Please keep the following people in your prayers this week.
Those who are ill in body, mind or spirit:
Jean Hodgetts, Rose Ward, Nina Davies, Vicki Ellis, George Carter, James Carr, Lindsey Dawes, Fred Clarke, Ted Dodd, Chris Handley, Stephen Wright, Sam Martin, Lynn Yule, Keith Turner, Charlotte Talbot, John Lewis, baby Frankie Rowley, Debbie Sampson, Ray Stansbie, Barbara Willerby, Lilian Freeman Natalie Price, Malcolm Wright, Lesley Beech, Colin Breakwell, Audrey Jones, Revd Peter Rainsford, Gary Walker, James Davis, Louise Calloway, Amanda Horton, Danny Peters, Marie Farrell, Claire Woodland and Sharon Martin.
Those who have died:
Those who are ill in body, mind or spirit:
Jean Hodgetts, Rose Ward, Nina Davies, Vicki Ellis, George Carter, James Carr, Lindsey Dawes, Fred Clarke, Ted Dodd, Chris Handley, Stephen Wright, Sam Martin, Lynn Yule, Keith Turner, Charlotte Talbot, John Lewis, baby Frankie Rowley, Debbie Sampson, Ray Stansbie, Barbara Willerby, Lilian Freeman Natalie Price, Malcolm Wright, Lesley Beech, Colin Breakwell, Audrey Jones, Revd Peter Rainsford, Gary Walker, James Davis, Louise Calloway, Amanda Horton, Danny Peters, Marie Farrell, Claire Woodland and Sharon Martin.
Those who have died:
WEEKLY PRAYERS (19th-25th September)
Lord our God, we thank you for all the light you let shine on earth to gladden our hearts. Your light shows us how to live in your creation with open eyes and open hearts, accepting in a childlike way all the good gifts from your hand. How much good you send to many sorrowful hearts and how much strengthening to those in weakness, poverty, and sickness. Grant that we may recognise what comes from you, that we are not cast down in spirit. Amen
Prayers for our church:
Father, we thank you that we can come to you in prayer. We are comforted to know that you hear us and that you answer our prayers. Help us be content with the answers and help us to humble ourselves in our time of need. Amen
We pray for our church family and ask that you strengthen and comfort them Lord. Amen
OUR PRAYERS FOR THE SICK AND THOSE WHO HAVE DIED
Those who have asked for our prayers:
Jean Hodgetts, Rose Ward, Nina Davies, Vicki Ellis, George Carter, James Carr, Lindsey Dawes, Fred Clarke, Ted Dodd, Chris Handley, Stephen Wright, Sam Martin, Lynn Yule, Keith Turner, Charlotte Talbot, John Lewis, baby Frankie Rowley, Debbie Sampson, Ray Stansbie, Barbara Willerby, Lilian Freeman Natalie Price, Malcolm Wright, Lesley Beech, Colin Breakwell, Audrey Jones, Revd Peter Rainsford, Gary Walker, James Davis, Louise Calloway, Amanda Horton, Danny Peters, Marie Farrell, Claire Woodland and Sharon Martin.
