SELECTED PRAYERS FROM APRIL 2025 INTERCESSION PAPER
COVER
Lamentation
The violence is inside her.
Panic rises from within
till silent heaves of anguish rend the air.
As much grief is spent, more arises.
What begins as a caught breath
becomes a litany of pain.
“My son! My son!”
The sound stands apart from her,
becoming a crossed shape of flesh.
“My God! My God!”
Is it only the mother and the son?
Or for once in all eternity
does Heaven scream?
—Eileen Harakal, SCHC, Chicago Midwest
MONDAY
God, creator of all that is, seen and unseen. I will walk on this earth forever praising your greatness, in awe, and with my soul full of joy until my last breath. At every step, my heart and my senses delight in such beauty, made for us to enjoy!
—Ema Rosero-Nordalm, SCHC, Charles River
TUESDAY
God of love,
Much divides us but more unites us. Keep us mindful of that which we share. Help us search out those things on which we agree. May we see Jesus in all we meet and unite ourselves to each other in your love.
—Lynne Kozlowski, SCHC, Charles River
WEDNESDAY
For Migrant Laborers—Great Son of God, born in a stable in the midst of a journey, because there was no room for you in the dwellings of men, open our hearts in this later age to the migrant laborers of our country. Grant that they may have laws for their protection, adequate homes and sufficient wages for their comfort, and care and education for their children. May they have opportunities for rest and spiritual growth that they may grow in health and grace. For these our neighbors, so often homeless and neglected, we pray to you, our Savior, who dwells in your eternal home with the Father and the Holy Spirit, everyone God, world without end.
—Eleanor T. M. Harvey, SCHC (1949-1989), The Manual, 2006, p. 73
THURSDAY
Dear Lord, in your wisdom, help us to treat ourselves and others with respect and compassion so that we can listen and understand each other.
Help us to truly be able to be effective peacemakers in this difficult time, so we can be better together than apart. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit we pray.
—Lollie Everett, SCHC, Mississippi
FRIDAY
We move from being young girls to women
From lovers to best friends
From best friends to widows
Lord, celebrate with us our successes.
Comfort us in our sorrows.
Help us understand that these changes are part of mortal life.
We thank you for your guidance during our life’s journey
and as we confront the challenges of moving toward
our final destination—abiding with You.
—Jaclynne Laxon, SCHC, Providence
