INTERCESSIONS
27th October 2002
We thank and praise you Lord that you are among us this morning. You are our great and mighty God, yet the wonder is that you are our Father, tender and compassionate, and through Jesus we can come to you as your children. We do come to you now Lord with our prayers and requests and ask that for Jesus' sake you would hear us.
A prayer for our world
and its leaders:
Lord God, we are sometimes frightened by the state of our world with its
wars and wickedness, its ruthless cruelty and wanton disregard for human
life. This is not the kind of world you intended for mankind, made in your
likeness for your glory and his own good.
You have shown us in Jesus your way of peace, and so we ask that you would bring mankind to his senses, that we may come back and follow your way.
We pray too for world leaders and statesmen and for the United Nations. Give them vision to see far into the issues of their time, the wisdom to know what is right and the courage and integrity to uphold their beliefs. And may their service to their people promote the welfare and peace of all mankind.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer
Jesus taught us to pray for
our enemies--and so Lord, we ask that you would help us to do that. We
acknowledge that we sometimes find it difficult but we do ask that you would
touch the hearts of those evil men who have such a hatred of others that
they want to kill and maim and terrorise. We remember that you died for them
too, so we ask that you would take this hatred from their hearts and help
them to see that the power of love is stronger than the bomb or the bullet.
Lead them from violence into the ways of peace.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer
A prayer for those
known to us who do not know the Lord
We remember before you now those know to us who are hurting in any way,
but are not able to accept you as their loving heavenly Father. We ask that
by the power of your Holy Spirit they may be aware of your longing to reach
them, that they in turn may reach out to you.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer
A prayer for our
families
Heavenly Father, from whom every family on earth is named, we trust to
your loving care the members of our families, both near and far. Supply
their needs, guide their footsteps and keep them safe in body and mind.
Help all of us, Lord, to be more loving in our homes. Make us thoughtful for others, keep us from grumbling and ill-temper, and help us to keep positive when things go wrong.
May we learn to love and understand each other, and may your peace rest upon our homes and loved ones everywhere.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer
A prayer for our
churches
Almighty God, we pray for your blessing on world churches and on all who
share in the life and work of our two churches--those who serve in ministry
of word and sacrament, and in teaching and pastoral care.
As we and other churches in our area seek to share the gospel with others, help us to present it as the good news it really is. Help us to share it with conviction and with gratitude as those who have found in Jesus a loving, living Saviour.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer
A prayer for our
quietness in our busy lives
The world is a noisy place Lord--cars, buses, and lorries roar past in
the busy streets, voices are raised above the ever intrusive background
music. There is the constant noise from cash registers in shops and
supermarkets; trains, planes and lawnmowers stridently proclaim their
presence; everywhere we go there seems to be constant noise.
But you said, 'Be still and know that I am God'.
Lord, we have found peace in woodland and moor, by tranquil riverside or on high mountain slopes. Help us, Lord, to find that peace today--to take time off from our busyness each day to listen to your still small voice and be aware of your peace.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer
We bring to the
Lord now those we know who are sick in mind, body or spirit.
May the healing power and love of Jesus be with them, and in a moment of
silence we remember those we know who are unwell...
We also bring to you those who are sad, lonely or friendless because they find it difficult to make friends, or are cut off by distance or loss from the friends they once had.
We ask that you would comfort too, those who have been bereaved,
remembering today those who lost family or friends in the recent disaster in
Bali, and the hostages in Moscow.
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 and love of Christ, a light which eternally shines and
brings hope. We remember Marie A-- S--, Anthony D-- A--, Mr T--
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You turn our darkness into light, |
Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Now let us join all our prayers together in saying the Lord's Prayer.
Bible
Readings and Notes for 27th October 2002.