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	Christian worship, sermons, prayer and Bible study from St. Mark's Church and Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford, England - The world is our parish

Intercessions for February 4 2007

By Mrs Sue Allen

Loving Father, you know all our thoughts, all our worries, all our tricky problems. We do not need to struggle to find the right words for our prayers because you know all that is in our minds. We give you thanks that we are able to lay all things before you in such a simple way. We reflect on the past week, we thank you for all that was good in it and ask that you will help us bear any burdens that we are carrying. We look forward to the coming week in the sure hope that you will be beside us in all things.

As we focus today on God’s love for each one of us we give you thanks for the strength and comfort we receive through your Holy Spirit. Grant that we may support and comfort each other in times of need. We thank you for this Church, for the partnership with St Mark’s and for all the activity and growth there as the extensions to the building and the garden of remembrance near completion. For our ministers and leaders that they may lead us to know you more fully and may encourage new folk to follow your ways to fulfilment.

We give thanks for all those who inspire us by their example to live better lives, all who radiate love and joy and make the world a better place.
We pray for all who give their time and effort to important causes, to fight against hunger, torture, or the exploitation of the planet. Help us to turn away from vengeance and bitterness.
Lord, you are the forgiving God, the giver of peace. Grant to us the peace of mind that we seek, the peace that is harmony with our fellow men, harmony with creation and the creator, the peace that comes from mutual forgiveness, peace in our homes, peace in our hearts, peace in the world.

We pray for areas of the world that are suffering as a result of natural disasters and climate change, particularly those made homeless by the typhoons in Florida and by the floods and cholera outbreak in Malawi. We remember the Faith in Action churches in Malawi as they feel overwhelmed by the needs of those seeking shelter and assistance.

Lord, be alongside all who are sick or sorrowing at this time. Give them relief from pain of body and of mind, grant them, and those who share their distress, calm and hope and vision and the reassurance of your presence. Mindful of those who have lost someone very special to them and who are wandering in the dark valley of bereavement, we pray for the work of our pastoral team and telecare that they may bring the love of God to those in need. We light a candle to remember those who have died. Jesus Christ is the light of the world, a light no darkness can overcome. Today we remember……………………………….......................
In your light shall we see light.

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

THE LORD’S PRAYER
(Modern 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