Prayer for Second Sunday of Easter, seeing Jesus more clearly

I prepared this prayer for the Second Sunday of Easter (Low Sunday) to tie in with the preacher's mention.  She was taking the story of the disciples in Acts and the story of Christ's appearance to the disciples (without and with Thomas) and drawing the message of needing to see Jesus more clearly.  (Maybe the lectionary editors made the link of locked doors - the disciples being released through them, Jesus entering through them)

Risen Lord Jesus, we thank you that we can bring our prayers and petitions to you, and have confidence that you will hear us.

Risen Lord Jesus, we thank you for the joy of Easter, for our celebration of the resurrection.  We thank you for the way that Christians across the world have been celebrating this wonderful fact together.

Today we pray for the church across the world.  We pray for Jane, and ask that you will refresh her on her holiday.  We pray for the preparation for the Annual Church Meetings later this month, and ask that you will be there to guide and inspire us.  We pray for our diocese, and today we remember the visit of the evangelists from the Melanesian brotherhood as they preach the joy of the resurrection this week.  We continue to pray for our bishops, and our new archbishop, that they may teach people to see Jesus more clearly.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Risen Lord Jesus, we thank you that this world is God’s creation, and that God continues to control and sustain the world He created.  We thank you that the leaders of nations and businesses take their authority from You.

We pray that you will guide the nations of the world to know that real authority and wisdom come from you.  We pray for peace between the nations, and within the nations.  So we ask for peace in Afghanistan, in the far east and in the middle east.  We pray for those parts of the world where men, women and children are suffering because of drought and famine, and ask that you will provide the funds and expertise needed for the relief agencies in their work.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Risen Lord Jesus, we thank you for the work of those who provide our food.  Thank you for the variety of the food that we can buy and grow.

We pray for the farming community in Devon, for those who grow crops and fruit and raise animals for food.  We pray for those who work on the land to prepare it for spring, summer and autumn growing.  We ask that you will give wisdom to those Christians who minister to the agricultural sector of society, that they may be sensitive to the needs of farmers and their families.  And as we pray for the producers, we pray for justice and fairness for the chain of supply of our food, through distributors and retailers. 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Risen Lord Jesus, we thank you that you have promised to be with us in all that we do, day by day, as we follow, serve and trust you.

We pray that each member of our church, and of our Mission Community, may see you more clearly this week, and grow in grace with you as our Lord and Saviour.

We pray for those in our church who have special needs this week.  We remember those who are sick, and those who are anxious because of the sickness of a loved one.  We pray for those whose work brings tensions and ask that you will grant such people special wisdom.

And we remember how Thomas recognised Jesus – help us this week to echo his words and see that you are “Lord and God”

Merciful Father

Pentecost prayer, themed on the Holy Spirit

I like this prayer, from the Reformed Church in America, which I have amended.  I like it because the repetition of "Holy Spirit" at the start of each stanza, and the word "Come" at the end give this prayer a unity and theme.  

The response to the words, Come Holy Spirit will be the same words, Come Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit, Lord and Giver of Life:
At the beginning of time you moved over the face of the waters; you breathe into every living being, the breath of life.
Come, Creator Spirit, and renew the whole of God’s creation.
Come Holy Spirit, Come Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit, voice of the prophets:
You enflame men and women with a passion for your truth, and through them call your people to the ways of justice and compassion.  At this start of Christian Aid week, we pray for all who work to bring justice to the poor across the world.
Come, Spirit of Righteousness, and burn in our hearts.
Come Holy Spirit, Come Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit, Spirit of Jesus:
By your power Jesus came to bring good news to the poor and release to those held captive.  We pray for those who proclaim the good news in our generation, that they may speak with clarity and relevance today.
Come, Liberating Spirit, and free us from the powers of sin and death.
Come Holy Spirit, Come Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit, Advocate, Teacher:
You speak to us of our Lord,
and show us the depth of his love.
Come, Spirit of Truth, abide in us and lead us in the way of Jesus Christ.
Come Holy Spirit, Come Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit, wind and flame:
You filled Christ’s disciples with joy and courage,
empowering them to preach your word and to share your good news.  We pray for ourselves as we express the good news to our circle of family and friends.
Come, Spirit of Power, make us bold witnesses of your redeeming love.
Come Holy Spirit, Come Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit, Spirit of Peace:
You break down barriers of language, race, and culture,
and heal the divisions that separate us.  We pray for the growth of your church in our parishes and throughout the East Exeter Mission Community.
Come, Reconciling Spirit, and unite us all in the love of Christ.
Come Holy Spirit, Come Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit, Lord and Giver of Life:
At the close of the age
all creation will be renewed to sing your praises.  But at this time we are aware of those who are suffering in mind or body, and so we pray for the healing touch of Jesus on them, remembering:
Come, Creator Spirit, and make us new creations in Jesus Christ.
Come Holy Spirit, Come Holy Spirit
Amen

