Prayers for 14th August 2016

Almighty God, we pray for the world that You made and which You love.

We pray that the world may be filled with justice and righteousness throughout the human race.

So we pray for society around us, in the city, in our nation and in the world.

We pray for those whose work and lives affect others, in local and national government, in commerce and industry, in education and the media.

Lord God, bring righteousness to fill the corridors of power, the offices of business and the workplaces of all.  Guide those with responsibility to promote the common good, and not their personal ambitions.  Guide those who work in television, radio and the press to favour truth over propaganda.

Bring justice to those in society who face discrimination.

We pray for those who cannot afford their own home in our neighbourhood, for justice in the housing market.

We pray for those who are unable to find work, that they may find righteous employment.

We pray for those who are marginalised by age or background, that You will transform this society.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer

We pray for the church in our city and nation.

Today we remember the Salvation Army movement in our city and pray for its officers and people that they may be blessed in their work and witness.

We pray that you will give wisdom to the leaders of the church in this city that they may defend justice and promote righteousness, and we pray especially for our bishops, Robert, Sarah and Nick.

We pray for the role of the cathedral in promoting Christian standards in the city and pray for the clergy and volunteers who work for God in that place.

We pray for our missionary links, Susanna, Sharon and Miriam.

We pray for Jane and Mark as they prepare to move home and start a new chapter in their lives, that they may move on with your blessing

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer

We thank you Lord, for the joy that sport brings to us.  Thank you that it is a reminder of your goodness.  Thank you for the sportsmen and women competing at the Olympics in Rio.  We pray that each one may compete fairly and honestly, and behave with integrity and righteousness towards their fellow athletes. 

We pray for Christians among the competitors, that they may witness for You.

In our country, we pray for those who are chaplains to the professional teams of cricket, rugby and football; give them the words that promote honest play, justice and righteousness on and off the pitch.

We pray for those who train and teach sports at school and university, and ask that they may work to bring fair play and justice to their teams and individuals.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer

We pray, Lord God of constant mercy, for ourselves.

Teach us, day by day, this week, how to live rightly and righteously in our homes, in our families, where we work and shop, where we meet people.  Help us to proclaim that we are your people, by the way that we follow your standards of justice, truth and righteousness.  Increase your grace within us day by day this week. 

We pray for those away on holiday, that you will refresh them in body, mind and spirit.

We pray for those facing new stages in their lives; those who will be married next weekend, those changing schools or jobs this summer, that they may trust you for peace, guidance and wisdom

We pray for those we know who are sick or sad, and ask that you will bring peace and comfort to each one, and in time, your healing.

Help us to remember that we are Christ’s people and we are not a kind of light, not one brand of salt –we are the only salt, we are the only light of the world

In silence we commit ourselves, or joys and anxieties for the coming days to God

Merciful Father

Accept these prayers for the sake of your son, our saviour, Jesus Christ

Amen

Items in italics taken from the collect for the 12^th Sunday of Trinity.

Item underlined from a speech by Archbishop Justin Welby

Prayer for Exeter's retail sector

I was asked to lead an intercession for the retail/commercial sector of the city of Exeter at Exeter Cathedral during the annual Pray4Exeter service.  This is what I wrote, basing parts of it on the London City Mission's "Prayers for a City". 

Let us talk to God about the retail and commercial businesses in Exeter:

Gracious Father,

We pray that you will keep the commercial life pure in this city of Exeter.

Give the staff of all the shops a zeal for honesty, high standards, and straight dealings.

We pray that all shops should have honest weights, and pride in value and service;

We pray that all goods might have quality, craftsmanship, and taste;

We pray for the staff of the shops and ask that they may be attentive, and courteous;

We pray that shopping may be free from suspicion, and anxiety;

We pray that shopping and service may be marked by an atmosphere of pleasure, openness, and decency to all in every type of store.

We pray for the owners, proprietors and managers of all the shops may conduct their affairs according to Your commands;

free them from craving for power, and excessive profit;

may transactions be completed without manipulation and deceit;

guide them so that they deal justly with rival firms, not seeking to destroy or discredit;

We pray that senior staff may encourage staff to be loyal and capable, prepared to give their best each day;

We pray that you will give a congenial atmosphere to offices, banks, service industries, and every place of commerce.

May Christians in the commercial sector in the city centre, both retail and services, be known for candour, honour and justice;

let their devotion to Your precepts be an example, and a testimony;

In this time of economic pressures, we pray that you will bring all the business concerns of the City under Your governing hand, and prosper it, according to Your Way,

Your Way of rightness, and truth.

Amen

Prayers for 1st February 2015

Almighty God,
we praise you for your creation,
and all you richly provide for us day by day
Enable us to live each day in such a way
that your majesty as creator and mercy as redeemer
are seen by all who meet us this week
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

All governments rule under your authority.
May they work for the good of those they rule,
seeking your justice and peace in every law and action.

So we pray for the leaders of our country that they may devote themselves to the benefit of all people, regardless of background

We pray for wisdom for the leaders of Greece and the leaders of the EU in their efforts to solve economic problems

We pray for wisdom for all world leaders in dealing with terrorists

We pray for countries where there are refugees, and for those organisations who bring relief to them.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Enable those who are engaged in industry and commerce,
the media and education, sport and the arts, to fulfil their responsibilities with integrity and an attitude of service.

So we pray for those employed in shops, offices and factories in the city, that they may work with honesty and fairness

We pray for the schools with which the church is linked, asking for wisdom in educating and patience for the teachers and staff

We pray for those engaged in sport in the city, especially our football and rugby teams, that they may play fairly and set an example of good sportsmanship to their supporters
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Comfort and strengthen those who are gripped by poverty,
weakened by illness, or oppressed by cruelty.
We pray for the work of Christians against Poverty in the city, and for the staff of Exeter’s Food Bank.

We pray for the work of St Petrock’s and for justice for the homeless in our city

We pray for the residents of care homes in this parish, and for those from our church who are sick, face convalescence, or are anxious about a loved one.

May they all know your love and experience your care.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Inspire your church here on earth to proclaim the gospel of your love
in the death and resurrection of your Son.
May all people hear the call to trust you. 

Help us to be disciples and witnesses to the new life that is to be found in Jesus Christ

Guide Bishop Robert and Bishop Nick as they lead the diocese, and guide the staff at the Diocesan Office in their ministry
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Guide us all, this week, as the people who are gathered together here are spread around their homes, workplaces and leisure activities this week.  Help us to remember that we are your people, and to be good stewards of all that you have entrusted to us

Merciful Father

Accept these prayers for the sake of your son, our saviour Jesus Christ

Amen

(some of this was based on “Better Gatherings” from the diocese of Sydney, Australia)