God of mercy, look kindly on these people in their suffering. When Jesus was on earth, they brought the sick to him and he healed them all. Today we ask you to bless all those in sickness, in weakness and in pain. Ease their burden and make their faith strong that they may always have confidence and trust in your care. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God. Amen
For those known only to you who have died, we pray:
Father of all, we pray for all those whom we love but see no longer. Grant to them eternal rest. Let light perpetual shine upon them. May the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen
God our Father, your power brings us to birth, your providence guides our lives, and by your command we return to dust. Lord, those who die still live in your presence, their lives change but do not end. We pray in hope for our families, relatives and friends and for all the dead known to you alone. In company with Christ, who died and now lives, may they rejoice in your kingdom, where all our tears are wiped away. Unite us together again in one family, to sing your praise forever and ever. Amen
For the bereaved, we pray:
God of love and mercy, embrace all those whose hearts today overflow with grief. Grant them space to express their tears. Hold them close through the coming days. Amen
Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” We pray today for those mourning; send them your comfort now. Wrap your arms around them and hold them tight. Shower your comfort on them. Lord, please keep and carry these precious people in their sadness and loss. Cover them with your great wings of love, give their weary hearts rest and their minds sound sleep. Lord, lift their eyes so that they may catch a glimpse of eternity and be comforted by the promise of heaven. Amen
For the hungry and the Food Bank:
Lord, we pray for our local Food Bank volunteers who help feed the poor and hungry. You made us to know what hunger is, but also to know the goodness of your provision. We pray for those who share this earth with us, but for whom hunger is a crippling, life-threatening danger. We pray for those who have nothing and have too little to eat. Amen
God of faithfulness, your generous love supplies us with all that we need. We know that all we have is yours. We celebrate the work that you have done in Wednesbury through the Food Bank by means of the generous support of local people and volunteers. Through the Food Bank we are able to offer food to the hungry, a drink to the thirsty and compassion to the strangers in our town. Accept our offering of worship and service. May your Spirit empower us to be your hands and feet in our community as we continue to serve those in crisis. Amen
We pray for all the generous people we have in our community who have donated food to the Food Bank. May God protect you and keep you safe during this uncertain time. Amen
We remember those who are struggling:
Loving God, we pray today for those who are confronted by homelessness, sadness, ambiguity, isolation, the confusion of mental illness and dementia. We think of those upon whom they depend for attention and compassionate care. Look with mercy on all whose afflictions bring them weakness, distress, confusion or isolation. Provide for them homes of dignity and peace; give to them understanding helpers and the willingness to accept help. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Prayers for all of us:
We lift to God those we hold in our hearts – praying for their health, their well-being and their sense of hope. We ask for God’s help in our communication, our connection and our caring. Amen
Father, we seek your wisdom daily. Be with people making decisions that affect the lives and futures of our families, communities, country and the wider world. May truth and empathy be the touchstones of people setting policies for our protection. Amen
Lord, have mercy on those who hold anger or resentment in their hearts which prevent them from fullness of life; help those who find it hard to forgive others or themselves; give your healing to those who carry the wounds of broken relationships or bereavement. Amen
Prayer for Wednesbury Deanery:
God our Father, in all the churches scattered throughout the world you show forth the one, holy, Catholic and apostolic Church. Through the gospel and the eucharist, bring your people together in the Holy Spirit and guide us in your love. Make us a sign of your love for all people and help us show forth the living presence of Christ in the world. Amen
"We are many, yet we are one. We are separate yet bound in his love. Together we are all his hands and his feet, bringing mercy and peace to the world. We are many and one." (Steve Angrisano)
Today's prayer from the Church of England:
Lord of creation, whose glory is around and within us: open our eyes to your wonders, that we may serve you with reverence and know your peace at our lives’ end, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Prayers for our church:
Father, we thank you that we can come to you in prayer. We are comforted to know that you hear us and that you answer our prayers. Help us be content with the answers and help us to humble ourselves in our time of need. Amen
We pray for our church family and ask that you strengthen and comfort them Lord. Amen
OUR PRAYERS FOR THE SICK AND THOSE WHO HAVE DIED
Those who have asked for our prayers:
Jean Hodgetts, Rose Ward, Nina Davies, Vicki Ellis, George Carter, James Carr, Lindsey Dawes, Fred Clarke, Ted Dodd, Chris Handley, Stephen Wright, Sam Martin, Lynn Yule, Keith Turner, Charlotte Talbot, John Lewis, baby Frankie Rowley, Debbie Sampson, Ray Stansbie, Barbara Willerby, Lilian Freeman Natalie Price, Malcolm Wright, Lesley Beech, Colin Breakwell, Audrey Jones, Revd Peter Rainsford, Gary Walker, James Davis, Louise Calloway, Amanda Horton, Danny Peters, Marie Farrell, Claire Woodland and Sharon Martin.
