisters in Christ throughout the world bear witness to your Kingship. Keep in your care John our Archbishop and all the people of these dioceses, especially the people and parish of Zion, Rathgar, and their priest Wilbert Gourley. We ask you to bless the work of all musicians, singers and choirs, especially of our own director, choirs and organists in this cathedral. May the outreach of the Dean and community of this Cathedral reflect the enduring love of Christ to all who come to visit and to worship here.

Lord in your mercy ...

God of the nations, look with compassion on the peoples of the earth. Give all nations your spirit of wisdom and revelation, that they may acknowledge that you are King and Ruler. We pray that the peoples of this world hear your voice, so that we may all come together in peace in your kingdom.

Lord in your mercy ...

We pray for our President, Mary McAleese and for the common good, and for those with whom we have daily contact. At this time when the future of our children is a matter for keen debate, we pray that those who oversee the planning of our schools may treat all sections of our society with impartiality, apportioning our diminished resources for teaching with true equity. We pray too for all teachers who work under increasingly difficult conditions.

Lord in your mercy ...

Glorious and almighty Father, help all those who are sick or in any special need of your aid; the poor, the homeless, the oppressed, the bereaved, the elderly, the displaced, the unemployed. In a moment of silence we pray for your blessing on all who live in this world of ours; and ask for your healing power for all who have asked for our prayers.

Lord in your mercy ...

O Lord, the Ruler of this world and the next, we thank you for the witness of Saint Cecilia, patron of musicians, of musicians down the ages, and of all the saints who have died in your loving arms. Remember O Lord the life and witness of Jan Bartlett, the anniversary of whose death occurs at about this time. May we share with them the joys of your eternal kingdom.

Merciful Father, accept these our prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.