1. Leading Intercessions
A Practical Guide

2. Why pray?
In the morning, while it was still very dark, Jesus got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed Mark 1:35
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers Acts 2:42
Jesus said “When you pray...” Luke 11:2
Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving Colossians 4:2

3. What are we called to pray for?
Exercise

4. What are we called to pray for?
FOR OUR WORLD
First of all then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions...
1 Timothy 2:1-2a

5. What are we called to pray for?
FOR THE CHURCH
At the same time, pray for us as well that God will open to us a door for the word, that we may declare the mystery of Christ...
Colossians 4:3

6. What are we called to pray for?
ON BEHALF OF ALL
Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints
Ephesians 6:18

7. What are our intercessions for?
Sum of our individual thoughts and concerns
Leading the prayers of the people
Corporate and inclusive
Local and contextual

8. What do I pray?

9. Frameworks to use
Litanies – short sections with a repeated response at the end of each
Collects – separate prayers ending with Amen
Bidding prayers – short introductions followed by silence

10. Topics to cover Common Worship sequence: The Church of Christ
Creation, human society, the Sovereign, those in authority
The local community
Those who suffer
The communion of saints (the departed)
May include other concerns or thanksgivings

11. Topics to cover
Newspaper exercise

12. Practical advice

13. Resources Local notice sheet or pewsheet
Diocesan cycle of intercessions
Deanery or local cycle of intercessions
The media
Books/websites

14. “An Interesting Form of Intercession!”
Exercise

15. Intercessions - For different contexts
Liturgical season
Major festivals
Special festivals – local or national
All-age services

16. Intercessions - With children present
Brief and simple
Use easy to understand language
Avoid wish-lists
Relevant to the life of a child
Engage their imagination
Consider using movement, symbol, posture
Create inner spiritual peace before you start
Include children in writing/delivery of prayers