Acts 2:42 says that the church after Pentecost “devoted themselves to … the prayers.” The Church is a praying people, a house of prayer for all nations. Congregations vary in the way that they approach their primary time of petitioning God as a corporate body. For a discussion of four approaches to congregational prayer, see here. The following prayer liturgies are adapted from the 2019 BCP.
Anglican Standard Text
A Deacon or other person appointed says these prayers. The people answer, “Hear our prayer.”
Let us pray for the Church and for the world.
Almighty and everliving God, we are taught by your holy Word to offer prayers and supplications and to give thanks for all people. We humbly ask you mercifully to receive our prayers. Inspire continually the universal Church with the spirit of truth, unity, and concord; and grant that all who confess your holy Name may agree in the truth of your holy Word, and live in unity and godly love.
Silence
Lord, in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.
We pray that you will lead the nations of the world in the way of righteousness; and so guide and direct their leaders, especially [Name], our President, that your people may enjoy the blessings of freedom and peace. Grant that our leaders may impartially administer justice, uphold integrity and truth, restrain wickedness and vice, and protect true religion and virtue.
Silence
Lord, in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.
Give grace, heavenly Father, to all Pastors and Deacons, and especially to your servant(s) [Name(s)], our Pastor/Deacon, etc., that by their life and teaching, they may proclaim your true and life-giving Word, and rightly and duly administer your holy Sacraments. And to all your people give your heavenly grace, especially to this Congregation, that with reverent and obedient hearts we may hear and receive your holy Word, and serve you in holiness and righteousness all the days of our lives.
Silence
Lord, in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.
Prosper, we pray, all those who proclaim the gospel of your kingdom throughout the world, and strengthen us to fulfill your great commission, making disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey all that you have commanded.
Silence
Lord, in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.
We ask you in your goodness, O Lord, to comfort and sustain all who in this transitory life are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity [especially _____________].
Silence
Lord, in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.
We remember before you all your servants who have departed this life in your faith and fear, [especially _____________,]; and we ask you to give us grace to follow the good examples of [N., and] all your saints, that we may share with them in your heavenly kingdom.
Silence
Lord, in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.
Additional prayers may be added.
The Minister concludes with this or some other appropriate Collect.
Heavenly Father, grant these our prayers for the sake of Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Renewed Ancient Text
A Deacon or other person appointed says these prayers. The reader pauses after each bidding, and the people may add petitions, either silently or aloud.
Let us pray for the Church and for the world, saying, “hear our prayer.”
For the peace of the whole world, and for the well-being and unity of the people of God.
Lord, in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.
For [Name(s)], our Pastor(s), and for all the clergy and people of our [Diocese/Denomination/Conference/Connection] and Congregation.
Lord, in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.
For all those who proclaim the gospel at home and abroad; and for all who teach and disciple others.
Lord, in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.
For our brothers and sisters in Christ who are persecuted for their faith.
Lord, in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.
For our nation, for those in authority, and for all in public service [especially _____________].
Lord, in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.
For all those who are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity [especially _____________].
Lord, in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.
For all those who have departed this life in the certain hope of the resurrection, [especially ______,] in thanksgiving let us pray.
Lord, in your mercy:
Hear our prayer.
Additional petitions may be added. Thanksgivings may also be invited.
The Celebrant concludes with this or some other appropriate Collect.
Heavenly Father, grant these our prayers for the sake of Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.