Church Prayers and Intercessions for Ordinary 21

Heavenly Father, we thank you for those whose influence has led us to come to worship here this morning. We remember family members, Sunday School teachers, church leaders, friends and colleagues who have encouraged us to follow in the Christian way. We give thanks for the fellowship which we find in this church which supports us as we seek to put our faith into practice in our daily lives. Keep before us the vision of church communities where people of different church backgrounds will work and worship together harmoniously and where those who seek to know more about the Christian faith will find a welcome. Give us a clear understanding of the work you have set before us and a fresh commitment to your service in the coming year. Give wisdom to our ministers and the leadership team, and may our witness in Brickhill continue to grow.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the town in which we live, with all the facilities it offers.  We thank you for the many people, who by their jobs or voluntary work help to make our town a good place to live. Help us to continue to strive to build a better community where people feel safe and can enjoy the natural and built environment.

Lord in Your Mercy, hear our prayer

Heavenly Father, we pray for those who struggle against injustice, the men and women who have to live in violent and oppressive societies; for those for whom hunger is a daily reality and for those who feel powerless to change the ways of nature or the ways of nations; Teach us to be ever mindful of their relentless struggle to survive. We pray for peace in so many parts of our troubled world. We pray for the victims of the recent terrorist attacks, those who are injured and those who mourn the loss of loved ones. We pray that those with influence and authority will heed and promote the calls for tolerance, peace and justice.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, we pray for those who are sick, especially those whose illness is long term and demands much patience to bear. We remember before you those who are lonely and depressed and pray that we may be good listeners when friends and neighbours need us. Give us the right words and help us to know what simple acts of kindness may help someone else. Comfort with your presence those who suffer in body, mind or spirit and give them courage and hope.

We remember before you those who have died and those whose anniversaries fall at this time. Give strength to those who are left to grieve and help us to share in each other's sorrow.
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:

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

The Lord’s Prayer