Prayers of Intercession for Good Friday 2019

God of the cross, we gather today

            with the great multitude of disciples across time and space,

            to look up into the face of our crucified messiah.

Today is the day when we confront death in all its stark reality,

            recognising that where you have already gone,

            we too will one day follow.

Jesus, remember us, when you come into your kingdom.

We remember all those who today face the reality of death.

            We commit to your loving care those who are nearing the end of their lives

                        through age, illness, and infirmity,

            and we particularly think of those known to us

                        who are drawing near to the end.

Be with them we pray,

            and may they know the comfort of your eternal love which transcends death.

Jesus, remember us, when you come into your kingdom.

We remember all those who live in constant fear for their lives,

            for those whose daily routine includes bombs and guns, intimidation and terror.

We pray for those for whom life is cheap,

            and for those for whom the cost of survival is too high.

Be with those for whom life is uncertain,

            and be present to those who do not know if they can carry on.

May they know the comfort of your eternal love which transcends death.

We give thanks for those who bring healing and peace to a world of darkness,

            and for those who offer hope to the hopeless.

Jesus, remember us, when you come into your kingdom.

We remember those who mourn,

            who live daily with the pain of loss,

and we pray for those whose loved ones are dying,

            for those who care for partners with terminal illness,

            and for those living with dementia.

May they find comfort in the security of your eternal love which transcends death.

God of the cross, we offer you our prayers

            in the certain knowledge of your great love. 

Amen.