Prayers for Ordinary 34 Christ the King
Mr Mike Elliott
Morning Worship at 9-30 am
(prayers 90.doc) (Ordinary 34 Christ the King)
Readings:
Ezekiel 34: 11-16, 20-24. God as shepherd of the flock.
Ephesians 1: 15-23.Paul prays for the church in Ephesus.
Matthew 25: 31-46 The separation of Sheep and of Goats.
The bidding today will be:- Lord, in your mercy .
and the response will be: - Hear our prayer.
And afterwards we will say together the words of the Lord’s Prayer as printed in your order of service.
We pray together,
Heavenly Father we constantly stare in wonder at the universe that you have caused into being and of which we understand just a fraction. In the presence of such power and majesty we bring our prayers for others. Help us now as we delve into the failures of the human condition seeking guidance and strength into doing your will as lived out and revealed to us by your Son even Jesus Christ our Saviour and King.
Lord, in your mercy - 'Hear our prayer’
Lord we pray for your worldwide Church in all its different forms. Help us not to despair at our increasingly secular society for there is growth and vibrancy in churches in many parts of the world where our forebears first planted the seeds of the Gospel. We pray for wisdom for their leaders especially when they are faced with state opposition or cultural pressures.
We give thanks that the Church of England at its recent Synod formally approved the legislation allowing the appointment of women Bishops and further endorsed the Anglican/Methodist Covenant. We pray that this now allows the churches to move forward together with a new sense of cooperation and optimism.
So we pray for our own Circuit and Deanery and our churches here at St. Mark’s and at Putnoe Heights; for all who promote outreach into the community or help to maintain here our life of worship and service. We pray for Charlie, Jane and Sam and John that through their leadership and preaching our churches may be guided in the ways of Christian discipleship.
Lord, in your mercy - 'Hear our prayer’
We pray for a world of nations and factions seemingly forever in conflict. In recent months we have seen, in the name of religion, the subjugation and murder of those who would not accept their extreme ideologies. We read of rulers who continue to ignore the wishes of their peoples for rights and freedoms and who only seek to protect their own power and position.
Yet, Lord, among darkness and chaos there are men and women who know that mediation and dialogue can break down seemingly impenetrable barriers. And that education can bring greater understanding and tolerance where there once was ignorance and hatred. So we pray, in the name of the Prince of Peace, for peacemakers and arbitrators, educators and facilitators and for all those who are prepared to stand up for justice and freedoms. For they do your will.
We pray for our armed forces today especially those who are engaged in action in the skies over Iraq and not forgetting their loved ones back home.
We pray for the countries in West Africa struggling with the EBOLA outbreak and pray God’s protection on those who have gone out to help from this and so many other countries, knowing the risks to their own health.
Lord, in your mercy - 'Hear our prayer’
We pray for our own country and its peoples, for the Queen and all who hold authority and power that through Christ’s love and mercy all may strive in seeking what is best for all our citizens regardless of origin or status.
As the emotive topic of Immigration remains in the headlines we pray for tolerance and harmony between all citizens of the UK regardless of ethnicity, religion and status.
We remember the work of Emmaus at Carlton and pray for the Companions as they rebuild their lives and for the staff and volunteers who support and guide them.
Lord, in your mercy - 'Hear our prayer’
We pray for those in most need in our own families and neighbourhood, thinking of the sick, the lonely, the housebound and those at the margins of society. We pray for the work of Health-care professionals and Social Workers and not forgetting those whose lives are constrained by their care of loved ones.
And so we ask that you bestow on them your gifts of patience, compassion and understanding.
We pray now for those that we know who are sick, lonely, anxious or in some other special need at this time as we share a brief moment of silence together.
(A short period of silence and reflection)
As we have named them in our hearts so let them feel your presence and friendship in their lives as we commit them to your loving care - and may we be always alert to the needs of others.
Lord, in your mercy - 'Hear our prayer’
We also remember those who have been drawn to their eternal rest in your safe keeping – some with a life fulfilled and some with a life cut tragically short. We pray for those left behind with just photographs and memories. Let them know that nothing is more dependable in times of sorrow than your steadfast and encircling love.
For we can be assured that………..
Jesus Christ is the Light of the World, a light which no darkness can quench. We remember before God all the faithful departed whom we hold dear in our hearts:-
And we light a candle to symbolise the light of Christ which eternally shines and brings hope.
For 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: -
Lord we know that at the end we shall be judged not through the eyes of the world but through the eyes of Jesus. Help us then to view others with his understanding, compassion and most of all love.
And so -
Merciful Father, “Accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen”.
(We say together the words that Jesus taught us)
THE LORD’S PRAYER (Authorised Version)
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