Prayers for Ordinary 25

Prayers by The Nash Family

In the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ, let us pray to the Father.

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, you promised through your Son Jesus Christ to hear us when we pray in faith. We pray for the Church. Strengthen Alan our new bishop as he continues his work after his inauguration yesterday and strengthen all your Church in the service of Christ that we may live lives of truth and love that reflect your glory.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for your churches in Bedford and in our Partnership. We thank you for Jane our Deacon and ask that you would bless her in her work with us and at Anjuilita court. We pray for her and Charlie and Sam that they would know your presence, continue to grow in your wisdom and minister your love. Lord, in your mercy.

Father we thank you for the beauty of your creation and the abundance of the harvest. We pray for those who have responsibilities to care for others and the world. We ask that you would help all those involved in the relief effort in East Africa and that you would bring the rain at the right time. We pray for national governments and the international relationships under pressure especially America, Russia and Iran. We ask that those in authority may seek and receive your wisdom, that their decisions will be peace loving, considerate and just. We pray for a solution to the violence and war in Afghanistan, Heavenly Father, would you bring your peace to that troubled land and be with all those who are injured, bereaved and broken by that conflict. Lord, In your mercy

We pray for our local community. We thank you that we live in a peaceful, safe part of the world but we are still aware of injustices and fear in our town. We pray you would give your wisdom to the local councils and we pray that your hand would guide the election of our new mayor. We pray for the students going to university. that you would be with those who know you and those who do not as yet, that they will grow in faith whilst they study. Give grace to us all in this community that we may serve Christ in one another and love as he loves us. Lord, in your mercy

We pray for those who are suffering whether in mind, body or spirit, give them courage and hope in their troubles. We pray for strength and recovery for all those affected by flu and the children with E.coli. Please would you encourage, help and give rest to those who care for the sick. In a moment of quiet we pray for those who are known to us personally who are unwell or suffering and ask your abundant blessing on them. Lord, in your mercy

We pray for those who mourn and ask that your strong arm will uphold and comfort them. Jesus Christ is the light of the world 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 Bert Howe. You turn our darkness into light. In your light shall we see light.

Merciful father, we ask that you would accept these prayers for the sake of your son, our saviour, Jesus Christ.

We draw our prayers together with the Lords Prayer.