INTERCESSIONS
Prayers of Intercession July 18th 2004
led by Mike Elliott
Communion at 9-30 am, 16 Ordinary
Readings:
1. Genesis 19: 1-10a Promise of a son for Abraham.
2. Colossians 1: 15-28 Paul on the Supremacy of Christ.
3. Luke 10: 38-42 Martha and Mary.
After these prayers of intercession we shall sing together the Lord’s prayer as printed on your Order of Service.
The bidding for our prayers will be ‘Lord in Your Mercy’
With the response ‘Hear our Prayer’
Almighty and everlasting God,
The wonders of your creation are constantly being revealed to us through man’s ingenuity, whether through the exploration of the solar system or the unravelling of our DNA. And yet there are still unanswered questions, not only on the world scale, but also in our everyday lives. As we strive to see both the big picture and the smaller personal one, we come to you as we ask for those things which seem beyond the bounds of our science and technology. We heed the words of Jesus who said we should ask of our heavenly Father who will supply our needs.
Lord in Your mercy. - 'Hear our prayer’
We pray for a world that is, in many parts, torn with strife and suffering. We have been reminded recently of the HIV/AIDs pandemic in Africa and Asia and the appeals for more help from the richer countries. Loving God, you know the plight of every living thing, help these your suffering people especially the countless number of orphaned children facing uncertain futures.
We pray for the fledgling governments in Iraq and Afghanistan facing daily acts of terrorism and factional conflicts amid inadequate infrastructures. Support those who work to improve the lives of your peoples in these, and so many other parts of the world, whether through medical aid, food programmes, skilful mediation or donations of time and money.
We pray for those countries in South East Asia struggling with the aftermath of the heavy monsoon rains. Touch the hearts of those governments and agencies, who have the capacity to help, to move quickly to minimise much hardship, disease and distress as the flood waters continue to rise.
Lord in Your mercy. - 'Hear our prayer’
As another report on the workings of government is published we pray for all those who hold or seek public office whether at Parish, Local Government, National even International levels. Guard them from the many temptations that surely surround them and lead them in the ways of humility, truth and service. We ask that they be inspired and guided by him who was the servant to all even Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Lord in Your mercy. - 'Hear our prayer’
As the body of Christ we are charged with making disciples throughout this world. Help the work of your churches here in Bedford and especially in this Circuit and Deanery, that through a better understanding amongst ourselves we may be more effective in our work of mission and service to the wider community. We pray for the success of new projects in our churches amongst the young, the bereaved and those with learning difficulties.
Continue to support and give guidance to all who take on the responsibilities of leadership in our churches whether lay or ordained that they may know both your will and your presence in whatever they undertake in your name.
Lord in Your mercy. - 'Hear our prayer’
We think of the elderly, the housebound and those in care homes, hospital and hospice. And we pray for all those who minister to their needs, both from within the family, the Churches and from the other professional and voluntary services.
Comfort and sustain those who are in need of your grace at this time and as we share a moment of silence together, we bring before you those known only to ourselves as we name them in our hearts and commit them to your loving care.
(A short period of silence)
Lord in Your mercy. - 'Hear our prayer’
We pray for those who face the pain of grief whilst learning to adjust to a new life without a loved one, thinking especially today of Laura and Ian Farthing and their family.
Help us to support all those who mourn, both with our prayers and with practical help both this day and in the days and weeks to come.
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: - Ethel Hennesey
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: -
Like Martha and Mary we struggle to find a balance in our lives between the many demands placed upon us. Loving Lord, help us to use our time wisely and to recognise and cherish those moments of eternity we can find in your presence.
Merciful Father, “Accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen”.
Gathering our prayers together into one, we sing together the prayer our Saviour taught us.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
New 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