Prayers for Sunday 7 July 2013 Ordinary 14

By Warwick Holden

Let us pray for all people, everywhere, both close to us and far away.
O Lord, Christ and Saviour, we pray for people of every race and belief, and in every kind of need: make your ways known on earth, your saving power among nations.

We pray for the Church, both here in Bedford and throughout the world, that we, its members, may grow in faith.  May we respect the beliefs of others even if we do not share them, celebrate what we have in common and accept our differences. Guide us all in our ministries as we live each day.   
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We pray for all who minister to, and help, other people. The Kingdom of God is in Heaven, but it is reflected in what we do here on earth. May bring God’s Kingdom a little nearer each day by how we help others. Even if our help does not receive thanks from them, our reward will be that we have followed Christ’s teaching, and made someone’s life a little better.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We pray today for all who are peacemakers, everywhere in the world, but especially our prayers today are for the people of Egypt. May peacemakers bring hope out of despair, peace out of conflict, prosperity out of peace. May your love, O Lord, settle in all men’s hearts that they seek to help one another, and not to destroy each other in anger.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We pray for our young people that they may grow up knowing love and hope, valuing life and respecting others.  We pray for those who are about to leave school and move on to the next stage in their lives, and for those for whom what happens next depends on exam performance.  We pray that those going on holiday over the next few weeks may travel safely and return refreshed.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We pray for all who suffer in mind or body and for those who care for them. We pray for the sick; for those who mourn; for those without faith, hope or love.
We pray for any who are in special need of our prayers at this time, especially those known personally to us.  We remember them now in a moment of silence ….
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

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 ....

You turn our darkness into light: in your light shall we see light.
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 say the Lord’s Prayer together.