INTERCESSIONS
Intercessions for Sunday 21 December 2003
As we share in Mary and Elizabeth’s joy at the coming of our Saviour, let us be quiet and still in the presence of God.
Heavenly Father, we can only wonder at the way you work with us. We want you to know that we are ready to be used by you. We understand that we must work actively to answer our own prayers and to respond to the challenges of our world and our place within that world.
Let it be to me: according to your will.
We call to mind before you those people we would love to know you and we ask you to prepare their hearts to recognise you. We ask you to reassure and encourage us all in this parish and in our partnership with Putnoe Heights, giving us insights into the real needs of our community.
Let it be to me: according to your will.
As we look at the world around us often we are filled with disillusion, hopelessness and despair. We ask you to give us courage to continue working with you even during the dark and difficult times. We ask you to come into the daily relationships which we so often take for granted. Help us to value one another and respond to one another with love.
Let it be to me: according to your will.
We call to mind those people all over the world who are struggling with poverty, illness, grief or despair. We ask you to look after them, give them the sense of your caring presence to uphold and sustain them and show us the way to help support them.
Let it be to me: according to your will.
We remember those who have died and thank you for the good you have worked in their lives. For us death can seem so cruel, but Jesus Christ is the light of the world, a light which no darkness can quench and we light a candle to symbolise that light which eternally shines and brings hope.
This morning we think particularly of xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.
Give us a better understanding of eternity and gather into your kingdom all those whose earthly lives have ended.
Let it be to me: according to your will.
Lord of hope, as we approach the festival of Christmas, we praise and thank you for the way you surprise us with joy, and show us the extraordinary and the wonderful in the ordinary things of life.
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 the Lord’s Prayer.
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Our Father in heaven,
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hallowed be your name,
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Your kingdom come,
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your will be done,
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On earth as in heaven.
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Give us today our daily bread.
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Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us. -
Lead us not into temptation,
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but deliver us from evil.
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For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours
- Now and for ever. Amen.