(Above image by Sketchepedia on Freepik)
PRAYERS ON SUNDAY 17th MAY
Lord Jesus Christ, on this Sunday that falls within the ten-day period between Ascension Day and Pentecost, we think of your disciples who waited for the Holy Spirit. We focus on Christ’s ascension, his role as reigning King, and the promise of the Spirit, marking a shift from Jesus' earthly presence to the Church’s mission. We give thanks for your son: the glory of his humble birth, the graciousness of his selfless life, the obedience and trust that led him to the cross, and the triumph of his resurrection and ascension. We give thanks for your Holy Spirit at work in your Church and in our hearts, revealing your truth, renewing our lives, and bringing us to your eternal Kingdom. Amen
Heavenly Father, we pray for your Church worldwide and especially in our parish. Strengthen Bishop Michael, Bishop Tim, Revd Taiwo and all your Church in the service of Christ. Protect them and their families, and fill them with joy, peace, and a deep sense of your presence. Lord God, we thank you for calling Revd Taiwo to be an Honorary Canon of Lichfield Cathedral following his installation as a Prebendary. We pray for your Holy Spirit to fill him with vision and energy. Grant that he may be a wise and gentle servant of your people, leading by example and building up your church in faithfulness. Amen
We pray that peace may come to all places where there is conflict. We pray for all who are suffering the after-effects of disaster, both natural and man-made. Give them strength as they work to rebuild their lives. We pray that the time may be hastened when there is peace on earth and goodwill between all men. Most of all we pray for this precious world, lent to us to nurture for a season and pass on in good order to generations to come. Lord of hope and consolation, look with compassion on the anguish of your troubled world. Be our strength and comfort in times of adversity. Bless us and help us to behold your glory in whatever circumstances we may find ourselves. Be present with all who suffer pain in body, anguish of mind or fear of the future. In their trouble, move us to care and be your compassion in the world. Amen
We ask for your blessings upon King Charles and the Royal Family. Grant to our King and his government the guidance of your Spirit. We pray that Parliament leaders are guided by the Spirit, avoiding selfish interests and acting for the benefit of all, in accordance with God's will. Amen
Heavenly Father, thank you for the local food bank volunteers helping to feed people in our town. Thank you for all carers in our community, providing strength, patience, and compassion to the sick, elderly and vulnerable. Amen
We pray for all who suffer in body, mind or spirit and for those who care for them. We pray for the sick; for those who mourn; and for those without faith, hope or love. We pray for people who are in need of our prayers at this time, especially those known personally to us. Place them under your loving care. We pray, also, for those who have died and may be known only to you. Help those who mourn their loved ones to experience the comfort of your Holy Spirit. Amen
Almighty God, may all schools grow in faith, hope, and compassion. Protect the mental health of staff and watch over the children of this parish whilst at school or college. We pray that you will be with students taking examinations at this time. Calm their anxiety, increase their focus, improve their memory retention, and bring them peace, helping them to perform to the best of their ability. Amen
Risen and ascended Lord, we lay our lives before you in trust and obedience.As we step into this new week, may your wisdom guide our choices. Lead us along the best path and give us discernment to know what is right. May this week bring growth, favour, and opportunities to serve you. Let our words and actions reflect your love to those around us. Amen
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name; your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen
PRAYERS FOR THE WEEK 18th-23rd MAY
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of a new week. Guide our steps, clear our minds, and bless the work of our hands. Protect our families and give us strength to face challenges with courage. May your peace fill our hearts and homes this week. Amen
Heavenly Father, may the past week's lessons guide us and this new week bring us renewed hope and happiness. Thank you for the gift of a new week. We are grateful for the opportunities ahead and the blessings you have in store. Fill our hearts with joy, our minds with peace, and our spirit with energy to embrace each day. Amen
Give strength and healing to those who are ill in body, mind or spirit, and give courage and skill to those who care for them. We remember, also, those who have died and gone before us, marked with the sign of faith. Amen
