Prayers for Ordinary 29 Year B 2012

Prayer led by Mrs Morag Stewart

Prayers Sunday 21 October, 2012
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.
Increase in us the sense of community that binds us one to another.  Bless the work of our church that it may give a sense of identity where now there is none; provide a refuge to those who feel threatened or lonely; create a place of belonging where people know they are welcomed, remembered by name and valued as individuals.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer
Let us pray for unity:
You have called us to be one, to live in harmony, and yet we are divided: race from race, faith from faith, rich from poor, old from young, neighbour from neighbour.  Lord, help us to break down the walls that separate us, tear down the fences of indifference and hatred; forgive us the sins that divide us, free us from pride and self-seeking behaviour, overcome our prejudices and fears, give us courage to open ourselves to others; by the power of your spirit make us one.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer
Let us pray 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

Let us pray for the beauty of the world around us 
Dear God we want to praise and thank you for giving us so much to enjoy in the world.  Open our eyes to see all the beauty around us as Summer turns to Autumn; help us to appreciate your greatness in giving us the different seasons, each fulfilling our needs. Help us to safeguard them so that our children and future generations will benefit from the natural beauty which you have created. 
Let us pray for those who are unwell

Lord God, whose Son Jesus Christ understood people’s fear and pain.  We pray for all who are suffering in mind, body or spirit. 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.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, we pray for those whose hearts have been saddened by the death of someone close and dear to them, for members of our families who have died and whose anniversary we recall. Help us to experience the comfort of the Holy Spirit within us, and the fellowship of the church family around us until we are reunited once more in your heavenly kingdom.
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 today
You turn our darkness into light in your light shall we see light
And finally we pray that as we come before your table today that our communion is not mere routine but a precious time of fellowship with Jesus Christ as we thankfully remember his redeeming love and meet with him as our living Lord
Merciful Father
Accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ

The Lords Prayer