A Prayer of Intercession, Ancient-Reformed-Modern
Below is an adaptation
of a form of intercessory prayer assembled by Bp. Lancelot Andrewes in the 17th
century, using materials from the Eastern Christian tradition.
It may be used on its
own, as part of the prayers at the end of daily Morning or Evening Prayer, or
at the Eucharist for the Prayers of the People (I have added responses in
italics for this latter purpose, making it a litany). Time may be taken in
silence between petitions for specific names to be offered to God.
This is a fine example
of both concise and considered praying, firmly rooted in the ancient traditions
of the catholic faith and the richness of Anglicanism:
In peace let us pray to the Lord:
For the peace that is from above and the salvation of our
souls, let us pray to the Lord:
Lord,
have mercy.
For the peace of the whole world, the stability and growth of
the holy churches of God and the union of all people, let us pray to the Lord:
Lord,
have mercy.
For this holy house and those who with faith and piety enter
therein, let us pray to the Lord:
Lord,
have mercy.
For our right-reverend bishops, the honorable presbyterate,
the diaconate in Christ, and all clergy and people in their ministries, let us
pray to the Lord:
Lord,
have mercy.
For this nation, its government, and every city and country
and those who dwell therein in faith, let us pray to the Lord:
Lord,
have mercy.
For seasonable weather, plenteous bearing of fruits of the
earth and peaceful seasons, let us pray to the Lord:
Lord,
have mercy.
For those who travel, the sick, toil-worn and captives, for
their safety, let us pray to the Lord:
Lord,
have mercy.
For those who have gone to their rest in Christ before us,
that they may dwell in the tabernacles of the righteous, let us pray to the
Lord:
Lord,
have mercy.
Help, save, have mercy, and preserve us, O God, by your
grace:
Lord, have mercy.
Commemorating the all holy, immaculate, more than blessed
mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, with all saints, let us commend ourselves
and one another and all our lives unto Christ our God:
Unto
you, O Lord our God.
For unto you is due all glory, honor, and worship.
Amen.
[A suitable collect
concludes the litany if used at the Eucharist]
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