Prayer for God's world

Let us pray for the church and for the world.

We pray for those who govern and lead the nation; Lord of Lords, we pray for our Queen and her family and government, that we may be godly and quietly governed.  We pray for those who lead industry and commerce that they may seek justice and righteousness in the way that they manage other people.  We pray for the mass media and all those whose words influence others, that they my prefer truth to half-truth, and friendship rather than aggression.

Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer

We are encouraged to pray for prisons and prisoners.

Almighty Father, we pray for those who are in prison, or who await trial.  We pray that justice may prevail for each one, and ask that you will prevent all kinds of persecution and discrimination inside and outside our prisons.  We pray for the Christian witness in prisons, and especially pray for the chaplaincy team at Exeter and Dartmoor prisons, that you will guide in the teaching and sharing of God’s word there.  We pray for those who will come out of prison this week, and ask that you will give them the strength to break with old habits and associations; we pray for the families of those in prison, that you will help them to find community and support; we ask that those who work in prisons may help create communities of hope and purpose.

Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer

We thank you, Lord, that you care so much for our every need.  We pray for those from the church or our families and friends who need your healing touch today.  We pray for you to reach out to those who are in pain; we pray that you will help those who are recovering from surgery; we pray for those who suffer after accidents; we commit to you those who have long-term illnesses; and we ask for your support for those who are carers and must stand by as a loved one is sick.  In our prayers we especially ask that you will encourage and support:

Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer
 Lord of the church, we thank you for those who lead the church across the world; we pray for the Christian witness in Zambia, and commend to you our prayer link **** ****.  We pray that you will help her to train the nursing staff, and build up your church as she witnesses to staff and patients in ******.  We pray for the pastors and teachers of the church there.  We pray for your guiding hand on the work of the church in this city, and ask for your wisdom in the plans for Hope08.  Lord, send your Holy Spirit to renew our lives, and the lives of all Christians in this city, and send your Holy Spirit to inspire the teaching of the church throughout our city and diocese.

Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer
  

Finally, we pray for ourselves.  O Lord, we pray for pure hearts this week, hearts and lives that are filled with righteousness, and a zeal to place you first.  We ask for the strength and wisdom we will need for the tasks ahead, and an eagerness to put you first in all that we say and do.

Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your son, our saviour Amen

A prayer for Pentecost

Bidding: Lord, Your Spirit is with us
Response: Hear our prayer

Lord God, as once your Holy presence filled the temple, on Pentecost we thank you that your Holy Spirit now fills your people the Church.

Fill each of us with your Spirit that our lives may be transformed from one degree of glory to another.

Ignite in us a passion to seek your will, a desire to know your word, and a readiness to respond.

So fill us with your Spirit that our lives are filled with your praise.

Make your Church a temple of the Holy Spirit.

Fill your people with your Holy Spirit, that we might be a holy presence in your world.

Bidding: Lord, Your Spirit is with us
Response: Hear our prayer
Come Holy Spirit, direct the rulers of the world. Fill our political and business leaders with wisdom, skills and discernment to seek the common good. Inspire our artists and musicians, writers and craftspeople, television and radio broadcasters
We ask for your energy and vision for those who give their energy and time in the battle against injustice and oppression, in our country and throughout the world, and those who lead in the struggle with poverty, disease and hunger in developing countries
We ask that the Holy Spirit may direct the efforts to find peaceful settlements in international crisis spots, especially in the Middle East and central Africa
Spirit of God, show us all how to bring peace and justice and unity to the nations.

