Intercessions

Sunday 16th February 2003- Thanksgiving and care for God's Creation was the focus of the Parish Eucharist at Ss Mary & John Church, Cowley Road, East Oxford.

Ruth Conway writes "In case it could be a useful stimulus for others, I'm attaching the form of intercessions we used. In one sense, highly particular to time and place, but something similar could be tried elsewhere. The symbolic items were held up in front during the first part of each prayer and then the carriers moved behind the altar table, facing the congregation. They then put the items in front of the altar table, where they stayed to the end of the service, while we were greeting each other at the Peace".

Our prayers to God, our Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer, will be prompted by symbolic items connected with the churchyard. Therefore for once with our eyes open, let us pray

I (Creator)

Water

We bring water, giving thanks to God the Creator for the abundance of water without which life would not survive.

We pray for all who suffer from lack of water through drought, or selfish exploitation

For those who suffer the ravages of storm and flood;

And we pray for the courage to change our habits that are accelerating climate change

Lord, our Creator, in your mercy Hear our prayer

Soil and ivy

We bring soil and ivy, giving thanks to the Creator for all that feeds plant life, giving provision to a great diversity of species.

We pray for those who do not have enough food or the means to support their families

We pray for initiatives that reduce degradation of fertile land and promote a fairer distribution of the earth's resources.

Lord, our Creator, in your mercy Hear our prayer

Twigs from a variety of trees plus the tree survey

We bring twigs from the variety of trees in the churchyard and the recommendations for their maintenance, giving thanks for the beauty of trees and the shelter they provide.

We pray for those who are so burdened that they cannot see beauty in God's creation.

We pray that we may never cease to wonder and to praise, and to be good stewards of all that God has given into our hands.

Lord, our Creator, in your mercy Hear our prayer

II (Redeemer)

Sketch of SSJE memorial

We bring photos of the memorials to Father Benson and the Cowley Fathers and a Guide to the places connected to their mission and service, giving thanks to God, our Redeemer, for the faith that inspired them and the practical care they showed to the people in East Oxford.

We pray for those of us who inherit their mission, that we may find ways of relating to and serving the many different people who now live here in vastly varying circumstances.

Lord, our Redeemer, in your mercy Hear our prayer

Poppy cross from a war grave

We bring a cross and poppy that mark one of the 14 war graves in the churchyard, giving thanks for those who are prepared to risk their own lives in the defence of others.

We pray that we may be redeemed from treading paths that make war inevitable,

that the wisdom and skills of the peacemakers will be heeded.

And we pray for those who in many countries are suffering, caught in the cross-fire of conflict

Lord, our Redeemer, in your mercy Hear our prayer

Litter-picker, black bag, sharps box

We bring the tools used to clear the rubbish despoiling the churchyard, giving thanks for those who give time and effort to the mundane work of creating a safer and cleaner environment.

We pray for those who have no adequate place in our society and who seek sanctuary in the churchyard.

Lord, our Redeemer, in your mercy Hear our prayer

III (Sustainer) symbols brought by young people

Sapling oak tree

We bring a sapling oak from Bartlemas, perhaps descended from the grove that surrounded the leper hospice, giving thanks to God, the Sustainer, for the tradition of care for those who are sick or isolated.

We pray for the work of Helen House and Douglas House

And for the many carers in our community

Lord, our Sustainer, in your mercy Hear our prayer

Seeds planted in a pot and the Management plan

We bring seeds planted for transfer into the churchyard and the 5-year Management Plan, giving thanks for the promise of restoration to a place of quiet natural beauty

We pray for all those who will be giving their time to clearing and planting.

And for young people as they find ways to express their concerns for the natural environment and their hopes for the future.

Lord, our Sustainer, in your mercy Hear our prayer

A pot with a flowering spring bulb

We bring a sign of Spring, giving thanks for the hope of resurrection.

Lord, our Sustainer, in your mercy Hear our prayer

We pray together, from the Service sheet, the prayer used by churches at the time of the Earth Summit:

Creating God, you have given us a vision of a new heaven and a new earth …

Resources conserved

Earth tended

Atmosphere cleansed

Trees planted

Injustice ended

Oceans teeming

Nations at peace

Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer

Alert nations, enthuse churches,

Receive our commitment and so entwine our lives with Your purpose that

Earth and heaven will then sing of your glory.

AMEN