Intercessions
10th September 2023
Let us Pray
Heavenly Father, we stand before you knowing the power of collective prayer, ready to bring our concerns to you. But first we thank you and praise you for all the blessings you bring to us, as individuals, as a Congregation and in our communities. We thank you this week for the life restoring rain, for the clouds and the cooler weather. We thank you that the roads are getting quieter and that the children are preparing once more to continue their studies. We thank you for the blessings that you give us each and every day. For our families, our Church Family, for the food on our tables, for the joy in our hearts built on our relationship with you, and for the welcoming and patient hosts of our adopted home.
Thank you father
Lord in Your mercy
Hear our prayer
Father, we thank you for our Church. We thank you that with the deftness of touches you have crafted a random bunch of individuals into a group with one goal – to act as your hands, your eyes, your feet, your voice to bring the wonderful, good news of your Son to the people around us. Help to behave as you have taught us, help to spread the message as you have taught us, help us to show love, compassion, understanding and joy as you have taught us. Let us give thanks in the work that has been done and is continuing to be done to build the body of Christ in this place. We pray especially for all who offer prayer and comfort when needed. We thank you for our Shepherds both past and present, both ordained and lay as they lead us gently towards the light. We thank you for Mike as he teaches and guides us and we pray for the leaders of the worldwide Church, that they may have wisdom, and foresight. Today we have special prayers for the Church of Ireland.
Lord in Your mercy
Hear our prayer
Father we pray for our broken world. We pray that you will raise up strong and wise leadership in all corners of the earth. We pray for peace and justice, and we pray for all people who are in trouble and in fear today: For those who are sad because it is another day of memories of the death of a loved one. For those who are anxious because someone is ill or in pain. For those who are lonely because someone they love is not there for them. We pray for those experiencing mental illness and for those caring for them. Bring them your peace, Lord. Bless those who struggle unkind words or actions from the stress of living in this world. Lord, surround those in need with your wisdom, your spirit, your healing and life-giving restoration.
Lord in Your mercy
Hear our prayer
Father, we confess that we have not always followed your words. There have been moments when we chose other options…When we chose to join in the gossip. When we chose to take sides. When we spoke a harsh word of judgement, then regretting what has been said that can’t be taken back. When we allowed pride to get the better of us. ‘Though have received your forgiveness today, Lord, the memory continues to linger. We thank you that you do not treat us as our sins deserve, and that your love and grace allows a renewed relationship. As we leave this church today, may others see a difference in us. As you forgive us, may we surprise others with our own gift of forgiveness.
Lord in Your mercy
Hear our prayer
Father, we pray for all our Friends and families that are ill, some seriously, we pray for those named on our Prayer List today and all those on our hearts that we now name silently. You know their needs, Lord. We raise them up to you and ask that you walk beside them, hand in hand and lead them to where you want them to be. We know that for some of them the pain was just too much to bear and that you called them home where they know peace and the pain will be no more. Father, we ask that you comfort those left behind grieving their loss. In a moment of silence let us remember those we have loved who are together with you –
Lord in Your mercy
Hear our prayer
Father as you send us out from the Church in the Park today, we know that your name is powerful, and your power is great.
We raise before you these petitions in the name of your son. Our Saviour Jesus Christ
Heavenly Father
accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.