INTERCESSIONS
Readings:
1. 1 Samuel 2 18-29, 26 Samuel in the temple.
2. Luke 2 41-52 Jesus at the temple.
After these prayers of intercession we shall say the Lord’s prayer using the new form as printed on the Order of Service.
The bidding for our prayers will be 'Jesus comes, Jesus comes' with the response 'We will make him welcome'.
Almighty and everlasting God, as we continue to celebrate the coming of Christ into the world we bring before you our thoughts, concerns and hopes for others.
Whilst we marvel at your creation, Lord, we are mindful of it’s power as seen in the roar of the ocean, the bending of trees in the wind and in the out-pouring of the volcano. This week we have been reminded again of that power with the loss of life through the earthquake in Iran. Help us to come to terms with the results of natural disasters, that any human casualties are not the result of your displeasure but that of being a part of a complex creation. A creation which humankind does not yet fully understand and can even less control. Nevertheless, we pray for the victims and their families and those agencies who provide humanitarian relief and the means for reconstruction, that they may respond with skill and urgency. Help us to see your hand in their efforts and find the compassion to support the relief effort.
Jesus comes, Jesus comes - 'We will make him welcome'
‘Peace on Earth’ was the angels message and whilst we can know that peace in our hearts too many in the world have yet to learn what it means.
Many are the centres of conflict and hostility in our world as the age-old human failings of mistrust, greed and revenge keep coming to the fore. We pray for all areas of conflict whether on the street corner or between nations. We are often troubled by the dilemmas that face us in times of our nation's involvement in conflict. So we pray for our service men and women in Iraq and in Afghanistan, and in so many other parts of the world. That they may know something of the joy of this Christmas time through the work of Chaplains and from their messages from loved ones; and that they are kept safe in the knowledge and love of God.
We pray for all leaders involved in bridging barriers between peoples and pray that this Christian season of hope for the world is echoed in their efforts for peace and reconciliation.
Jesus comes, Jesus comes - 'We will make him welcome'
We pray for this, our own, country and community especially during this time of heightened concerns over the nation’s security.
So we pray for Queen Elizabeth, our head of state, her ministers and all in authority, that they will know something of the spirit of him who was prophesied to be the Wonderful-Councilor as they administer the complex affairs of this nation.
We remember and pray for those who supply power and transport and provide the care and emergency services throughout this holiday period. Through their service help us learn of your care of us.
Jesus comes, Jesus comes - 'We will make him welcome'
As half the nation goes on a post Christmas spending spree we remember those who had little to spare on the extras for Christmas and some for whom shelter was in a shop doorway. Lord God who was born into a humble life, bless those for whom life is a constant struggle to survive for both themselves and their loved ones. No welfare system can be perfect and the need for voluntary agencies appears as great as ever and so we give thanks for the enormous difference that their input can make in so many lives and pray that they continue to find the means to keep on giving that support.
Father, in Christ you embrace our happiness and our need: give to us a love that shall exclude none.
Jesus comes, Jesus comes - 'We will make him welcome'
We pray for the world-wide Christian church that it may continue to teach the Good News of Jesus with honesty, courage and sensitivity and for our parent Anglican and Methodist traditions as they journey closer together in serving your holy purpose here on Earth.
We pray for our Church here at St. Mark's and our sister church at Putnoe Heights and for our ministers, Charlie, Joan, Neil and Sam. Guide and uphold our ministers, leadership team and all who lead, organize and contribute to the Church's vision of service and witness. We give thanks for the chance to serve so many in our community and pray that hearts will have been touched over the Christmas period and that a desire to discover more of your truth will have been awakened.
Jesus comes, Jesus comes - 'We will make him welcome'
We pray for the sick, both at home and in hospital or hospice and of those awaiting consultations and undergoing treatments. We think of the elderly, the housebound and those in care homes. And we pray for all those who minister to their needs, both from within the family and from the professional and voluntary services.
Comfort and sustain those who are in need of your grace at this time and as we share a moment of silence together, we bring before you those known only to ourselves as we name them in our hearts and commit them to your loving care.
Jesus comes, Jesus comes - 'We will make him welcome'
We pray for those who face the pain of grief and the difficult period of searching and emptiness that often follows the loss of a loved one, especially during this festive season. Help us to support all those who mourn, both in our prayers, and practical help, now and in the months to come.
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.
Today we remember: - Cyril Greenaway
and Arthur Gittings
You turn our darkness into light; in your light shall we see light.
Jesus comes, Jesus comes - 'We will make him welcome'
A final prayer for ourselves: -
May Christ be amongst us, as real, as close, as warm as at that first Christmas.
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.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
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 and 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.