Bidding: Lord, Your Spirit is with us
Response: Hear our prayer
Come Holy Spirit, fill our homes, and set our hearts on fire with the warmth of your love. Inspire us to new beginnings.

Help us as part of your universal church to reach out to others with the good news of Christ, to bring hope to those in distress.

Where there is injustice, make your church a royal priesthood and a holy nation.

Where there is violence, make your church an ambassador for Christ.

Where there is greed, hatred or pride, grant your church a truly prophetic voice.

We pray for our ministers, and all who exercise leadership here that we may be open and welcoming to all who come within our doors. Guide us in our relationships with each other, within the family of the church, within our families, with our neighbours, and draw us together in fellowship of love and joy and holiness.

Bidding: Lord, Your Spirit is with us
Response: Hear our prayer
We bring to you the despairing and despondent, those who are uncertain how to use their time or money, or are tempted to do wrong. May they have your guidance and strength,
We pray for all who are weak, who are ill, who cannot cope on their own, those known to us in particular need or trouble who ask for our prayers -
We remember all in hospital and those who care for them
Come Holy Spirit, may they know your hope and comfort, your power and assurance.

Bidding: Lord, Your Spirit is with us
Response: Hear our prayer
Holy Spirit we remember those who have died, and those whose lives are darkened by sorrow and mourning.  Come Holy Spirit and comfort those who grieve.
And we pray for ourselves.  Come Holy Spirit, when we share in grief and suffering, may we walk in compassion and understanding.

Bidding: Lord, Your Spirit is with us
Response: Hear our prayer
Come Holy Spirit, this Pentecost, and help us to know your presence in our daily lives in our times of pain, in our worship. Create new life in your people, and renew and refresh us, as we turn in obedience and faith to You.
Merciful Father, Son and Holy Spirit
Accept these prayers for the sake of our Saviour Jesus Christ
Amen

(Some of this has been taken from other sources.)

Another Advent prayer

Lord, prepare us for your Advent coming.

In our prayers today we try to come to you, sure that you will come the rest of the way.

Lord, prepare us for your coming - in the Church.

Clean out the unnecessary clutter of our church life, the piles of dead habits, the cupboards full of prejudice, the cobwebs of compromise and the sad rota of forgotten dreams. Open our church to the free flow of your refreshing Spirit. Give to our churches a new vision and hope. We want to belong to you again.

In particular, Lord, we pray for Your wisdom and guidance as St Matthew’s plans for the building project.

Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Lord, prepare us for your coming - in the world.

Come, drive away despair from our politics; revive our dreams of justice; restore our passion for what is good, right and true. Establish your just and gentle rule in the Middle East and Afghanistan where peace has been powerless and violent people have had their day. Set a flame to the fuse of justice in Zimbabwe where arrogant people have defied the moral order year after year. Guard well the new springtime of hope in Northern Ireland where peace has come like a gift, wrapped in reconciliation and gladness.

In particular, Lord, we long for a just settlement to emerge from the Middle East peace talks

Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Lord, prepare us for your coming - in our own community.

In the problems of our locality help us never to forget the supremacy of love. May love motivate our care for this neighbourhood. May love heal the social ills which drag us into despair. May love inspire our citizenship to rise beyond mediocrity. We name in our minds the problems locally of which we are aware of homelessness in our city and pray that love, gracious and practical, will find a way.

Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Lord, prepare us for your coming - in those in need.

Give us eyes to search the face of the stranger and there to see the face of the Saviour. Give us sensitivity to hear the doubt and hesitation, and there, with that person, to share the confusion and the futility. There are those we know who are ill now, struggling this morning to handle the pain. Let us pray for them, for you come to us in them, and you ask for our love. We give that now, as we name them and love them in our hearts. What we have promised, in love and prayer, let us never forget to do.

Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Advent Lord, come ever nearer. Come to rejuvenate our faith. Come to fortify our social conscience. Come to open wide our eyes of wonder. So that when the Saviour comes, he may steal into our hearts - and find them ready. Even so come, Lord Jesus. Amen.

(I am not sure where the inspiration for this prayer came from ... so I apologise if I have infringed copyright in it.)

Advent - preparing for Christmas

As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas time, let us learn from those involved in His coming as we pray:

Lord Jesus Christ, Light of the World, we praise you for your willingness to enter this world.

