thisischurch.com

Epiphany: 4th Jan. 2004

Heavenly Father as the star led the wise men, may the radiance of your presence be a light to our path, that we may come to your presence and walk before you as children of light, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
 

0 God, who by the leading of the star brought people from different nations to worship before you, guide all who seek to extend their vision and their lives and to deepen their faith. Grant that your church may be welcoming and sensitive to those looking for meaning and purpose.

May this church be a sanctuary and support for those who are down-trodden and rejected. We remember especially asylum seekers who are far from home and what is familiar

We pray for the rulers of nations recovering from war and tyranny and \emerging into new freedoms and awareness, like Iraq. We remember countries coping with the aftermath of great tragedy such as the earthquake in Iran.  We ask for your blessing on relief organizations and for those who care for victims of disaster, famine, floods and drought. We remember those who are homeless, all who are refugees, those who are travelling, and we pray for those mourning family and friends killed in the French/Egyptian air crash.

Lord, we give you thanks for your presence in our homes. Bless all who through their talents and kindness have enriched our lives.

We pray for friends and loved ones especia1ly any in trouble or need. We pray for any who are living below their potential or abilities, all whose lives are restricted by illness or poverty.
 

We remember the chronically ill, those in constant pain, the depressed and despairing. May the light of your love give them hope, courage-and consolation and peace.
We pray for all who mourn. When bereavement brings pain and grief, help us to remember that we have the promise of eternal life and the hope of glory, that Jesus Christ is the light of the world, a light which no darkness can quench. We commend to your everlasting love those who have died, and light a candle to symbolize our prayers and the light of Christ which eternally shines and brings hope.

 
You turn our darkness into light, in your light shall we see tight.

Lord, help us trust your truth and your message of peace, that the world may see and understand.

Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.  

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

Your kingdom come,

your will be done,

On earth as 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 for ever.  Amen.