Prayers for Ordinary 14

Prayers by Mrs Alison Holden

Let us pray for all people, everywhere, both close to us and far away.

O Lord, Christ and Saviour, we pray for people of every race and belief, and in every kind of need: make your ways known on earth, your saving power among nations. We pray for the Church, both here in Bedford and throughout the world, and all who call themselves Christians, that they may go forward in unity and strength. Help us to respect the beliefs of others even if we do not share them, to celebrate what we have in common and to accept our differences. Guide us all in our ministries as we live each day. Lord,
in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We pray for people in parts of the world where life is precarious, whether through disaster, poverty, disease, or war. We pray that the time may be hastened when there is peace on earth and goodwill between all men. Most of all we pray for this precious world, lent to us to nurture for a season and pass on in good order to generations to come. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We pray for our young people that they may grow up knowing love and hope, valuing life and respecting others. We pray for those who are about to leave school and move on to the next stage in their lives, and for those for whom what happens next depends upon anxiously awaited exam results. We pray for all whose livelihood and way of life are threatened by current economic problems. Grant courage and hope to all who face changes in a life they though secure, that they may see opportunities and take on challenges with optimism. Lord,
in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We pray for all who suffer in mind or body and for those who care for them. We pray for the sick; for those who mourn; for those without faith, hope or love. We pray for any who are in special need of our prayers at this time, especially those known personally to us. We remember them now in a moment of silence …. Lord,
in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

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. We remember .... You turn our darkness into light: in your light shall we see light.

Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Gathering our prayers and praises into one, let us say the Lord’s Prayer together.

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