Stuck for inspiration from the lectionary this Sunday, as was I? Try looking at the second reading for the principal service, St Paul’s second epistle to the Corinthians, 4-13 – 5.1.

…So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed every day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, because we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen; for the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

The Prayers

In the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ, let us pray to the Father.

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, you promised through your Son Jesus Christ to hear us when we pray in faith.

We take inspiration from St Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, one of the readings set for today.

¶The Church of Christ

Lord, in the midst of so much change in the Church, as we seek a new Archbishop of  Canterbury and the renewal of the episcopate through the introduction of women bishops, we ask you to renew also the soul of the Church.

May your Holy Spirit guide us as we seek to incorporate new insights, while not losing sight of eternal truths.  Inspire us to work together in unity as the Body of Christ for the coming of your Kingdom.

We look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen, for the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

¶Creation, human society, the Sovereign and those in authority

We pray once again for the troubled area of the Middle East. As our hopes for constructive change there seem to be threatened, we ask you now to be with the people in the midst of their present sufferings, and to give them hope for their future.

As we move into the 61st year of the Queen’s reign, we thank you, Lord, for the ability our monarchy has shown to renew itself and adapt to changes in society, while still upholding traditional values. As the pace of these changes seems to increase with every passing day, help us to draw strength from your eternal changelessness.

Give wisdom to all in authority; and direct this and every nation in the ways of justice and of peace; that we may honour one another, and seek the common good.

We look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

¶The local community

…………….

We look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

¶ Those who suffer

Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind or spirit.
We pray especially for [..]
Give them courage and hope in their troubles, and bring them the joy of your salvation. We pray with St Paul that they:
do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed every day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.

We look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

¶ The communion of saints

We thank you, Lord, that what looks like death to the caterpillar looks like new birth to the butterfly. As St Paul says, if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. We commend into your hands all those who have been through this metamorphosis.

We remember in particular………………………………..

We look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;Praise him, all creatures here below;Praise him above, ye heavenly host;Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your son, our saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.