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Prayers of Intercession 20 January 2008 by Mike Elliott

We pray for the world-wide church in all its forms. We remember especially the church in Africa particularly in Kenya where even a church building is no sanctuary from violence. Also in Zimbabwe where, despite all the hardships of its people, a caring church continues to serve and speak out for its people.

We pray for our church here at St. Mark’s and at Putnoe Heights and for our ministers Charlie, Joan and Sam and for all who share in the church’s mission in this community of Brickhill.

Lord in Your mercy. - 'Hear our prayer’

We pray for peace in your world. We remember peoples who are caught up in ethnic and tribal conflicts, those living under the threat of random terrorist acts and those in the midst of open war. In all these conflicts words have failed and the lust for power or supremacy of doctrine or ideology has trampled the needs and simple hopes of ordinary people underfoot.

We pray for the powerless, the dispossessed, the refugee, the orphaned, the starving and the asylum seeker. We recognise that in your world Lord these things should not happen and pray that those with the power to influence the lives of peoples and nations may know of Christ’s love for all and the need to share it amongst those for whom they have responsibility.

Lord in Your mercy. - 'Hear our prayer’

We pray for this our nation, for Her Majesty the Queen and for all who serve the common good in whatever capacity;

We remember those caught up again in floods and who fear for property and livelihoods.

We pray for our staff in our Surgeries and Hospitals and those in the Emergency Services and for selfless service and dedication that makes a difference.

We pray for the ongoing debate about our criminal justice system and the treatment of young offenders. We feel for the family of Garry Newlove and others who fall victim to youth violence and a culture and mindset that we cannot comprehend and pray for leadership and healing in troubled communities.

In all these aspects of our national life there is a growing need to fill the spiritual vacuum in many peoples lives. We earnestly believe and pray that the Christian Church fulfils that need and that with God’s grace, may continue to be at the centre of our nation; a source of comfort and strength for all those who seek it.

Lord in Your mercy. - 'Hear our prayer’

Lord Jesus, comforter and healer to those in both physical, mental and spiritual need, we bring before you those known to our congregation here, or to us more personally, who are in any sort of need at this time.

We name them in our hearts in a moment of silence and are emboldened to ask that your healing touch may be felt in their lives and that they know your peace (silence).

All these we hold up to your tender mercy and commit to your loving care.

Lord in Your mercy. - 'Hear our prayer’

We thank you Lord for the opportunities in the life of our church to offer support and comfort to the bereaved. We pray for those who minister to people in our community at this most vulnerable and questioning time of their lives, and do so with patience and compassion.

And so we pray for those in our midst and the wider community who face that pain of grief at the loss of a loved one. For we can claim in confidence 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: -

Elizabeth Daisy Lord, Joan Grint
Sylvia Yockney, Joy case
Fred Jacks

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

Lord in Your mercy. - 'Hear our prayer’


Gathering our prayers and praises into one as we sing the Lord’s Prayer together.


THE LORD’S PRAYER

New & Sung 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






Traditional Form
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.