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	Christian worship, sermons, prayer and Bible study from St. Mark's Church and Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford, England - The world is our parish

Christmas Day Intercessions by Mrs Alison Holden

Let us pray for the people of this world who are in need this day as we celebrate Christmas.
Child of Bethlehem, smile upon the church all over the world: may the Holy Spirit may guide us, and grant that we may pursue truth, unity, peace and righteousness. We pray especially for the church in Britain at the moment, being tested by difficult questions and challenged by the threat of disunity. We pray for the work of the church here at St Mark’s and Putnoe Heights and for Charlie, Neil, Joan and Sam, and for our own ministries as we live our lives.
Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer
 

Child of Bethlehem, smile upon all those charged with the responsibility of government, both here in Britain and all over the world, that they might rule in peace, justice and mercy, that people may honour one another and seek the common good.
Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer
 

Child of Bethlehem, smile upon those who will not enjoy Christmas this season, for whom life is a struggle for survival as a result of poverty, famine, disease, war, or the greed of others. We pray, too, for those striving to rebuild their lives after the devastation of natural disasters and of terrorism.
Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer
 

Child of Bethlehem, smile upon the hostages in Iraq, their families, their captors and those negotiating for their release. We pray for all who are troubled, anxious or sick in mind, body or spirit and for those who love and care for them. Give them courage and hope in their troubles and bring them the joy of your salvation. We remember now anyone known to us who is in special need of our prayers, and name them in a moment of silence ….
Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer
 

Jesus Christ is the light of the world, a light which no darkness can quench. We remember before God those who have died and light a candle to symbolise the light of Christ, which eternally shines and brings hope. We remember ….
You turn our darkness into light: in your light shall we see light.
 

Merciful Father,
accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Gathering our prayers into one, let us, with confidence, say the Lord’s Prayer together.

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
Thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory
For ever and ever. Amen