Shine in our world today, transforming the lives of your people that they might shine as stars and be used to draw and guide others to yourself.

We pray for the darkest places in our world -

• where men and women oppress and victimise one another;
• where injustice reigns and the innocent are wrongly accused,
• where children are neglected and abused,
• where people are made homeless through conflict and disaster
• where the hungry and sick find no help

Lord, enter our world this Advent, work in the hearts and minds of your people, and use them and us to bring peace, justice, and love into the hearts of people everywhere…………

LORD, IN YOUR MERCY—HEAR OUR PRAYER

Lord God Almighty, who prepared the world for the coming of Christ through the word of the prophets …………..

We pray for the power of your word to take root in your world today –

• we pray for all who preach and teach from the Scriptures in our churches, schools and colleges

– sharpen their insight and understanding, and keep them in wisdom and love

• we pray for those who continue to make the Scriptures available in every language of the world

– give them clear thinking, patience and persistence

• we pray for those who distribute the Scriptures and share their truth in countries where they are restricted or forbidden

 – protect them from harm and encourage them

Lord, enter your world this Advent, and bring truth, wisdom and enlightenment to the minds of all men and particularly those who control and influence public opinion in the nations

LORD, IN YOUR MERCY—HEAR OUR PRAYER

Holy Spirit of God, who visited Mary and caused our Lord Jesus Christ to be born…….

We pray that we might accept your work in our lives today……….

• we pray that we who believe in the Lord Jesus will be open to allow you to direct our lives according to your will – help us to submit ourselves to you in humility and trust
• we pray that all who bear the precious gift of Christ as His followers will recognise your work, and allow the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control to grow to maturity in their lives
• we pray that all who accept your work in them, will be prepared to bear whatever suffering may be necessary for the accomplishment of your work in the world today.

Lord, enter your world this Advent, and enable us to bear the cost of following You safe in the assurance that our lives are held in your care and that you are with us to eternity……

LORD, IN YOUR MERCY—HEAR OUR PRAYER

God our Father, we remember before you any who are suffering from any form of illness. We pray for any who are anxious, sorrowful, or in any kind of need at this time. We pray especially for loved ones and those who are known to us who are ill or in any kind of need. We remember them now in the quietness of our hearts.

We know that you love them, and know their every need, far better than we do. We ask that you will do for them as you see best, and bless them with your love and peace.
LORD, IN YOUR MERCY—HEAR OUR PRAYER

We give thanks for all those we love but see no longer. Remembering especially those who brought us to faith. Jesus Christ was born to be the light of the world, a light which always overcomes the darkness. Merciful Father

Accept these prayers

I adapted this from Baptist liturgy for Advent 2005

The Word, the world, and us

Let us pray for the church and for the world and let us thank God for His goodness

Almighty God, our heavenly father, you promised through your Son Jesus Christ to hear us when we pray in faith

We thank you, Lord, for those that You have gifted to be teachers of your Word and ministers in Your church.  Thank you for those who serve in this congregation and parish.  Thank you too, for the work of theological colleges and their staff, and for those who arrange training events and courses in Exeter.

We pray, Lord, for those whose calling is to be servants of Your people as shepherds, pastors and teachers.  We ask, Lord, that they may have the grace and humility which their work requires, and that they may be able to walk closely with you, day by day. We would pray for those who are in training.  As you equip such men and women, Lord, we pray that the Holy Spirit may be channelled through them to equip the whole church in the service of Christ; that those who confess your name may be united in your truth, live together in your love and reveal your glory in the world.

LORD IN YOUR MERCY--HEAR OUR PRAYER

Thank You, Lord, that You are Lord of Lords and King of Kings.  We rejoice that the affairs of the nations are secure in your keeping;  that the Holy Spirit is directing the ways of leaders of governments, leaders of commerce, the professions, industry and the unions.  Thank you, Lord, that you control the work of public and private industry as it affects us day by day, in our homes, in our neighbourhoods, at work.

We pray for Your world and think of the news items that have been headlines in the last few days.  We pray for the leaders of our nation, that you will give them wisdom in providing for all, particularly those who are homeless or unemployed.  We pray that the economic affairs of our land may be directed towards justice for all.  We pray for the work of the relief agencies and United Nations as they seek to relieve the problems of the world;  and we pray for peace, and especially for the peace of Middle East.  We pray that throughout the world, men may honour one another and seek the common good.

