Prayers for Epiphany 7 by Mrs Morag Stewart

Prayers Sunday 20 February, 2011

O, Lord, whose mercy reaches to the heavens, whose faithfulness knows no end: let the greatness of your love be known to us, that we may worship you with wonder, joy and thanksgiving. Help us at every Communion service to look back, and remember your death for us on the cross; to look up, and know that you are the risen Saviour in our midst; to look around, and rejoice in our fellowship with one another; and to look forward in hope to the coming of your kingdom and the heavenly banquet.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer

Increase in us the sense of community that binds us one to another.  Bless the work of our church that it may give a sense of identity where now there is none; provide a refuge to those who feel threatened or lonely; create a place of belonging where people know they are welcomed, remembered by name and valued as individuals.

We pray for unity:  You have called us to be one, to live in harmony, and yet we are divided: race from race, faith from faith, rich from poor, old from young, neighbour from neighbour...  Lord ,help us to break down the walls that separate us, tear down the fences of indifference and hatred; forgive us the sins that divide us, free us from pride and self-seeking behaviour, overcome our prejudices and fears, give us courage to open ourselves to others; by the power of your spirit make us one.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer

We pray for the oppressed; for those who have been treated harshly by other people or by circumstances; for those who have no freedom; who were born in a poverty from which they cannot escape; for those who have never had a chance. 

We pray for those who cannot wait; who have waited too long, for justice, for liberty; for those who feel that only by violence can they hope to gain what is theirs by right.  In their impatience give them wisdom, and in their just struggle give them the charity not to deny justice to others.

We pray for those who meet oppression with resignation; who assume that nothing can be done.  Lord, give them hope, and give them self-respect, and give the knowledge that with you there is salvation.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer

We bring before you those who suffer in body, mind or spirit.  Encourage them when their hopes are eroded, that by their steadfast faith in you they may bring others into your care.  Help us all to treasure the health we have, to care for our bodies as we would have others care for us, and to do nothing thoughtless or mean that would endanger the health of others.

Jesus Christ is the light of the World, a light which no darkness can quench.  We remember before God all those who have died and light a candle to symbolise the light of Christ which eternally shines and brings hope.  You turn our darkness into light in your light shall we see light.

Almighty Father, you understand the secrets of every heart.  Strengthen and sustain those who know the sorrow of bereavement.  May they experience the comfort of the Holy Spirit within them and the love and fellowship of the church family around them; and may they see before them the hope of glory, beckoning and leading them to their true home and the moment of reunion in your heavenly kingdom; through Jesus Christ, our living Saviour and Lord

Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ,
Amen

The Lords Prayer