God of mercy, look kindly on these people in their suffering. When Jesus was on earth, they brought the sick to him and he healed them all. Today we ask you to bless all those in sickness, in weakness and in pain. Ease their burden and make their faith strong that they may always have confidence and trust in your care. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God. Amen
For those known only to you who have died, we pray:
Father of all, we pray for all those whom we love but see no longer. Grant to them eternal rest. Let light perpetual shine upon them. May the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen
God our Father, your power brings us to birth, your providence guides our lives, and by your command we return to dust. Lord, those who die still live in your presence, their lives change but do not end. We pray in hope for our families, relatives and friends and for all the dead known to you alone. In company with Christ, who died and now lives, may they rejoice in your kingdom, where all our tears are wiped away. Unite us together again in one family, to sing your praise forever and ever. Amen
For the bereaved, we pray:
God of love and mercy, embrace all those whose hearts today overflow with grief. Grant them space to express their tears. Hold them close through the coming days. Amen
Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” We pray today for those mourning; send them your comfort now. Wrap your arms around them and hold them tight. Shower your comfort on them. Lord, please keep and carry these precious people in their sadness and loss. Cover them with your great wings of love, give their weary hearts rest and their minds sound sleep. Lord, lift their eyes so that they may catch a glimpse of eternity and be comforted by the promise of heaven. Amen
For the hungry and the Food Bank:
Lord, we pray for our local Food Bank volunteers who help feed the poor and hungry. You made us to know what hunger is, but also to know the goodness of your provision. We pray for those who share this earth with us, but for whom hunger is a crippling, life-threatening danger. We pray for those who have nothing and have too little to eat. Amen
God of faithfulness, your generous love supplies us with all that we need. We know that all we have is yours. We celebrate the work that you have done in Wednesbury through the Food Bank by means of the generous support of local people and volunteers. Through the Food Bank we are able to offer food to the hungry, a drink to the thirsty and compassion to the strangers in our town. Accept our offering of worship and service. May your Spirit empower us to be your hands and feet in our community as we continue to serve those in crisis. Amen
We pray for all the generous people we have in our community who have donated food to the Food Bank. May God protect you and keep you safe during this uncertain time. Amen
We remember those who are struggling:
Loving God, we pray today for those who are confronted by homelessness, sadness, ambiguity, isolation, the confusion of mental illness and dementia. We think of those upon whom they depend for attention and compassionate care. Look with mercy on all whose afflictions bring them weakness, distress, confusion or isolation. Provide for them homes of dignity and peace; give to them understanding helpers and the willingness to accept help. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Prayers for all of us:
We lift to God those we hold in our hearts – praying for their health, their well-being and their sense of hope. We ask for God’s help in our communication, our connection and our caring. Amen
Father, we seek your wisdom daily. Be with people making decisions that affect the lives and futures of our families, communities, country and the wider world. May truth and empathy be the touchstones of people setting policies for our protection. Amen
Lord, have mercy on those who hold anger or resentment in their hearts which prevent them from fullness of life; help those who find it hard to forgive others or themselves; give your healing to those who carry the wounds of broken relationships or bereavement. Amen
Prayer for Wednesbury Deanery:
God our Father, in all the churches scattered throughout the world you show forth the one, holy, Catholic and apostolic Church. Through the gospel and the eucharist, bring your people together in the Holy Spirit and guide us in your love. Make us a sign of your love for all people and help us show forth the living presence of Christ in the world. Amen
"We are many, yet we are one. We are separate yet bound in his love. Together we are all his hands and his feet, bringing mercy and peace to the world. We are many and one." (Steve Angrisano)
Today's prayer from the Church of England:
Lord of creation, whose glory is around and within us: open our eyes to your wonders, that we may serve you with reverence and know your peace at our lives’ end, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
The Lord's Prayer:
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.
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.
