Intercessory Prayer
Lord, on this last Sunday of 2025, we lift our hearts in gratitude before you. Thank you for every sign of your faithfulness this year: for blessings seen and unseen, for strength in weakness, for comfort in grief, for hope that has carried us through dark valleys. Thank you for the ways you have been at work in our town, in our nation, and in your world, even when the news has been filled with violence, injustice, war, fear, and confusion.
God of hope, as you spoke to your people in the past, speak to us at the turn of this year. Teach us to seek the peace of the place where you have set us, to bless this town and this nation, to care for the streets, schools, workplaces, and homes around us. In 2026, make us a people who put down roots of love, who plant the gardens of your kingdom, and who live as a quiet, steady witness to Jesus in the middle of a hurting world.
For 2026 and beyond, we ask for more signs of your kingdom among us: more reconciliation where there has been division, more generosity where there has been greed, more truth where there have been lies, more healing where there has been deep hurt. Let your church be present in the town, serving rather than dominating, blessing rather than seeking control, pointing always to the crucified and risen Lord.
God, we pray for all who suffer: for those in wars and conflicts, for the victims of terror, violence, and oppression, for refugees and displaced people who feel far from home. We pray for those who carry heavy burdens of anxiety, depression, loneliness, or despair; for the sick in body and mind; for those waiting for test results, treatment, or care. Have mercy on the poor, the hungry, the homeless, the addicted, the forgotten, and those whose pain is known only to you.
We pray for our local council, national and global leaders, for all who have responsibility in government, health services, education, business, and community organisations. Even when we do not share their political or ideological views, teach us to support them with our prayers and to seek the common good together. Bless those who serve the vulnerable, confront injustice, and carry hope into dark places.
Father, as we step into 2026, we hold your promise: “I know the plans I have for you… plans to give you hope and a future.” When life feels broken or unfair, remind us that you plan to bless and not to harm, and that you are at work for the flourishing of the whole community, not only our individual comfort. Draw us to seek you with all our hearts, to call on you in every season, and to trust that you listen and that you are near.
Holy Spirit, invest us afresh with your power for the year ahead. Stir in us a deeper desire to pray, to intercede for those different from us. Release among us the gifts we need—gifts of compassion, wisdom, discernment, prophecy, healing, mercy—that the life of Jesus may be seen more clearly in this place in 2026 and beyond.
May our churches be communities of welcome for strangers, families for the lonely, havens of healing in times of crisis, and lights of hope in harsh and anxious days. Make us servants of your kingdom, content not to be noticed, but eager that Christ should be honoured and that our town should become kinder, safer, and more just. And as this town flourishes, let your people flourish in it, sharing in the peace and joy that you long to give.
We entrust 2025 with its memories into your hands, and we place 2026 and all that will come into your faithful care. Do more than we can ask or imagine, for the glory of your name and the good of your world.
We pray in the name of Jesus, our Lord, our hope, and our peace. Amen.
This was what our minister Dráusio prayed on the final Sunday of 2025, looking both backwards and forwards.
