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Christian worship, sermons, prayer and Bible study from St. Mark's Church and Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford, England - The world is our parish |
Intercessions for Ordinary 19 Year B
Prayers by Mrs Pat Leusby
Lord, as we come to you in prayer, make each of us conscious of your
nearness. Open our ears that we may hear your voice, enter our hearts that
we may know more of you. May we always be aware of your greatness, yet you
are always ready to hear the prayers of your people. Hear us now Lord, as we
bring our requests to you.
Father God, we lift to you our world. It’s really your world Lord, for you
have created it, but we’re the ones who are making a mess of everything
through wars and greed, through terrorism, cruelty and lack of love and
consideration for our fellow men, through split up of family life, cruelty
to children, drugs and pollution. So many of us are confused and – yes Lord,
frightened by what is happening to our world, and the feeling of being so
helpless to do anything about it. Lord, in our helplessness we turn to you.
We cry to you for help and ask you to give to all men the knowledge and
understanding of how to put right the dreadful things that are happening,
the wrongs man does to his neighbour, nations to nation, and even parents to
their children. Lord, in our helplessness we cry to you for help.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
A prayer for those in authority
Lord God, all wise, all merciful, hear us as we pray for those who bear the
responsibility of leadership among the nations of the world. Give them, in
all their deliberations, regard for your laws, wisdom to know your will,
respect for human rights and the grace of humility that they may be ready to
see a point of view which differs from their own. Grant that they may seek
to lead men in the paths of truth, freedom and peace, for the glory of your
Name.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
A prayer for churches here and throughout the world
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the witness of your Church throughout the
world and for the places where there is a new freedom to worship your
freely. We pray for your guiding hand upon them as they face the changes and
new problems which may come. Be with your people in those countries where
your church still faces oppression and persecution and give your people
strength and courage to stand fro what is right. Guide the church leaders in
our country, Lord, as they face the problems of the present day. Direct
their thoughts and give them wisdom in their decisions. We pray for churches
in our area, particularly here and at Putnoe Heights, and for Charlie, Sam,
Neil and Joan, and bless them, Lord, as they go forward in your Name. Bless
the work and worship of both our churches that each may be a house of
prayer, a centre of Christian teaching, a community of service and a witness
to your redeeming love.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father, we thank you for our homes and families,
and ask your blessing on them. Make us aware of your loving care day by
day, and make us thankful for all the blessing we receive but which we often
take for granted. Make us mindful of those who are alone and have no family
life, those in hostel or bed and breakfast accommodation, those living on
the streets and those whose lives are dominated by drugs and alcohol. We
pray too for inspiration and endurance for people who try to help them – for
people like the Samaritans and other voluntary bodies who provide aid in so
many ways; for doctors, clergy and social workers. Help us all to be good
neighbours, not only to those near us, but to anyone in trouble who needs
someone just to come close and to listen.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Now a prayer for all who are unwell
Lord God, whose Son Jesus Christ understood people’s fear and pain before
they spoke of them, we pray for all who are suffering in mind, body or
spirit, and in a moment of silence we bring those we know before you …..
Surround the frightened with your tenderness, give strength to those in
pain, hold the weak in your arms of love and give hope and patience to those
who are recovering. And for those who are hurting, Lord, but who do not
accept you as their loving Heavenly Father, we ask that, by the power of
your Spirit thay may be aware of your longing to reach them and touch their
lives with your healing grace.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray now for all who have been bereaved
and we think this morning of the family of the policeman killed in
Bradford. Grant them all comfort in their pain and sorrowing. 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
and love 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.
A final short prayer for ourselves
Father, be near us when we are distressed; strengthen us when we are weak;
hold us when we are afraid; guide us when we are lost. Laugh with us and
share our joy; sing with us and stir our hearts; fill us up that we may
might be renewed at each day’s end and each day’s dawning.
We will now join in singing the Lord’s Prayer.
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be thy 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 forever. Amen