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Intercessions for Easter 5 Mr Mike Elliott

Prayers of Intercession April 20th. 2008
Communion at 9-30 am, Easter 5
(prayers 64.doc)
Readings:
1. .Acts 7:55-60 The stoning of Stephen
2. 1 Peter 2:2-10 Living stones, a royal priesthood.
3. John 14:15-21 Jesus promises the holy spirit.

The bidding for our prayers will be ‘Lord in Your Mercy’
With the response ‘Hear our Prayer’.

After these prayers of intercession we shall sing together the Lord’s prayer as printed on your Order of Service.

Heavenly Father, creator of all that is seen and of that yet to be discovered. As we marvel at the work of your hands we are reminded of our responsibilities and inadequacies in the monumental task you have placed before us to be custodians in this small part of your creation.

We come to you now in prayer not because we must but because we may and in the knowledge also that you will understand as we bring before you those things that burden our hearts. Helps us as we open our hearts to the concerns of others that we may be ever attuned to what your will is for us.


Lord in Your mercy. - 'Hear our prayer’

We pray firstly for your Church. As Jesus chose seemingly ordinary folk to be the first disciples - to be the catalyst for your kingdom on Earth - so you have chosen us, today’s church, to continue in that tradition of spreading the ‘good news’ of salvation to all humanity. Help us through your grace to be worthy of the task you place on us as the church continues to seek new ways of reaching and involving those outside it’s doors.

Let our differences in styles of building, styles of worship, even scriptural interpretation all be used as strengths, offering different paths on the way to salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

We pray for our parent Methodist and Anglican traditions, for our Circuit and Deanery. And we pray for our church here at St. Mark’s and at Putnoe Heights and for our ministers Charlie, Joan and Sam, the Leadership Teams and for all who share in the church’s mission in this community. Help us to move forward in faith trusting in the guidance of your Holy spirit and in your divine purpose for us all.

Lord in Your mercy. - 'Hear our prayer’

Our world has grown smaller with ease of travel and communication and yet knowing what is happening a continent away does not in itself solve the many world-wide problems. We as Christians are called to be a good neighbour to people in need and to challenge all manner of injustices and hardships.

We pray for those who live in fear because of war, terrorism, revolution or ethnic conflicts. For those who daily see around them only orphans due to the spread of HIV/AIDS. We pray for those denied education or opportunity because of their gender, race or religion.

Let the healing of the nations begin in our hearts and minds and that we earnestly pray for all who work for peace and the relief of suffering often at great personal risk.

Lord in Your mercy. - 'Hear our prayer’

We pray for this our nation, for Elizabeth our Queen, her ministers and for all who serve the people of this now diverse land. Let those who carry out their duties and responsibilities with wisdom and integrity know that they do your will.

We are aware of the many, and often alarmist, stories in the media concerning immigration and pray that men and women of faith will speak out to calm fears and ease community tensions.

We pray for those caught up in the current financial turmoil perhaps wondering about the security of their home or jobs and also for those who offer guidance and counselling to those in such difficulties.

We pray for those who put their lives on the line in our name, in the emergency services and the armed forces. Help us to be a nation that knows how to acknowledge duty, bravery and sacrifice. For we remember the sacrifice made by our Lord for us all.

Lord in Your mercy. - 'Hear our prayer’

Lord Jesus, you showed compassion to those around you who were in physical, mental or spiritual need. As we remember those in our midst today we remember also those who care for them whether at home, in hospital, care-home or hospice.

And so we bring before you now those known us who are in any sort of need at this time. In a moment of silence we name them in our hearts and are emboldened to ask that your healing touch may be felt in their lives and that they know your peace (silence).

By your grace - we hold these up to your tender and infinite mercy and commit them to your loving care.

Lord in Your mercy. - 'Hear our prayer’

We remember those who are facing the future without the presence of a loved one and give you thanks Lord for the opportunities in the life of our church to offer support and comfort to those bereaved. We pray also for those who quietly minister to people in our community at these most vulnerable and questioning times.

We find comfort in the full and certain knowledge that: -

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.
Today we remember: -

>> Joan Morrison


You turn our darkness into light; in your light shall we see light.


Lord in Your mercy. - 'Hear our prayer’

A final prayer for ourselves:

As, in the words of St. Peter, we are called to be a Royal Priesthood, a Holy people. Help us to fulfil all that you desire of us in Christ’s name.


Merciful Father, “Accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen”.

Gathering our prayers and praises into one as we sing the Lord’s Prayer together.


THE LORD’S PRAYER

New & Sung Form

Our Father in Heaven, Hallowed be your name
Your kingdom come, your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread, forgive us our sins.
As we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom the power and the glory are yours,
Now and forever. AMEN