Lent 5 – St Patrick
Collects
Hebrews 5: 5-10
Matthew 28:16-20
The Anglican Church of Ireland has produced an excellent example of the way in which St Patrick’s life embodies the Five marks of Mission – a real cause for celebration and a model for us to follow (And by the way, St. Patrick’s flag colour is blue, not green.)
TELL – proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom.
TEACH – teach, baptise and nurture new believers.
TEND – respond to human need by loving service.
TRANSFORM – transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and pursue peace and reconciliation.
TREASURE – strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of earth
Intercessions inspired by St Patrick’s life.
TELL – ST PATRICK CAME TO IRELAND TO TELL PEOPLE ABOUT THE LOVE OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS.
Thank you Father for sending your Son to die on the cross in our place, so that we can draw near to him. In the cross you have revealed to us your unfathomable love, mercy and forgiveness. Help us to follow the obedience of your Son by taking up our cross, so we may become ambassadors of your sacrificial and reconciling love in the world, in Jesus’ name.
God of Mission, hear our prayers.
TEACH – ST PATRICK TAUGHT THE PEOPLE OF IRELAND ABOUT THE GOD THE FATHER, GOD THE SON AND GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT. Thank you for those who faithfully teach others about you in churches, theological colleges and communities across the world today. We pray for those teaching in challenging circumstances – places where there is conflict, hunger or persecution. We ask you for safety for Bible teachers and those who want to learn.
God of Mission, hear our prayers.
TEND – ST PATRICK LEFT HIS FAMILY AND COUNTRY TO FOLLOW GOD’S CALL TO SERVE THE PEOPLE OF IRELAND. Lord Jesus, help us not to see things through economic lenses, but the way you do. We are amazed at the price you paid and how valuable that makes us. Give us your heart for people and to value everyone you put across our path. May we find ways to serve others in our daily lives;
God of Mission, hear our prayers.
TRANSFORM – ST PATRICK WAS CAPTURED AND TRAFFICKED TO IRELAND AS A SLAVE. Almighty God, please give us opportunities to challenge ourselves about the issue of human trafficking and modern day slavery. Move us to act for those who are victims of this dreadful crime. Prompt us to make changes, and speak up, where we need to so that the way we live doesn’t harm other people. Let our hearts be stirred about this issue.
God of Mission, hear our prayers.
TREASURE – ST PATRICK WAS A SHEPHERD AND TAUGHT PEOPLE ABOUT GOD USING NATURE – TRADITION TELLS US THAT HE USED THE TINY SHAMROCK TO TEACH PEOPLE ABOUT THE TRINITY. Creator God, thank you for the beauty of the earth you created. Thank you that many nations including our own have recognised their responsibility towards climate change. We recognise that it is often the poorest of our world that suffer most from the effects of climate change. We pray that our government will urgently implement policies to reduce emissions and help people adapt to the problem. We ask you to help us find ways to live more sustainable lives.
God of Mission, hear our prayers.
Previous Posts
Praying Together 31st May 2026
Throughout the world, greeting one another with a kiss is a standard way of greeting – once, twice or more (four times in some regions of of France.) In our less demonstrative culture, we perhaps tend to ‘Share the peace’ by means of a nod, wave, handshake a hug or sometimes even a kiss itself in order to respect what we understand as the boundaries of a person’s ‘personal space’.
Praying Together 17th May 2026
‘Somethin’s comin’, don’t know what it is, but it is gonna be great’
Praying Together 10th May 2026
This week I offer a report of our Archbishop John’s Introductory address to this week’s General Synod. It speaks for itself. I wish certain political leaders would read it too.
Praying Together 26th April 2026
Fortunately, God’s love is not restricted to those who do good. He sent His only Son to save sinners – whoever they may be, whatever they may have done wrong.
Praying Together April 19th 2026
Judgement is not restricted to either believers or non-believers – but All people
Praying Together 12th April 2026
Let’s talk about Peter, the ‘Rock’ on which Christ’s Church is built.
Seriously, would you have chosen him? Surely, one of the other Disciples would be the most highly qualified.
Praying Together Easter Sunday 2026
A Reflection provided by the Revd. Barbara Irrgang-Buckley for the First Sunday of Easter
Praying Together – A Thought for Good Friday 2026
Through our tears as we stand at the foot of the Cross and witness His Crucifixion on this Good Friday, we have the privilege of looking beyond the day unto a day of joy as we are assured of His life – then, today and tomorrow. We leave our past behind as we walk away from Golgotha, the place of the skull.
Praying Together March 29th 2026
These things are worth meditation and thought, as we enter this Holy Week – but the even more important question that we can only answer for ourselves, is embodied in twelve straightforward words written by Charles Wesley.
How can it be, That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Praying Together 22 March 2026
“Lazarus, come out.” He calls Lazarus by name. Even death cannot triumph, and so it is with sin. There is no depth or distance to which human being can go that can prevent them from hearing that call. It is up to them to choose to accept or deny it.
Praying Together 15th March 2026
Simeon, though, didn’t just hear about the Messiah being incarnate in the child – he also knew that the child’s destiny would involve pain and suffering in order to fulfil His mission. And Mary knew too. The consolation of Israel – of the world – would cost her the life of her child.
Praying Together 8th March 2026
And in turn, we are challenged to become messengers ourselves, however unsuitable or ill-equipped we might feel.