Church Prayers and Intercessions for Ordinary 27

Mrs Morag Stewart

God of all people, as we gather together this morning, we welcome You amongst us and celebrate the gift of life that you have lavished upon each of us.
We ask that You would open our ears so that we may hear your voice.
Open our minds so that we may receive Your eternal wisdom.
Open our spirits so that we may know Your leading and guidance.
And open our hearts so that we may receive Your wonderful love.

Lord in Your Mercy
Hear our prayer

God of all seasons, we thank you for Autumn.
We thank you for the touch of coolness in the air that gives us a new burst of energy,
for the coloring of trees that shows your creativity,
for the falling leaves that reveal the strength of the branches,
for the smiles on pumpkins that bring joy to children,
for the harvest that brings us the gifts of our land,
for this change of seasons that reveals the circle of life.
God of all seasons, as you transform the earth, transform us by your Spirit.
Lord in Your Mercy
Hear our prayer

God of love, we pray for the whole family of your church.  Grant that we, and all your people, may be built up in our faith, and always show in our lives the love we see in Jesus.  Give courage to those who find it hard to follow you; to those who are finding it difficult to have faith because of a personal hardship or tragedy; to those who are made to suffer for their faith

Lord in Your Mercy
Hear our prayer

God of mercy, we pray for those who are denied freedom in their religious beliefs, 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.
God of goodness, whose Son became a refugee and had no place to call his own; look with mercy on those who today are fleeing from danger, homeless and hungry.
Bless those who work to bring them relief; inspire generosity and compassion in all our hearts; and guide the nations of the world towards that day when all will rejoice in your Kingdom of justice and of peace.

Lord in Your Mercy
Hear our prayer
God of all compassion, 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 in their troubles.
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.