Monday, 18 March 2013

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.

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