Loving God, we offer our prayers now for all people and their situations; for lives that are going through upheaval or distress; for circumstances which only you can change.
(Short Silence)
Lord in your mercy: Hear our prayer.
We pray for the Church throughout the world, remembering those Christians in countries where their beliefs make them vulnerable and in danger. Uphold and strengthen all who are persecuted for their faith. We pray for hostages and their families and loved ones from whom they are separated.
We give thanks for this church. May we point the way to God’s Kingdom in our community and welcome all who are seeking through our doors.
(Short Silence)
Lord in your mercy: Hear our prayer.
Creator God, we pray for peace in the world, for understanding between nations, religions and factions and for an end to old scores which remain unsettled. We especially pray for the peoples of the Middle East as the conflict continues and for Christian, Muslim and Jew, that they may live alongside one another in mutual respect and harmony. We pray too for fair shares and fair trade and that the talents of the workers of the world are fairly rewarded.
(Short Silence)
Lord in your mercy: Hear our prayer.
Father God, we thank you for the gifts, talents and abilities you have given each of us praying that a deeper understanding of those talents can be used and shared within our church and the community. Set us free from the fear that makes us inward looking. Give us a renewed generosity with our time, our talents and our treasure. Give us a renewed concern for those who are struggling in our congregations and our communities. Give us a renewed vision of what it is for us to be your church, in this place, at this time.
(Short Silence)
Lord in your mercy: Hear our prayer.
Forgiving God, send your healing forgiveness to all who are suffering feelings of guilt, shame or regret. Help to mend broken relationships. Be with all who feel that, through advancing years or failing health, they cannot enjoy life as it used to be. May those who are learning to live a new pattern of life feel that you are walking beside them. We especially pray for the sick and suffering in our Churches, and give you thanks for those who are on the road to recovery.
Mark Knott, Sandra Baxter- Brown, Christine Miles, Doreen Nunney, Dennis Evans, Trish Fleetwood, Ruth Wilkinson & Jacky Williams.
Lord in your mercy: Hear our prayer.
Merciful God, we remember those who have died and for those who are bereaved. May the light of Christ which eternally shines bring hope to their dark places. We especially pray for those whose anniversary falls at this time.
Philip Tillard, Esther Hausman, Robert Joliffe, Martin Caroe, Hilda Stevens, Ellen Osborn, Audrey Hay Murray, Rosa Hyde, Florence Rollitt, Arthur Edgington, Gill Swait, Cynthia Moir, Jane Orange, Stanley Cross, Susan Street, Jean Ash, Dougie Ferris, Dr Frazer Carey & Joan Quig.
(Short Silence)
Gracious God, forgive us when we only turn to you when things trouble us and when we forget to thank you for your blessings and bounty. Help us to recognise all the wonderful things in your world for which we should be grateful and send us out into the coming week ready to show our gratitude in all that we do and say.
Merciful Father: Accept these prayers for the sake of your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen