Church Prayers and Intercessions for Ordinary 25

Heavenly Father,
We thank you for those whose influence has led us to come to worship here this morning. We remember family members, Sunday School teachers, church leaders, friends and colleagues who have encouraged us to follow in the Christian way. We give thanks for the fellowship which we find in this church which supports us as we seek to put our faith into practice in our daily lives. Strengthen us, Lord, in your service, so that we, in our turn, may be an encouragement to others.
Lord, in your mercy; Hear our prayer

Heavenly Father,
we pray for our own church. Keep before us the vision of church communities where people of different church backgrounds will work and worship together harmoniously and where those who seek to know more about the Christian faith will find a welcome. Give us a clear understanding of the work you have set before us and a fresh commitment to your service in the coming year. Give wisdom to our ministers and Leadership team and may our witness in Brickhill continue to grow.

We thank you Lord, that in a world where many disagreements exist between men and nations, your gospel comes to break down the barriers that divide, bringing friendship that extends across all boundaries because of our common faith in Jesus Christ.

We pray today for your church in other countries:  in countries where governments are hostile to Christianity give your people courage and endurance in the face of opposition; in nations where other religions hold sway give your people wisdom, patience and love.

Father we thank you for the new insights into the meaning of the gospel that are coming from many parts of the world.  Make us more ready to listen to what your people in other parts of the world have to say to us, and help us all to share and work together for the unity of all and the coming of your kingdom.
Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer 

Hear our prayer, Lord for the children and young people of our church, and for those who are beginning to sense the wonder and mystery of life.  They are part of this church family which you have brought together in fellowship and care.  We pray for understanding and wisdom in our worship and life together, so that all we do may lead our children into a fuller and richer understanding of your love and purpose.  Help us to respond to their needs and to offer them our time and our experience with true sincerity and love.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer     

Hear our prayer Lord for those who are old.  Our thoughts are especially with those who have become frail and weak; those whose eyesight is failing; those who find it difficult to hear.  We think of the lonely, with many memories and few friends to fill the long hours of the day; those who must have things done for them, when they wish so much they could still do them for themselves; those who are house-bound, or living in hospitals or homes.
We pray for those who care for them and we pray that we ourselves may never neglect any opportunity to offer friendship and help.  Teach us to be watchful for their needs and patient with their frailty, loving and serving them as honoured members of your family.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer

Hear our prayer, Lord, for people who are ill, in hospitals, at home, or wherever they may be.  Give them courage, hope and peace, and the knowledge that you are present in their weakness, pain and suffering.  May the skills and knowledge of those who care for the sick be fully used to help and to heal.
Hear our prayer Lord for those whose hearts have been saddened by the death of someone close and dear to them.  Give to them the strong comfort which no one else can give, and let them know the comforting power of the resurrection of Jesus.

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 today
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
The Lords Prayer