LORD IN YOUR MERCY--HEAR OUR PRAYER

We thank you, Lord, that you are in control of our households; that Jesus knew the joys and sadnesses of living in a family and in a community of people and families in the same street and town.  So we come to you with confidence that You understand the pressures and delights of daily living with people of all ages.

Help us Lord, to live a hundred percent for you;  help us to make Jesus the centre of our life and work every day, wherever You have called us to be.  Help us to draw closer to others, in friendship and fellowship, so that as ambassadors for you we may convey Your message to the world today.  We pray especially for those that You have placed in close proximity to us;  our relatives;  our neighbours;  those we meet day by day.  May they see You in us.  Help us to serve Christ in one another, and love as he loves us.

LORD IN YOUR MERCY--HEAR OUR PRAYER

Thank you, Lord, that You are the great healer of those who suffer in body, mind or spirit.  Than k you that we can bring our concerns for others to you in the confidence that you will hear and act.

So we pray for those we know in the church or parish who mourn the death of a loved one;  for those who are ill, or are convalescing after sickness or an operation;  for those who have to live with constant weakness or pain;  for those who are anxious about the health of a loved one, particularly mothers anxious about children.  We ask for wisdom of action and words for those who care for all who suffer

Let us keep silence for a moment to remember individuals by name;

Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your son, our saviour Jesus Christ.  Amen.

March 2013

Father God, we thank you for your word, and the way that it speaks to us.  We thank you for the Lent course, and we pray that this week you will continue to feed us from the Bible.  Guide us in our conversations and discussions, and help us to grow as Christians to be more like our Lord and Saviour.  We pray that our friends may see Jesus Christ in our lives..

We pray for your church across the city, and pray that your people may grow in grace and knowledge of you.  In particular we pray that you will build up the ministry of the churches in the East Exeter Mission Community, and pour out blessing on our fellow Christians in the Network Church. 

LORD, IN YOUR MERCY HEAR OUR PRAYER

Father, we thank you for those who lead our community, in the public services, commerce and industry.  We thank you for the government and pray for wisdom in the preparation for the budget.

We pray for the people of Detroit, and its financial and business leaders at this time of difficulty.  Give wisdom to all those with responsibility for providing employment in that city, and throughout the world.

We thank you for the public support of charities through Comic Relief this weekend.  As your people, we pray especially for the ministry of Tearfund and Christian Aid, working to provide practical help together with the message of the gospel.

LORD, IN YOUR MERCY HEAR OUR PRAYER

Father, we thank you for many people who are working for peace.  We thank you the you have called us to be peacemakers – help us to pray for peace whenever we become aware of situations where there is no peace.

We pray for peace in countries where there is conflict.  We pray that peace may come to Afghanistan and Iraq; we pray for progress towards peace in Israel and Palestine after President Obama’s visit, and we ask that the new government in Israel may seek peace with their neighbours.  We ask you to strengthen the Christian Church in Israel and Palestine.  And we cry to you for peace in Syria.

LORD, IN YOUR MERCY HEAR OUR PRAYER

Father, we remember how your son healed the sick, and gave forgiveness and dignity to those whose lives had been spoilt by sin and illness.  We pray now for your healing for those we know who are ill, or who are anxious because of the illness or weakness of a loved one.

We pray for those who minister to the sick; our doctors, nurses and dentists, those who work in our hospitals and old people’s homes, and those who care for people in their homes.  Give them the compassion that is needed in their encounters and help them in their vocation of helping others.

We pray for the children we know who have passed through this church as foster children, that they may grow up in stable and settled families.

LORD, IN YOUR MERCY HEAR OUR PRAYER

Finally, Lord, we ask for your Holy Spirit’s wisdom and guidance as we prepare for Easter.

Thank you Lord, for the chance to celebrate the greatest day in history, when Jesus rose from the dead.  Help us to know, once again, the joy and excitement of the first disciples as they came to recognise their Lord.

We pray for those who will lead services during Holy Week, and particularly pray for Bishop Nick as he leads our Mission Community celebration on Easter Day, asking that you will give him a clear and challenging message

Merciful Father

Accept these prayers