DAILY PRAYERS ON SATURDAY 18th SEPTEMBER
Lord our God, we thank you that you have given us your glorious future as the basis for our lives. We thank you that on this foundation we can forget our present troubles and believe that the power of good can move us today to oppose sin, death, and everything evil. Free our hearts from all burdens and grant that we may have courage to wait patiently for the great help which is to come. Grant that what is happening in the world today may somehow help toward the solution of all the problems. We praise you for the good you do for us each day and for the light you will shed one day on everything on earth, to the glory of your name. Amen
Prayers for all of us:
Lord, be with our children and grandchildren who are away at college or university. Please watch over them and keep them safe. Amen
Dear God, your Son taught us to love our neighbour and to care for those in need as if we were caring for you. In this time of anxiety, give us strength to comfort the fearful, to tend the sick and to assure the isolated of our love, and your love, for your name’s sake. When evil darkens our world, give us light. When despair numbs our souls, give us hope. When we stumble and fall, lift us up. When doubts torture us, give us faith. When nothing seems sure, give us trust. When ideals fade, give us vision. When we lose our way, be our guide. We pray we may find serenity in your presence, and purpose in doing your will. Amen
Father, thank you for our families. Thank you for the laughter, the learning, the tears and the triumphs that fill our homes. May we honour you with our actions and our words. May we build up each other according to your principles. May we extend forgiveness when there is hurt. Amen
We pray for those who are ill in body, mind or spirit and those who have died:
Lord, look upon us with eyes of mercy. May your healing hand rest upon those who are ill. May your life-giving powers flow into every cell of their bodies and into the depth of their souls; cleaning and purifying, restoring them to wholeness and strength for service in your Kingdom. Amen
Loving God, we pray that you will comfort those who are suffering. We ask that you lend skill to the hands of healers and bless the means used for cures. Give them confidence in the power of your grace, that even when they are afraid, they may put their whole trust in you; through our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen
Lord, we pray for those who have died. Give them their reward, console those who loved them and weep with us for lost lives, for you are our resurrection and our life. Amen
We remember all those who are struggling:
Dear God, we believe you are a miracle-working God and we thank you that you are fighting for us today. Please help us to release our burdens to you. We know you can carry it all so much better than we ever could. We trust that your power is far greater than the difficulties we’re up against. Amen
For the hungry and the Food Bank:
Lord you are our Father, a loving parent who cares for us - your children. Here today, we are just a few of your many million precious, loved and valued children. Help us to recognise the needs of our brothers and sisters - all made in your image - especially those suffering poverty and hunger, particularly those living in Wednesbury. Amen
Today's prayer from the Church of England:
Lord God,
defend your Church from all false teaching
and give to your people knowledge of your truth,
that we may enjoy eternal life
in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Lord our God, we thank you that you have given us your glorious future as the basis for our lives. We thank you that on this foundation we can forget our present troubles and believe that the power of good can move us today to oppose sin, death, and everything evil. Free our hearts from all burdens and grant that we may have courage to wait patiently for the great help which is to come. Grant that what is happening in the world today may somehow help toward the solution of all the problems. We praise you for the good you do for us each day and for the light you will shed one day on everything on earth, to the glory of your name. Amen
Prayers for all of us:
Lord, be with our children and grandchildren who are away at college or university. Please watch over them and keep them safe. Amen
Dear God, your Son taught us to love our neighbour and to care for those in need as if we were caring for you. In this time of anxiety, give us strength to comfort the fearful, to tend the sick and to assure the isolated of our love, and your love, for your name’s sake. When evil darkens our world, give us light. When despair numbs our souls, give us hope. When we stumble and fall, lift us up. When doubts torture us, give us faith. When nothing seems sure, give us trust. When ideals fade, give us vision. When we lose our way, be our guide. We pray we may find serenity in your presence, and purpose in doing your will. Amen
Father, thank you for our families. Thank you for the laughter, the learning, the tears and the triumphs that fill our homes. May we honour you with our actions and our words. May we build up each other according to your principles. May we extend forgiveness when there is hurt. Amen
