Intercessions
Prayers of Intercession Jan. 21st 2007
Holy Communion at 9-30 am
(prayers 58.doc)
Readings:
1. Nehemiah 8: 1-3, 5-6, 8-10.Ezra reads the Law
2. 1 Cor.12: 12-31a. Body has many parts.
3. Luke 4: 14-21 Today the scriptures are fulfilled.
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 we feel that as we approach you with our prayers for others,
that YOU also approach US through your love and concern for the creatures of
your creation. As we bring our heartfelt prayers to you help us to be ever
receptive to what your will might be for us.
Lord Jesus we pray for your Church. As we, who are the body of your church,
give thanks for all it means to us we remember with gratitude those who have
gone before us; to found societies, raise funds, lay foundation stones and
maintain a Christian presence. In this ‘Week of Prayer for Christian Unity’,
we pray that you will support us as we seek to do your will in the
furtherance of your kingdom. Help us to be bold in our strivings towards
that unity and to take your church, united in its purpose, out into our
communities where the need for that knowledge and love of Christ has not
diminished.
Bless the work of this Church and of our Sister church in Putnoe and of our
ministers Charlie Joan and Sam and all who hold office in leadership,
guidance and counselling roles. Bless the work of the many groups who meet
here week by week that those who pass through our doors may discover a
friendship and fellowship that only comes from the love of Christ.
Lord in Your mercy. - 'Hear our prayer’
Our track record of loving our neighbour has not been good Lord and as we
look around our world today we see examples of war, terrorism, greed and
mistrust that must break your heart. Our world seems to lurch from one
conflict to another. And yet, and yet there are men and women of wisdom and
courage who will stand up for justice and freedom, often at great personal
risk. And so we pray for the peacemakers the negotiators those with
seemingly endless patience who bring the warring factions to the negotiating
table. We also remember the continuing work of the United Nations.
Help all regions torn apart by tribal, religious or historical divisions
that paths towards peace and reconciliation may, through your grace, be
found. We pray for all innocent victims of hatred and violence, for peoples
caught up in conflicts when all they wish for is to get on with their lives.
We remember and pray for our own armed forces as they are asked to do
difficult and dangerous tasks far from home and loved ones. Help them to act
justly and when the opportunity arises to show mercy and compassion. Let the
time come soon Lord when the need for such missions is no more.
Lord in Your mercy. - 'Hear our prayer’
We pray for all those in Industry and Academia who are grappling with the
issues of climate change and how best to address the tremendous challenges
it brings. Let there be open minds to see the reality we face and a will to
put new potential solutions into practice. Help all nations see that the
world has a chance to unite in confronting a common threat and an
opportunity to put national differences aside.
In all aspects of this great challenge, show us how to work in partnership
with you and your creation and to trust in you and in your unquestionable
love for us.
Lord in Your mercy. - 'Hear our prayer’
We pray for this our nation faced with difficult issues at home and abroad.
Give wisdom and humility to all who hold important office and especially we
ask your blessing on Elizabeth our Queen and head of state.
We rejoice that so many in our nation give of their time and talents in
voluntary work and we ask your blessing on the endeavours of so many
organisations committed to the wellbeing of others or the environment.
We pray also for our emergency services put to the test in the recent gales
and also for the teams of power-line technicians working long shifts to
restore power to homes and businesses.
Lord in Your mercy. - 'Hear our prayer’
Lord Jesus, when confronted by the sick and needy you responded with both
compassion and practical help, and so we bring before you those in our own
society who are in need of your healing touch.
We pray also for all those who minister to so many different needs and ask
that you endow them with wisdom, strength and compassion as they go about
their caring tasks.
So let us share a moment of silence together as we bring before you those
about whom we are concerned as we name them in our hearts. (A short period
of silence)
All these we hold up to you and commit to your loving care.
Lord in Your mercy. - 'Hear our prayer’
Especially we pray for those who face the pain of grief at the loss of a
loved one whether recent or many years ago. For even in grief we can claim
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: -
Peter Beswick
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 we serve you Lord in our daily lives help us to recognise the work of
other faithful souls along side us and give thanks for their witness to your
glory.
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 (SUNG)
(Modern 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