Prayers of the People

The Prayers of the People have been a part of Christian worship since ancient times.  The earliest example comes from Justin Martyr who in the year 150,  mentions the prayers.  For centuries they have been part of the Daily Office and the eucharistic liturgy.   In most Christian worship today, the Prayers of the People follow after the sermon, or are said during the service of the Eucharist along with the Lord's Prayer.  In this video, a group called "The Brilliance" from their album, "Brother",  sing the prayers of the people set to instrumentation.  It is a moving and  meditative version of the Prayers.  The lyrics below have been slightly modified in order to be used as a prayer in any service of Christian worship regardless of the local context.

Lyrics: 

You hear us calling, You hear us calling, Abba Father. You hear us calling, You hear us calling, Abba Father. Lord have mercy.

Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy. You hear us calling, you hear us calling, Abba Father. You hear us calling, you hear us calling, Abba Father. Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy.

Prayers of the People

For the church of Christ around the globe,

that we may learn to be one, 

as you, along with the Father and Holy Spirit are One,

For the church of Christ in ____________, 

that we would grow in our unity with one another, 

seeking to understand more than to be understood,

for your church scattered across the neighborhoods of our great city,

that our lives of love and service may bear witness of an alternative story,

Lord hear our Prayer.

For all of us that continue to live in the tension of power and race in America,

that we would in humility discover our cultural biases,

and seek understanding from those that are different than us,

guide us to become advocates for justice and equality,

for President________ and Governor ____________,

that they would be granted grace to lead with civility, justice and peace,

that you would protect their families as they face the challenges attending

these offices.

Lord, hear our prayer.

For those who teach, tutor, and provide care for our children,

for those you clean, and repair our homes and offices,

for those who prepare and serve our meals,

may they find dignity and solidarity in you,

O Christ, who having all power, did not come to be served but to serve,

and in this knowledge, may we who benefit from such service,

receive it gratefully, employ it justly and hold them in highest esteem.

Lord, hear our prayer.

For the victims of mass slaughter in ___________________

and those who have to live with the tragic consequences,

we pray for your mercy and comfort,

we pray that these violent acts would be brought to an end,

for all who are vulnerable to the influence of violent extremist groups,

we pray for protection and merciful care 

to short circuit these cycles of poverty and violence,

We pray for your way of peace to take root in people's hearts and lives.

Lord, hear our prayer.

For those who live on our streets, we pray for relief and comfort,

that we, your people, may humanize our engagement with our

sisters and brothers, and know the grace of serving you as we serve them,

Lord, hear our prayer.

Album "Brother"