INTERCESSIONS
24th August 2003
Let us pray.
Lord, we come into your house, our home, to give thanks for earth and sea and sky in harmony of colour. We thank you for the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat.
O Lord you created the church, fill it with your own gift of love.
We pray for all church leaders, especially for Charlie, Joan and Sam, and for Neil as he prepares for his Ministry in our churches.
We pray for all Christians of all denominations who pray, work, and strive for unity and continue their work of bridge-building. We are all enriched by one another's gifts and ministries, and offer them back to you and ask that we may never lose the opportunities we have of using them in your service.
Lord have
mercy upon us
Christ have mercy upon us
Lord have mercy upon us
Dear Lord, we pray today for peace in our world and an end to violence. May there be peace in our homes and hearts so that we may live and work together in a spirit of peace and harmony.
Remind us all that we share your world with others, many less fortunate than we are and maybe resentful. Help us to understand their frustration, which often expresses itself in violence and anger.
Purify the minds and attitudes of men and women in leadership, especially in the media, so that they present a better, more peaceful view of our world, rather than the violent image that agitates those troubled in spirit.
May the world know Christ's peace, without which society loses its direction and ignores our deep desire for peace.
Lord have
mercy upon us
Christ have mercy upon us
Lord have mercy upon us
O God, make the door of this house wide enough to receive all who need human love and fellowship and a heavenly Father's care, and narrow enough to shut out all envy, pride and hate. Make its threshold smooth enough to be no stumbling block to children or to straying feet, but rugged enough to turn back the tempter's power, make it a gateway to your eternal Kingdom.
Lord, we thank you for our parents and brothers and sisters, all all relations. Surround them with your tender loving care, teach them to love and serve one another in true affection and to look to you in all their needs. We place them all in your care, knowing that your love for them is greater than our own.
Lord have
mercy upon us
Christ have mercy upon us
Lord have mercy upon us
Lord Jesus, in every situation you are healing your people from all that injures them. You healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, and even raised the dead to life.
We remember in a moment of quietness anyone known to us who are in trouble, need, sickness or adversity. We name them in our hearts, one by one.
We pray that your blessing be upon them and those who try to help them, and we pray that they may find encouragement and peace; that their sorrow be transformed into comfort and their loneliness into fellowship with you.
Lord have
mercy upon us
Christ have mercy upon us
Lord have mercy upon us
Heavenly Father, we thank you for those who have died in the faith of Christ. We thank you for allowing us to share our lives with them.
We pray for those
who mourn. Open their minds that they may find a new direction in life and
grant them the comfort of your presence.
Jesus Christ is the light of the world, a light which no darkness can
quench. We remember before God those who have died and light a candle to
symbolise the light of Christ, which eternally shines and brings hope.
We remember Michael P--, Harry R--, and Walter A--
You turn our darkness
into light;
in your light shall we see light.
Lord have
mercy upon us
Christ have mercy upon us
Lord have mercy upon us
Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Gathering our prayers and praises into one, let us pray with confidence as
our Saviour has taught us.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
On earth as 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 for ever. Amen.
Sermon: Tough Choices and Bible Readings and Notes for 24th August 2003.