The first article in this two-part series discussed some theological and practical principles for public prayer for the needs of others. Below I walk you through an example, illustrating what intercessory prayer might look like in practice.
My aim is that your intercessory prayers grow more helpful to the congregation.
This example is adapted from a prayer that I wrote for my local church, drawing on my Anglican church tradition. I have deliberately made it more general here, than it was originally. I encourage you to strip it back further and put your own words in. Use the structure.
My aim is not that you adopt my style of prayer, but that as you grow more comfortable in public prayer and your prayers grow more helpful to the congregation on whose behalf you pray, you will develop your own voice.
Pray for the World
In this example of an intercessory prayer we’re moving inwards, so we will begin with global concerns. For each part of the prayer, I’ll suggest some broad prompts, though I won’t cover them all here. Pray for:
- Those who don’t know God
- The global church
- Disasters or global news.
Example: Almighty heavenly Father, God of all the nations of the earth, we your people are burdened for those who are made in your image but do not know you. By your Spirit, give us boldness to share the gospel of your Son who died to save sinners, and warm the hearts of those we witness to that they would receive your word and glorify you.
Pray for Your Country
Next, we will focus on our country. Use this part of intercessory prayer to pray for:
- Your government and leadership
- Issues that affect your country
- The church in your country.
Example: We pray this morning for the leaders and people of South Africa, that in everything that we do as a nation that you would go before us and help us. We thank you for raising up our leaders and government officials, and we especially pray for them, that you would richly bless them with your wisdom; fill them with your righteousness, and reveal to them your love, shown to us through the death of your Son, Jesus Christ.
Prayer for Your Local Context
Bring the focus in again, now thinking locally. Intercede for:
- Your neighbourhood or city
- The needy near you
- Your efforts to reach out to your community.
Example: We pray for the city around us. Thank you for the blessing of living in community with one another that you have given to us. We pray that you may continue to bless and provide for the City of Cape Town, and we pray for boldness, that the love you have shown us in sending us your Son might be lived out in our lives as we reach out to those around us, at work, with friends, and wherever we may go.
Pray for the Local Church
Finally, pray for your local church. Pray for:
- Particular needs in your congregation
- Ministry at your local church
- Your denomination, unless you covered it earlier
- Wisdom and godliness for your leaders.
And if there isn’t a separate prayer in the service for this, extend your intercessory prayer to the preaching of God’s word.
Example: We bring to you, our Almighty, heavenly Father. All those who are in any way suffering or troubled, in mind, body or circumstances, especially those close to us, that it may please you to help them, according to their different needs, in accordance with your will.
We pray that you would bless your church, especially us here this morning, and our denomination. We pray that as a congregation, you would fill us with your truth, and clothe us with your righteousness. Especially give your grace, wisdom, and boldness to all our pastors and council members.
Pray to Glorify God
Close by expressing trust in God, thanking him for his goodness, and bringing him the glory for any answered prayers.
Thank God for his goodness. Bring him the glory for any answered prayers.
Example: We pray all of these things that your Spirit has laid on our hearts, trusting in your goodness, love, and power, made clear to us through your Son Jesus Christ, to accomplish what alone we cannot, and to establish your glory for all to see.
Amen.
Remember Why You’re Praying
It is not your righteousness but God’s loving character that enables you to approach him boldly.
It is my hope that as you have read through this brief series, you have been better equipped to pray in public for the needs of others. When you are next asked to do the intercessory prayer in church, remember that it is not your righteousness but God’s loving character that enables you to approach him boldly.
Remember that you are there to lead the congregation in prayer to our great and loving God. Remember that God knows all things and that there is no pressure to mention every point or detail. Finally, remember the qualities that we thank and praise our God for are the reason why we can approach his throne so boldly.
May your heart be filled with and reminded of the care and love of our loving heavenly Father for his people when you are next asked to pray in public for the needs of others.