Father, we lift up to you all teachers this week, thanking you for their dedication in shaping hearts and minds. We ask that you refill their hearts with your love and peace. Refresh their energy daily and remind them of the profound, lasting impact they make every day, even when it feels unseen. Let their classrooms be places of safety, joy and learning. Lord, we ask that you empower all children to be kind to every person they encounter. Encourage them to be good friends, show mercy and patience, and build positive, safe relationships. May they be a comfort to those in need. In times of stress or pressure, we pray that you strengthen their hearts. Protect their mental health, alleviating anxiety or worry, and remind them that they can turn to you when they feel overwhelmed. Give them courage to stand firm and shine. We ask that you watch over all students taking examinations. Amen
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of this new week. We place our plans, worries and dreams into your hands. Guide our thoughts, our words, and our actions. Amen
Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name; your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen
PRAYERS ON SUNDAY 24th MAY
Holy Spirit, Breath of God, on this day of Pentecost blow through our lives and renew our hearts. Transform our fears into boldness and our doubts into faith. Guide our steps, open our eyes to the needs of those around us, and unite us in your love. Today, we are reminded that we are one worldwide family in Christ. Amen
Heavenly Father, we pray for your Church worldwide and especially in our parish. Strengthen Bishop Michael, Bishop Tim, Revd Taiwo and all your Church in the service of Christ. We give thanks for your Holy Spirit at work in your Church and in our hearts, revealing your truth, renewing our lives, and bringing us to your eternal Kingdom. Amen
We ask for your blessings upon King Charles and the Royal Family. Grant to our King and his government the guidance of your Spirit. Amen
Loving God, pour out your Spirit to heal divisions and bring people of all nations and races together in peace. Help us to be one in spirit and purpose. We pray that peace may come to all places where there is conflict. Amen
Heavenly Father, thank you for the local food bank volunteers helping to feed people in our town. Thank you for all carers in our community, providing strength, patience, and compassion to the sick, elderly and vulnerable. Amen
We pray for all who suffer in body, mind or spirit, and for people who need our prayers at this time, especially those known personally to us. We pray, also, for those who have died and may be known only to you. Help those who mourn their loved ones to experience the comfort of your Holy Spirit. Amen
Almighty God, grant all teachers the wisdom to guide their students, patience to handle challenging moments with grace, and strength to persevere when they feel weary. Protect them physically, mentally, and spiritually, and surround them with encouragement from those around them. May all schools grow in faith, hope, and compassion. Watch over the children of this parish whilst they are at school this week and be with all students taking examinations. Amen
Father, Son and Holy Spirit, on this special Sunday, we offer ourselves to work with you. Enlarge our vision of the world we pray and give us the strength, love and wisdom to reach all nations, peoples and tribes in your name and for your glory. Amen
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name; your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen
Holy Spirit, Breath of God, on this day of Pentecost blow through our lives and renew our hearts. Transform our fears into boldness and our doubts into faith. Guide our steps, open our eyes to the needs of those around us, and unite us in your love. Today, we are reminded that we are one worldwide family in Christ. Amen
Heavenly Father, we pray for your Church worldwide and especially in our parish. Strengthen Bishop Michael, Bishop Tim, Revd Taiwo and all your Church in the service of Christ. We give thanks for your Holy Spirit at work in your Church and in our hearts, revealing your truth, renewing our lives, and bringing us to your eternal Kingdom. Amen
We ask for your blessings upon King Charles and the Royal Family. Grant to our King and his government the guidance of your Spirit. Amen
Loving God, pour out your Spirit to heal divisions and bring people of all nations and races together in peace. Help us to be one in spirit and purpose. We pray that peace may come to all places where there is conflict. Amen
Heavenly Father, thank you for the local food bank volunteers helping to feed people in our town. Thank you for all carers in our community, providing strength, patience, and compassion to the sick, elderly and vulnerable. Amen
We pray for all who suffer in body, mind or spirit, and for people who need our prayers at this time, especially those known personally to us. We pray, also, for those who have died and may be known only to you. Help those who mourn their loved ones to experience the comfort of your Holy Spirit. Amen
Almighty God, grant all teachers the wisdom to guide their students, patience to handle challenging moments with grace, and strength to persevere when they feel weary. Protect them physically, mentally, and spiritually, and surround them with encouragement from those around them. May all schools grow in faith, hope, and compassion. Watch over the children of this parish whilst they are at school this week and be with all students taking examinations. Amen
