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