notices - Flipbook - Page 2
Prayer Book
A prayer book is available on the shelf by the inner entrance
doors to the church. You are welcome to add details of people
or concerns that need our prayers.
The book will be brought forward for the intercession prayers each week.
Prayer s of intercession
Lord, we come to you today from different homes,
different stages of life, different situations. We come with
the memories of the past week and our thoughts about
the week ahead. We come with our joys and our sorrows,
good days and bad, our hopes and our fears. We come,
knowing that you listen and that you care.
We pause to think of a time this week that made us smile,
even if only for a moment…
Thank you for those times of positivity, of happiness,
humour or joy.
Thank you that you smile with us. We pause to think of
something good that you have given us this week: a kind
word, some lovely food, the sound of a child’s laughter.
Thank you that you are the giver of good gifts.
Help us to treasure everything good that comes from
your hands.
Lord, when life is hard and when life is good
Help us to keep going, with our eyes fixed on you.
Lord, we know that there have also been some difficult
moments in our lives this week.
When we were confused, sad, in pain, lonely or lost…
we name in the silence now.
Lord, we know in our heads that you are with us in those
times, but sometimes our hearts feel as if you are looking
the other way. Give us the confidence Lord to know that,
despite everything, you are there and you do care.
Lord, when life is hard and when life is good
Help us to keep going, with our eyes fixed on you.
We turn our prayers away from ourselves now to those
around us: the people sitting near us here, our families,
our neighbours and friends. We lift to you those who
have had good news to celebrate this week: maybe
exam results, a birth, a good diagnosis, a new job…
as they rejoice, let us rejoice with them.
But we are also aware of those who have had bad news
this week: a difficult diagnosis, a bereavement, sickness,
plans that have gone wrong...
Lord, we ask you to help us be a caring presence in these
difficult times, bringing the touch of your love into every
situation of pain.
Lord, when life is hard and when life is good
Help us to keep going, with our eyes fixed on you.
Lord, we focus now on the bigger picture: our
communities and country. We pray for all young people
expecting exam results this week. Give them your peace,
whatever the outcome.
We pray for Christian camps and holiday clubs and
missions, seeking to bring the good news of your love to
our young people. We thank you for your Word that has
been preached down the centuries. We thank you for its
truth. May it be read afresh by young and old this week
and may your goodness speak clearly from its pages.
We pray for our leaders when government is on recess.
May they still be alert to any needs that require attention.
We pray that there will not be any unrest in regard to
those seeking asylum. We pray for migrants travelling
in unsafe boats. Show us how, as people of justice, we
can stop the people smugglers who treat others as
commodities rather than people made in your image.
Lord, when life is hard and when life is good
Help us to keep going, with our eyes fixed on you.
We turn our prayers to the wider world. Lord, sometimes
we feel so helpless when we see war and suffering on
our TV screens and newsfeeds. We cry out to you for
the Middle East, asking that aid will reach Gaza and
the malnutrition will be abated. We pray for all who are
peacemakers in the Middle East, Ukraine and any other
conflicts around the world. May wisdom, justice and
the needs of the weakest and most helpless be at the
forefront of all negotiations.
Lord, when life is hard and when life is good
Help us to keep going, with our eyes fixed on you.
Lord, we bring all these prayers to you, knowing that we
only see in part. You see the bigger picture and hold all
things in your hand. Give us the faith to know you are in
control. Lord, sometimes this world seems too painful
and we long for the new heaven and new earth you have
promised us. Give us the faith to wait for your perfect
timing. But, when we pray ‘Thy kingdom come’, help
us to be the answer to our prayers. Send us out from
here renewed, revived and encouraged to take your
goodness, your kindness, your love and your justice to
everyone we will meet this week and into every situation.
Lord, when life is hard and when life is good
Help us to keep going, with our eyes fixed on you.
Bring in your kingdom through us, we pray.
Amen.
