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Prayers for Candlemas
By Mr John Stubbs
Loving Lord, today as we recall the presentation of
Jesus in the Temple, and the beginnings of a life of love and service to
all men and women, we open our hearts and minds to Him and bring our
cares and concerns for your world and your people.
Lord in your mercy hear our prayer
Our world is marked out by greed and selfishness and by the inhumanity
which is so much part of our lives and those of every body around us.
Help us to learn how to put the needs of others more firmly before our
own. May those who exercise power and authority in out communities use
it wisely, and may we, and they, serve the Lord with gladness.
Lord in your mercy hear our prayer
The world into which Jesus was born was like our own, divided by war and
pestilence. We read daily or see or hear news of fighting in so many
places. We are glad that there is now an armistice in Gaza and Israel,
praying that the green shoots of hope may blossom into a lasting peace.
But we remember all those other countries, known and unknown where
fighting is part and parcel of daily life. We ask for peace in those
places and that we may be peacemakers wherever we can.
Lord in your mercy hear our prayer
Jesus came into our world bringing your promises of grace and freedom
for all of us. We rejoice in the great body of people who form your
church and to whom we are glad to belong. We pray for Christians
everywhere and especially for all those who follow You in this part of
Bedford. Bless the work of our ministers and leaders and help us all, in
home, work and leisure, to be clear witnesses of Jesus’ life.
Lord in your mercy hear our prayer
The light given off by a candle reminds us that Jesus is the light of
the world. We light our candle to remind ourselves of Him and especially
those who have died and gone before us.
We remember them and those who mourn them.
…………………………………………………………………………………………….
May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God,
rest in peace and rise in glory.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer
We pray in the quietness of our minds for all who we know have need of
You.
Those who are sick , in hospital; those who are badly affected by the
present financial trouble, those who are lonely or depressed, those who
have no family help. Bless them and give them comfort and assurance, and
give us courage to do what we can to help.. Give your grace and strength
to all whose life is built round caring for others.
Lord in Your mercy hear our prayer
Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our
Saviour, Jesus Christ.
We say together the prayer that Jesus taught us.
Our Father…….
Lord’s Prayer.
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