Prayers of Intercession for Remembrance Sunday 2011
Prayers 13 November 2011 - Remembrance Sunday
- Micah 4: 1-5 Swords into ploughshares, not train for war.
- Romans 8: 31-39.Nothing can separate us from God’s love.
- 1 Corr 15: 50-58.Victory over sin and death in Jesus Christ
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’
In Psalm 90 we can read: -
Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.
Before the mountains were born, or you brought forth the Earth and the World,
from everlasting to everlasting, you are God.
Assured of the Sovereignty of God in all our disparate situations, we bring our prayers of intercession in the name of the Prince of Peace, even Jesus Christ our Lord.
As we remember the loss of life in the two great wars of the last century, and the many other conflicts which have involved our nation, we pause and pray for those parts of the world where the bullet still rules over the ballot box and where the Kalashnikov rifle is seen in the hands of children who have never known peace.
Let the knowledge of your divine peace be heard in the hearts of all who weald power and have influence in areas of tension and open conflict. We pray for the Middle East, for Syria, for Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq and other areas of tension or conflict not yet in the public gaze.
Father we accept that there are situations where we have not found alternatives to armed intervention and where we are faced with choosing the lesser of two evils. In these, we prayer for disciplined troops with wise commanders who seek only justice and not revenge. We pray for the work of the United Nations and for all who strive to create a secure and peaceful world.
For war is not glorious, there can be no joy in the suffering of soldier and civilians nor celebrations in the plight of refugees.
Lord in Your mercy. - 'Hear our prayer’
We pray for your world-wide Christian Church, that its message of hope and salvation through Jesus Christ is proclaimed with vigour and clarity. Our world cries out for meaning in both life and death so help us as your church today to be seen as somewhere where such questions can be answered and be ever welcoming to those who earnestly seek truth.
We pray for our parent Anglican and Methodist denominations, for their leaders at various levels of governance that the Holy Spirit will guide them in all decisions.
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.
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 pray for countries and regions where the basics of adequate food, shelter and security are no more; for those countries enduring persistent flooding and those who suffer from drought. Also those who’s lives are devastated by earthquakes and their aftershocks. Help support and sustain those agencies and countries which offer help in times of crisis.
We pray for the countries in Europe still beset with financial difficulties now and uncertainties about the future. And pray for decisive leadership with a desire to seek what is just and fair for all levels of society.
Lord in Your mercy. - 'Hear our prayer’
We pray for our own country and society that despite financial woes the weak and vulnerable are not forgotten.
We pray for young people trying to find their place in society at a time of changing education criteria and high youth unemployment. And we remember the elderly and a need for respect and compassion when help is needed.
We remember those injured in the service of their country often with injuries that are life changing and pray that their lives are supported as befits their courage and fortitude. We pray also for the work of the British Legion in this their 90th year.
Especially today do we remember our service personnel in Iraq, Afghanistan, Cyprus, Gibralter and the Falkland Islands and of late over the skies of Lybia as well as those in support of the UN in peacekeeping roles in many other parts of the world.
We pray for their loved ones who are left at home to wait and worry and pray for safe returns.
Lord in Your mercy. - 'Hear our prayer’
And so we think now of those in most need in our own families and neighbourhood, the elderly, the housebound and those in care homes, hospital and hospice and those undergoing treatment. We also remember their carers and all who 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 in need and 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’
On this remembrance day when we remember the fallen in battle so we also pray for all those who feel the pain of grief at the loss of a loved one whether recent or as each poignant 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 loved and lost and 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: -
No life that is remembered with affection is a wasted life.
And now, In our lives, rests the hope and future of those who gave life. Heavenly Father, help us to be worthy of that trust and to put our faith, not in the aspirations of nations, but firmly into your hands.
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)
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