Prayers for Easter 7A
Through the Ascension Christ gathers heaven and earth together, drawing all creation into the life of God. As we begin the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, let us pray for the Church and for the world Christ loves.
Risen and ascended Christ, you call your Church not to stand staring into heaven, but to bear witness in the world. Where Christians are divided by history, suspicion, pride, or fear, heal what we have wounded and reconcile what we have torn apart. Teach us again to recognise one another as members of one Body, sharing one baptism, one hope, and one calling.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Risen and ascended Christ, you call your Church not to stand staring into heaven, but to bear witness in the world. Where Christians are divided by history, suspicion, pride, or fear, heal what we have wounded and reconcile what we have torn apart. Teach us again to recognise one another as members of one Body, sharing one baptism, one hope, and one calling.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for your Church in every place: for bishops, priests, deacons, ministers, and all the baptised; for the churches of this city and region; for communities gathering in cathedrals, chapels, homes, and hidden places. Grant humility where we seek power, courage where we fear change, and love deep enough to hold difference without hatred.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Ascended Christ, you reign not through domination but through self-giving love. We pray for the nations of the world, for places wounded by war, occupation, violence, and division. We remember all who long for peace in Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, Myanmar, and every land where fear lingers among people. Raise up leaders who seek justice more than victory,
truth more than propaganda, and mercy more than revenge.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for all whose lives feel suspended between hope and uncertainty: for refugees and displaced people, for those searching for work or shelter, for those burdened by loneliness, grief, or anxiety, and for all who wait for healing that seems slow to come. We pray for those in need who have asked for our prayers.
May your Spirit breathe courage into weary hearts, and remind us that no one is abandoned from your sight.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We give thanks for all who have shaped our faith and witness: for saints known and unknown, for teachers, friends, parents, mentors, and companions on the way. As the disciples learned to live faithfully in your absence, help us also to carry forward the love we have received.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Ascended Lord, you promised that you would be with us always, even to the end of the age.
Send us out now in the power of your Spirit: to seek unity, pursue peace, love our neighbour,
and become signs of your kingdom in the world.