Father, Son and Holy Spirit, on this special Sunday, we offer ourselves to work with you. Enlarge our vision of the world we pray and give us the strength, love and wisdom to reach all nations, peoples and tribes in your name and for your glory. Amen
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name; your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen
PRAYERS FOR THE WEEK 25th-30th MAY
Lord, we thank you for this new week and the opportunities it brings. We ask for your guidance as we make plans and set goals for the days ahead. Give us the strength and energy we need to fulfil our responsibilities and to serve you faithfully. Amen
Give strength and healing to those who are ill in body, mind or spirit, and give courage and skill to those who care for them. We remember, also, those who have died and gone before us, marked with the sign of faith. Amen
Heavenly Father, as students across the country sit their public exams, we pray for a sense of your peace to calm their nerves. Grant them clear minds, the ability to focus, and the memory to recall what they have studied. Relieve their stress and remind them that their identity and value are far greater than any grade or result. We lift up to you all teachers, headteachers, and support staff who are navigating the heavy workload and pressures of the summer term. Pour out your patience, creativity, and energy upon them. Strengthen their mental and physical health and bless them as they continue to guide and nurture the next generation. Amen
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of this new week. We place our plans, worries and dreams into your hands. Guide our thoughts, our words, and our actions. Amen
Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name; your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen
PRAYERS ON REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY
On Remembrance Sunday we look back to the wars and conflicts that have troubled our world and we remember with gratitude not only those who gave their lives, but those who came back maimed and injured, many of them scarred for life. They served so that the world could be a better place and that those who followed would have a more peaceful future.
Let us pray for all who suffer as a result of war even today and ask that God may give us peace. We pray for all of those who have died in the violence of war, remembering those who perished in the Middle East and in Ukraine. Each one is remembered by and known to God; may God give them peace.
We pray for all members of the armed forces who are in danger this day, remembering their families, their friends and all who pray for their safe return; may God give them peace. We pray for all civilian men, women and children, whose lives are disfigured by war or terror, and we call to mind in regret the anger and hatred of humanity; may God give all peace.
We pray for all peacemakers and peacekeepers; we pray for all who seek to keep this world secure and free; may God give them all peace.
We pray for all who bear the burden and responsibility of leadership: political, military and religious; we pray that they may have the gift of wisdom and work in the search for reconciliation and peace; may God grant us all peace.
O God of truth and justice, we hold before you those whose memory we cherish, and those whose names we will never know. As we honour the past, may we put our faith in your future; for you are the source of life and hope, now and for ever. Amen
They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them.
PRAYERS ON REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY
On Remembrance Sunday we look back to the wars and conflicts that have troubled our world and we remember with gratitude not only those who gave their lives, but those who came back maimed and injured, many of them scarred for life. They served so that the world could be a better place and that those who followed would have a more peaceful future.
Let us pray for all who suffer as a result of war even today and ask that God may give us peace. We pray for all of those who have died in the violence of war, remembering those who perished in the Middle East and in Ukraine. Each one is remembered by and known to God; may God give them peace.
We pray for all members of the armed forces who are in danger this day, remembering their families, their friends and all who pray for their safe return; may God give them peace. We pray for all civilian men, women and children, whose lives are disfigured by war or terror, and we call to mind in regret the anger and hatred of humanity; may God give all peace.
We pray for all peacemakers and peacekeepers; we pray for all who seek to keep this world secure and free; may God give them all peace.
We pray for all who bear the burden and responsibility of leadership: political, military and religious; we pray that they may have the gift of wisdom and work in the search for reconciliation and peace; may God grant us all peace.
