As we approach the time of Jesus’ suffering and death
we hold in our hearts and bring to God’s heart
all who suffer in body, mind or spirit.
We pray for all who suffer today:
for victims of torture:
for those denied the basics of human dignity:
for those who are forsaken.
for those who are betrayed or abandoned:
for prisoners of conscience and for political prisoners.
We bring the suffering places of the world to you,
Remembering especially Ukraine, Afghanistan and Palestine.
Suffering God,
we pray that you will hold all this suffering in your heart
and that you will bring it to an end.
God who shares in human suffering,
we pray for the church,
so often implicated in acts of cruelty and abuse,
so often more concerned with itself than its victims.
And yet we give thanks for the healing work of the church,
remembering especially hospital and hospice chaplains,
all who care for suffering people in your name,
all who bring love and hope.
Our NHS is in crisis,
its staff often exhausted and demoralised:
we pray for better ways of doing things,
for adequate resources;
We pray for healing for our health service.
We pray for all who are using NHS services,
And for all who are ill…
For those who have died…
for worried or bereaved families,
and for those suffering mental anguish.
As we go about our lives, keep us from selfishness
and from unthinking behaviour:
may we live with compassion, care and sensitivity.
Approaching our annual remembrance of your passion,
we give thanks that you share with us
all life’s joys and sorrows,
all human suffering
all letting go into God’s hands.
So let us see with your eyes
and love with your heart
wherever we travel
in the world you have made.
Amen