Prayer of Intercession for the Church, Mission Team, and Those in Need

Why I wrote this:

Recently, our church had a mission trip to West Virginia to serve alongside of Appalachia Service Project. Our team is helping restore homes affected by flooding. It was the first mission trip we sent since I became minister, so I was so excited to see them off, talk about how Jesus gathers us for worship and discipleship and then scatters us for mission.

I had talked about the theme of service, being an answer to someone else’s prayer, and using your GPS to find your way into God’s mission. GPS stands for Gifts, Passions, and Skills. So it was beautiful to gather, send them off, and then look forward to their testimonies the following week.

I hope this prayer helps you and lifts those you serve and send. —Jason

Prayer of Intercession

For the Church, the Mission Team, and Those in Need

Gracious and loving God,

You are present in the heights of joy and in the depths of pain. We come to you today, lifting up the prayers of our hearts and the needs of our people.

We pray for our youth and adults serving with the Appalachian Service Project in Clay, West Virginia. Strengthen their hands and soften their hearts as they labor in your name. Keep them safe on work sites, give them joy in community, and help them see Christ in the faces of those they meet. May their service be not only a blessing to others but a deepening of their own faith.

We pray for those who grieve today—whose hearts are heavy with loss. Be near the brokenhearted. Hold them close in their sorrow. Let them know the comfort of Christ, who wept at the tomb of his dear friend Lazarus and walks with us through the valley of the shadow of death.

We remember those who are incarcerated, especially [you may add names silently]. Remind them that they are not forgotten—that no wall or bar can keep out your mercy. Let your Spirit work in places where hope feels far away. Restore, redeem, and renew.

For those facing physical pain or illness, we ask for healing. Ease their suffering. Guide the hands of caregivers and give rest to the weary. May their bodies find strength, and may their spirits be sustained by Your grace.

We pray for our church family—those present, and those we carry in our hearts. Knit us together in love and purpose. Teach us to be a people of mercy, justice, and peace.

Hear these prayers, O God, and those too deep for words. In the strong name of Jesus we pray,

Amen.