Prayers for Sunday 10 October 2010

Readings:
1. 2Kings 5:1-3, 7-15 Namaan is healed of leprocy.
2. 2 Tim. 2 : 8-13 Timothy endures everything for the elect.
3. Luke 17:11-19 Jesus heals 10 men of Leprocy, only one thanks him.

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 are dazzled by the wonders of your creation, from the tiny mustard seed to the mighty Oak tree, from the sub-atomic particle to the whirling galaxy in seemingly infinite space. In all that you have provided there is order, even when we see none, and in all that we try and understand, there is purpose and meaning. So we, who are a small part of so much, come before you to ask for those things that puzzle us or seem beyond our control also for those things which concern us and even frighten us.  We come because Jesus said we may and we ask because he showed us that you are a God of love and compassion and will listen.

So we pray for this your world and it’s peoples with all their questions and needs.

Lord in Your mercy.  - 'Hear our prayer’

We pray for the Christian Church its national and regional leaders and especially for those who minister to us here in Bedford; both here at St.Mark’s and at Putnoe Heights.

We pray for all those in our churches who are involved in Mission, in telling again the good news as revealed in Christ Jesus. We remember those ministers and Lay workers who are starting a new chapter in their ministry perhaps in a new location or with new responsibilities or with a new activity and pray that you Lord will be with them and guide them in all they do in your name.
As we seem to hear more and more about atheism help us all in our personal mission to speak boldly in the name of Christ and his church that those whose lives we touch will see your love revealed. Let the church’s mission be fruitful in spreading your gospel to those who seek real meaning in their lives.

Lord in Your mercy.  - 'Hear our prayer’

We pray for your world which, through the power of modern communications, is revealed in all its violence, disasters and also grandeurs like never before. You have placed its care in our hands and so we pray for a tireless striving for peace between the nations, a common realisation of the dangers posed by climate change and a sharing in the burden to support the poor and under-developed regions.

We pray for the peoples of Pakistan, recovering slowly from the terrible flooding and yet beset with wars on its borders and internal political struggles.  Also for Sudan, already beset with acts of genocide in the Darfur region and is now on the brink of a further North/South conflict within its borders. We remember and pray for the United Nations in this and so many other world-wide conflicts and for other agencies trying to bring relief to beleaguered civilians.

We remember the family of hostage aid-worker Linda Norgrove who was murdered on Friday in Afghanistan by her captors.
As we heard in our readings about leprosy so we pray for the World Health Organisation in its quest to eliminate the disease from the remaining endemic centres in Africa, South America and India. This by providing free treatment and help in overcoming the age-old stigma associated with the disease.

Lord in Your mercy.  - 'Hear our prayer’
Prayers for UK and our society

We pray for all in our own community with whom we meet day by day; our families, friends and neighbours, our work colleagues. We remember especially and pray for those who fear for the future, through financial worries, through un-employment, through addictions and through family breakdowns and ask that in all these concerns Christ can be  offered as the real hope on which shattered lives can be rebuilt. 

We pray for those who give freely of their time and talents through all charities working in the service of others. For surely their hands are Christ’s hands at work in our very midst.

We remember, as always, those who serve in our armed forces abroad and for those who wait at home for their safe return. We pray for the work of specialist medical staff caring for both physical and mental injuries.

We pray that in all things, whether in difficulty or in celebration, that our nation reflects anew on our common inheritance of freedom, justice and service which has come down over the years and mainly through the labours of so many people who claimed Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.

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 for the work and devotion of Carers whose skill and compassion bring both material and spiritual comfort at times of need.

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. Help us to support all those who mourn both with our prayers, with words of comfort and with practical help both this day and in the days and weeks to come.

So now we share a moment of silence together as we bring before you those known only to ourselves and to you Lord. 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’

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: -
George Bernard Austin, Cliff Prigmore & Janis Plocins

         
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 we remember the Leper who came back to give thanks to Jesus help us Lord in our daily lives to thank those who serve us in so many ways and to thank our heavenly father for all of life’s blessings especially the gift of Jesus. Amen

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

(We say together the Lord’s Prayer)

THE LORD’S PRAYER (Trad. Form)

 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory,
For ever and ever. Amen.