The world seems to be going crazy all around us.
Intercessions on 13th July 2025, themed around The Good Samaritan (Luke 10.25-37)
What we’ve been taking for granted is slipping away.
What is going on?
In this moment in time, the parable of the Good Samaritan is particularly poignant, particularly challenging, particularly ’strange‘ (in the very best sense of the word).
It invites us into action, into examining our outlook on life and the people around us, and into prayer.
Dear God,
„Love your neighbour as yourself.“
This is the task you entrusted us with.
It is not always easy.
Actually, often it is ridiculously hard!
Prayer is one way for us to love our neighbour.
Thank you for hearing us.
Thank you for being at work.
Thank you for changing us and others in the process.
Amen.
Loving God,
our hearts break for all our neighbours who,
like the man on the road to Jerusalem,
are being hurt, mistreated and oppressed by their fellow humans,
and for those suffering due to natural disasters.
We pray for the people of Ukraine, Gaza, Yemen, Nigeria, the US, China, Nepal, India, Syria, Sudan, and all other places in turmoil.
Be their comfort.
Be their help.
Be their hope.
Help us to love them through solidarity, support, and advocacy.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Loving God,
We find it almost impossible to love those of our neighbours who,
like the robbers in the parable,
are violent, abusive, hate-filled, and careless
towards their families, communities, and those under their authority.
We pray for followers of nationalist or other fundamentalist movements,
abusers of power,
those who exploit or neglect their responsibilities,
and all who spread hate and division.
Fill them with your healing.
Fill them with compassion.
Fill them with wisdom.
Help us how to love them, stand up against them, and pray for them.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Loving God,
We are frustrated with those neighbours who,
like the priest and Levite on the road to Jerusalem,
are egoistic and indifferent bystanders to the suffering of others and the planet.
We are painfully aware that often we recognise ourselves in them, too.
We pray for all trapped and participating in exploitative systems,
those overwhelmed with news of violence and climate breakdown,
and all who are preoccupied with trivialities.
Grant us and them courage.
Grant us and them vision.
Grant us and them trust.
Help us to love them and infect them with enthusiasm and hope.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Loving God,
We are in awe of our neighbours who,
like the Samaritan, go out of their way to protect and help others
and bridge divides at high costs to themselves.
We pray for those working and volunteering for rescue services
and in areas affected by war and natural disasters,
those who stand up against bullying and discrimination,
and all who sacrifice time, energy and personal freedom to care for loved ones.
Give them strength.
Give them support.
Give them a sense of achievement.
Help us to love them and to champion and back their efforts.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Loving God,
We are grateful for our neighbours who,
like the innkeeper of the parable,
use their skills and professional life
to care for others and make our life better and more beautiful.
We pray for people working in the service industry,
in cleaning and maintenance jobs,
in healthcare, education, the media, research, and many other areas of expertise.
Let them experience satisfaction in their work.
Let them feel appreciated.
Let them enjoy fair compensation.
Help us to love them and to show them our gratitude.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Merciful Father,
Accept these prayers for the sake of your son, our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.