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Church Prayers for Ordinary 20 Year A 2011

Prayers of Intercession

7 August 2011 Family Worship at 9-30 am
Readings
1. Gen37,1-4,12-28 Joseph is sold by his brothers.
2. Rom.10, 5-15 Confess “Jesus is Lord” and be saved.
3. Matt.14, 22-33 Jesus walks on water. Peter sinks.

After these prayers of intercession we shall say together the Lord’s prayer as printed on your Order of Service.

The bidding for our prayers will be ‘Lord in Your Mercy’
With the response ‘Hear our Prayer’

Almighty, Everlasting and Creator God –
We live in a world of wonders, of new discoveries and often surprises and yet in all our human endeavours we are still in need of guidance, inspiration and sometimes correction. As Christians we believe that such guidance comes through a knowledge of God as revealed in our Saviour Jesus Christ and through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

And so in faith we pray for this your world and it’s peoples with all their needs, questions and longings.

Lord in Your mercy. - 'Hear our prayer’

We pray for your world-wide Christian Church, whether meeting in the shade of a tree or in a mighty cathedral, that its message of salvation through Christ is broadcast with courage and vigour. Especially we pray for those churches which meet together in difficult and often dangerous circumstances. Let them know and feel your all abiding presence to both uphold their courage and strengthen their faith.

We pray for those who’s Christian faith is often challenged; whether in the workplace, on the street, at school or college and often by people who close their minds to anything spiritual. Help us in turn to be tolerant of other religions whilst firm and knowledgeable in our own faith

We pray for our own church here at St. Mark’s and at Putnoe Heights and for all who carry the work of witness and service forward in so many ways.

We pray for our parent Anglican and Methodist traditions that they will continue along the path of co-operation and dialogue leading to the building of stronger communities of faith. As the new North Bedfordshire Methodist Circuit comes into being in just 24 days time we pray for those who have worked towards its creation and pray for its success in being a more effective vehicle for the church’s mission in our area.

Lord in Your mercy. - 'Hear our prayer’

The world that you have created Lord is still marred by selfishness and greed amongst the nations. We pray for a time when all will live in mutual respect and co-operation.

We remember the struggles against oppression in North Africa and the Middle East and in particular the brutal repression of the protesters in Syria and for an end to the violence.

We pray for the countries in Europe which are beset with financial difficulties and trying to reduce deficits whilst protecting the vulnerable. For many people the problems are beyond their comprehension and often react with violent protest. Lord, we cannot correct the mistakes of the past but we can pray for honesty and openness in our political leaders and a determination to work together at all levels to find equitable solutions.

We pray for the victims of famine in Somalia and elsewhere in the Horn of Africa. A crisis made worse by internal wars in the struggle for power. We pray for the support given by neighbouring countries in accepting the thousands of refugees and for the aid agencies doing their best to cope with the overwhelming need for food, shelter and medical assistance.

We remember our service personnel in Iraq, Afghanistan and over Libya and pray for their loved ones who are left at home to wait and worry. We pray for the work of the United Nations, especially its Security Council, and for all who strive to create a world where peacekeepers, are no longer required.

Lord in Your mercy. - 'Hear our prayer’

We pray for our own country and society, learning to live with a different economic outlook. We remember the thousands of young people who have left schools, colleges and Universities and are now looking for work in a highly competitive market. We pray that they will be helped and guided to find their place in society.

We pray for the various news media that pervade all aspects of our lives and that truth, honesty and dignity become the new editorial guidelines.

We pray for those whose ‘longed for’ holiday plans have been ruined by recent company failures and we remember all who are lucky enough to have been able to take a break from the routines of life to later return refreshed to take on the challenges of the day.

Lord in Your mercy. - 'Hear our prayer’

And so we think now of those in most need in our own community, the elderly, the housebound and those in care homes, hospital and hospice and those undergoing treatment. We pray for the work and devotion of all Carers whose skill and compassion bring both material and spiritual comfort at times of need.

So now we share a moment of silence together as we bring before you those known only to ourselves and to you Lord who are in need at this time. Let them feel your presence in their lives as we name them in our hearts and commit them to your loving care.
(A short period of silence)

Lord in Your mercy. - 'Hear our prayer’

We also pray for those who feel the pain of grief at the loss of a loved one whether recent or as each anniversary passes.
And so we pray with confidence that –

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: -

All those we have known and loved but see no more.


For you turn our darkness into light; in your light shall we see light.

Lord in Your mercy. - 'Hear our prayer’

A final prayer for ourselves: -

As life throws all sorts of challenges at us, often causing us to be overwhelmed with anxiety and doubt, help us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus so that we know what course to steer in order to reach our objective of serving Him in all that we do.
Amen.

Merciful Father, “Accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen”.

(We say together the words that Jesus taught us)