Prayers Sunday 20 April Easter Day

Christ is Risen, and the power of His resurrection fills our world today with new life. God sent his son into the world not to condemn the world but that the world might be saved through Him.  Because of this, with hope and expectation, we bring before him all our needs in this time of prayer.

Lord we pray for your church here and throughout the world. For the church in these times when many live their lives not knowing the love of God. We pray for our faithful people here and at St Marks that they may continue to grow with this community in worship and service. We remember all who work to bring the gospel message of assurance to people in many and varied ways; who bring the good news of holiness and truth to those who need it most, in prison, in Yarlswood, in shelters for the homeless. We pray that the Church may boldly and faithfully proclaim the Resurrection of Christ to those who do not yet believe in it.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Lord we pray for the nations of the world. For areas where clashes of belief bring discord and war. Where climate conditions bring hunger and thirst, where education is an expensive luxury denied to many. Lord grant that the leaders of our nations may give priority to those with greatest need in the distribution of the world's basic resources, and that, in the light of Christ's victory over death, nations may work together to overcome violence against all, especially the poor, the weak and those who feel they have no voice.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

As we have meditated this week on Christ’s sufferings on the cross, we pray for all who suffer today in mind or body and for those who care for them. We pray for the sick, especially for those made anxious or afraid by their illness and its effect on their future, and for all in want of faith, hope or love. We pray for any known to us who are in special need of our prayers at this time.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We remember those who have died and share with their families and friends in their time of loss.
Jesus Christ is the light of the world, a light which no darkness can quench. We  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.

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