Prayers for Epiphany 2 2015
Mr Mike Elliott
Prayers of Intercession Jan. 18th. 2015
Covenant Service at 9-30 am
(prayers 91.doc) (Epiphany 2)
Readings:
Exodus 24: 3-11. Israel’s covenant with God.
Jeremiah 31: 31-34. Prophecy of a new covenant.
Romans 12:1-2. Offer self as living sacrifices.
John 15:1-10 The great command to love one another.
The bidding today will be:- Lord, in your mercy .
and the response will be: - Hear our prayer.
And afterwards we will sing together the words of the Lord’s Prayer as printed in your order of service.
We pray together,
As we have renewed our personal commitment to God so we bring before our Heavenly Father our prayers for others.
Father God, almighty and majestic, we pray that you will be our steadfast guide through this uncertain world.
Help us now as we consider the triumphs and failures of the human condition, ever seeking guidance and strength into doing your will as lived out and revealed to us by your Son even Jesus Christ to whom all power and dominion is given.
Lord, in your mercy - 'Hear our prayer’
Lord we pray for your worldwide Church in this special week of Prayer for Christian Unity. As Jesus prayed that all believers should be as one, help the leaders of Christian denominations to build on those things that we share in common, to pool resources and ideas and to unite in promoting a common gospel of hope and salvation in a world hungry for both.
So we pray for our own Circuit and Deanery and our churches here at St. Mark’s and at Putnoe Heights; for all who promote outreach into the community or help to maintain here our life of worship and service. We pray for Charlie, Jane and Sam that through their leadership and preaching our churches may be places to find friendship, inspiration and guidance and above all a faith in Christ..
Lord, in your mercy - 'Hear our prayer’
St. Paul wrote that in Christ there can be no distinction between races and cultures and so it comes as no surprise that our world seems more divided than ever. As many of the world’s leaders seem intent on either self-destruction, world domination or seeking re-election so we earnestly pray that all leaders will wake up to their own frailty and seek humility over triumphalism, the rule of the pen over the sword and a compassion for all over self- interests.
We pray for the people of France slowly returning to normal life after experiencing the hatred that results from warped ideologies and ask God’s peace on all sections of French society. We pray for all victims of terrorism and other forms of senseless violence that in the hearts of all ‘would be’ perpetrators God’s true peace may be allowed to enter.
We pray for all engaged in humanitarian work in many parts of the world and for members of our own armed forces today especially those who are still engaged in action in the skies over Iraq.
We continue to pray for the countries in West Africa struggling with the EBOLA outbreak and pray God’s protection on those, especially from the UK, who have gone out to help, knowing the risks to their own health.
Lord, in your mercy - 'Hear our prayer’
We pray for our own country and its peoples, for the Queen, her ministers and all who hold authority and power that through Christ’s love and mercy all may strive in seeking what is right and just for all citizens regardless of origin or status.
At a time of heightened tension we pray for tolerance and harmony between all citizens of the UK regardless of ethnicity, religion and status – that anger and offence may be turned into practical acts of dialogue and sharing across communities.
We remember especially those who work in our National Health Service and the increased demand placed upon all its services. We pray that ways will be found to alleviate the situation to the benefit of patent and staff alike.
Lord, in your mercy - 'Hear our prayer’
We pray for those in most need in our own families and neighbourhood, the sick, the lonely, the housebound and those at the margins of society. We pray for all those who care for them and we ask that you bestow on them your gifts of patience, compassion and understanding.
We pray now for those that we know who are sick or lonely or in some other special need at this time as we share a brief moment of silence together.
(A short period of silence and reflection)
As we have named them in our hearts so let them feel your presence and friendship in their lives as we commit them to your loving care.
Lord, in your mercy - 'Hear our prayer’
We also remember those who have been drawn to their eternal rest and are now in your safe keeping. We pray for those left behind with just photographs and memories. Let them know that nothing is more dependable in times of sorrow than your steadfast and encircling love.
For we can be assured that………..
Jesus Christ is the Light of the World, a light which no darkness can quench. We remember those who have died
and we light a candle to symbolise the light of Christ which eternally shines and brings hope.
Today we remember –
Alfred James Kelsey
Dorothy Elizabeth Frank
For you turn our darkness into light; in your light shall we see light.
Lord, in your mercy - 'Hear our prayer’
A final prayer for ourselves: -
Let the covenant with God
As foretold by the prophets,
Revealed to us in Christ
And taken out into the world for all people -
Be a continuing source of strength and inspiration in our everyday life of witness to the gospel of Jesus.
And so -
Merciful Father, “Accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen”.
(We sing together the words that Jesus taught us)
THE LORD’S PRAYER (Sung Form)
Our Father in Heaven, Hallowed be your name
Your kingdom come, your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread, forgive us our sins.
As we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom the power and the glory are yours,
Now and forever. AMEN