O God of truth and justice, we hold before you those whose memory we cherish, and those whose names we will never know. As we honour the past, may we put our faith in your future; for you are the source of life and hope, now and for ever. Amen
They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them.
A fitting end to our Remembrance Day prayers is Nelson’s Prayer:
On the morning of the battle of Trafalgar, Nelson made an entry into his journal and with it the following prayer:
“May the great God, whom I worship, grant to my country and for the benefit of Europe in general, a great and glorious victory and may no misconduct in anyone tarnish it; and may humanity after victory be the predominant feature in the British fleet. For myself individually, I commit my life to him that made me; and may His blessing alight on my endeavours for serving my country faithfully. To him I resign myself and the just cause which is entrusted to me to defend. Amen.”
On the morning of the battle of Trafalgar, Nelson made an entry into his journal and with it the following prayer:
“May the great God, whom I worship, grant to my country and for the benefit of Europe in general, a great and glorious victory and may no misconduct in anyone tarnish it; and may humanity after victory be the predominant feature in the British fleet. For myself individually, I commit my life to him that made me; and may His blessing alight on my endeavours for serving my country faithfully. To him I resign myself and the just cause which is entrusted to me to defend. Amen.”
PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE OF UKRAINE AND RUSSIA
Lord of all the earth, be present with the people of Ukraine at this time of danger, fear, and conflict. Grant that wise and peaceable counsels may yet prevail, and give to all suffering nations the freedom they desire and deserve. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Gracious God, we pray for the people of the Ukraine and the people of Russia; for their countries and their leaders. We pray for all those who are afraid; that your everlasting arms hold them in this time of great fear. We pray for all those who have the power over life and death; that they will choose for all people life, and life in all its fullness. We pray for leaders of the world; that they will be inspired by the wisdom and courage of Christ. Above all, Lord, today we pray for peace for Ukraine. Amen
Lord, the situation the people of Ukraine now face is not a new one. The name Ukraine translates to 'borderland' and this nation and its people have seen struggles with Russia for a century. They are a resilient people who live in a volatile area of the world that has seen regular war and upheaval. Yet Jesus walked the earth in a similar part of the world, plagued by oppression and a ruthless empire. Your word promises in Isaiah 26:3 that, “you keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” We ask that the people of Ukraine may be safe and secure; that they will know not only peace on earth but your true and unwavering peace. Amen
God of peace and justice, we pray for the people of Ukraine today. We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons. We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow, that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them. We pray for those with power over war or peace, for wisdom, discernment and compassion to guide their decisions. Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear, that you would hold and protect them. We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Amen.
Lord of all the earth, be present with the people of Ukraine at this time of danger, fear, and conflict. Grant that wise and peaceable counsels may yet prevail, and give to all suffering nations the freedom they desire and deserve. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Gracious God, we pray for the people of the Ukraine and the people of Russia; for their countries and their leaders. We pray for all those who are afraid; that your everlasting arms hold them in this time of great fear. We pray for all those who have the power over life and death; that they will choose for all people life, and life in all its fullness. We pray for leaders of the world; that they will be inspired by the wisdom and courage of Christ. Above all, Lord, today we pray for peace for Ukraine. Amen
Lord, the situation the people of Ukraine now face is not a new one. The name Ukraine translates to 'borderland' and this nation and its people have seen struggles with Russia for a century. They are a resilient people who live in a volatile area of the world that has seen regular war and upheaval. Yet Jesus walked the earth in a similar part of the world, plagued by oppression and a ruthless empire. Your word promises in Isaiah 26:3 that, “you keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” We ask that the people of Ukraine may be safe and secure; that they will know not only peace on earth but your true and unwavering peace. Amen
God of peace and justice, we pray for the people of Ukraine today. We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons. We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow, that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them. We pray for those with power over war or peace, for wisdom, discernment and compassion to guide their decisions. Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear, that you would hold and protect them. We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Amen.
