Prayers for others inspired by Mark 13:1-8, written for a small church in Scotland towards the end of 2024. This was a year of elections, including in the UK and the US. Publishing in 2025, we now know that it was the warmest year on record, exceeding the 1.5C target. It was also a year in which misinformation and division flourished.
God of love, we pray now for those people and places that seem in desperate need of your love and forgiveness.
We pray for the people suffering the horrors of war: Ukraine and the Middle East, Sudan, Myanmar and too many other places. Bring your love into these places; help people dare to forgive one another. Let the factories of war be thrown down and homes be rebuilt in peace.
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
We pray for all countries that have had elections in this year of elections, and those who are still to vote. Bring your love into the hearts of those newly elected; that they may govern with courage and justice. Let the streams of disinformation and division be thrown down and all people learn to live together with love.
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
We pray for those affected by climate change and those who are working to halt it. We remember the storms, the floods, the wildfires and the droughts. Bring your love into these places as people rebuild. Let the fossil fuel industry be thrown down and all people tread lightly on your creation.
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
We pray for those affected by abuse. We know that the process of healing may be long, and more damage done by poor institutional responses. Bring your love into these hearts; may those who respond dare to act justly. Let the systems of cover ups be thrown down, and the safety of all become the first concern.
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
We pray for those who are affected by discrimination – in their work, their social lives or as they go about their daily business. Bring your love into their hearts, and help them to face the day with courage. Let the systems of oppression be thrown down, and new connections grow in their place.
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
We pray for those known to us who are suffering, in poor health, or struggling with the daily needs of life at this time. We take a moment to name them in our hearts ... Bring your love into their lives. Let the systems that dehumanise and blame be thrown down, and build up the hospitals, aid groups and friends that bring help and comfort to those in need.
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
Amen.