Prayers for Ordinary 16 Year A 2011 by Mrs Morag Stewart

Prayers Sunday 17 July 2011

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, you promised through your son Jesus Christ, to hear us when we pray in faith.  Help us to pray simply and sincerely, unselfishly and gratefully, remembering the needs of others as well as our own, and giving thanks always for all things in the name of Christ our Lord

Grant that all who come in to our church may be enabled to renew their relationship with you and may find your peace, your strength, your grace and above all your presence.  Help us as a congregation to be outward looking, so that what we find within our fellowship we may share with those outside, for the benefit of all and for your greater glory.

Father we pray that as we come before your table today that our communion is not  mere routine but a precious times of fellowship with Jesus Christ as we thankfully remember his redeeming love and meet with him as our living Lord.

May we come to your table with joyful and expectant hearts, and go out afterwards nourished and strengthened in spirit to serve you in the world, to the glory of your name.

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

We pray for all those going on holiday this Summer and thank you for the refreshment which holiday brings to our lives; for the excitement of anticipation and planning; for the freedom from routine, and for new experiences and opportunities.  You have given us a world with so much variety that wherever we go we are surrounded by things which are different and bring new experiences.  Help us to use our holidays to see your creation.  Help us to use our freedom to understand more clearly the fullness of life you are constantly offering us.  Accept our thanks for the rich variety of life which is your gift and when our holidays are over,  help us to return to our homes safely with a new vision of your will for us.

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

We pray for those who are less fortunate than ourselves; those who live in developing countries, in countries where there is very little stability and in countries where there is drought and famine.  Teach us to be ever mindful of those who are weary with the relentless struggle to keep alive; for those who can never look forward to a good meal and a comfortable bed, and those who barely have the necessities of life, much less its extras.

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

We pray for people who are frightened because they are ill.  Reassure them that because of the knowledge that you give to men, many diseases can now be cured.  Help them to have confidence in those with medical knowledge to diagnose illness and care for the sick. Give them courage, hope and peace, and the knowledge that you are present in their weakness, pain and suffering.

We pray especially for those who have no one to help them, that in their loneliness they may know that you are with them.

Heavenly Father, we pray for those whose hearts have been saddened by the death of someone close and dear to them, for members of our families who have died and whose anniversary we recall. Help us to experience the comfort of the Holy Spirit within us, and the fellowship of the church family around us until we are reunited once more in your heavenly kingdom. 

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