We pray for those who are ill in body, mind or spirit and those who have died:
Lord, look upon us with eyes of mercy. May your healing hand rest upon those who are ill. May your life-giving powers flow into every cell of their bodies and into the depth of their souls; cleaning and purifying, restoring them to wholeness and strength for service in your Kingdom. Amen
Loving God, we pray that you will comfort those who are suffering. We ask that you lend skill to the hands of healers and bless the means used for cures. Give them confidence in the power of your grace, that even when they are afraid, they may put their whole trust in you; through our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen
Lord, we pray for those who have died. Give them their reward, console those who loved them and weep with us for lost lives, for you are our resurrection and our life. Amen
We remember all those who are struggling:
Dear God, we believe you are a miracle-working God and we thank you that you are fighting for us today. Please help us to release our burdens to you. We know you can carry it all so much better than we ever could. We trust that your power is far greater than the difficulties we’re up against. Amen
For the hungry and the Food Bank:
Lord you are our Father, a loving parent who cares for us - your children. Here today, we are just a few of your many million precious, loved and valued children. Help us to recognise the needs of our brothers and sisters - all made in your image - especially those suffering poverty and hunger, particularly those living in Wednesbury. Amen
Today's prayer from the Church of England:
Lord God,
defend your Church from all false teaching
and give to your people knowledge of your truth,
that we may enjoy eternal life
in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
PLEASE KEEP THE FOLLOWING COUNTRIES IN YOUR PRAYERS
Prayer for the people in Afghanistan:
Lord, we pray for your protection to those fleeing their homes and communities. We ask that you watch over them through this fearful time. We pray for UK Nationals, for the interpreters, missionaries, Christians and for our troops and ask that you keep them safe. We pray for the women of Afghanistan, many of whom fear they will lose opportunities for education; we pray for their protection. We pray, also, for those affected by Covid-19 in the country, where cases are spiking and the hospitals are limited in what they can offer; pray that the healthcare system does not collapse. Lord, we lift up our leaders both here and abroad, who have to make difficult decisions; give them clarity to deal with each decision. Give us understanding and patience for their decisions, even if we do not agree with them. Soften the hearts of the Taliban people that they might see your love and choose peace. We pray that politics, diplomacy and international law will be able to create and maintain peace and stability. We pray that people will find strength, wisdom and peace. Amen
Prayer for the people in Haiti:
Lord, we pray for the people of Haiti following the recent earthquake. We are grateful that communication networks did not go down, meaning that information was able to reach the outside world quickly. Prayers and sympathy go to the families of those who have died. Lord, please be with the many thousands of people who were injured. Amen
Prayer for the people in Afghanistan:
Lord, we pray for your protection to those fleeing their homes and communities. We ask that you watch over them through this fearful time. We pray for UK Nationals, for the interpreters, missionaries, Christians and for our troops and ask that you keep them safe. We pray for the women of Afghanistan, many of whom fear they will lose opportunities for education; we pray for their protection. We pray, also, for those affected by Covid-19 in the country, where cases are spiking and the hospitals are limited in what they can offer; pray that the healthcare system does not collapse. Lord, we lift up our leaders both here and abroad, who have to make difficult decisions; give them clarity to deal with each decision. Give us understanding and patience for their decisions, even if we do not agree with them. Soften the hearts of the Taliban people that they might see your love and choose peace. We pray that politics, diplomacy and international law will be able to create and maintain peace and stability. We pray that people will find strength, wisdom and peace. Amen
Prayer for the people in Haiti:
Lord, we pray for the people of Haiti following the recent earthquake. We are grateful that communication networks did not go down, meaning that information was able to reach the outside world quickly. Prayers and sympathy go to the families of those who have died. Lord, please be with the many thousands of people who were injured. Amen
MESSAGE FROM LYNN CASTILLO (Deanery Synod Representative)
Please pray for churches in the Wednesbury Deanery over the next few months, especially as they embark on 'Shaping for Mission'. Refer to the images for details of which church to pray for each day and in which week. (You may need to click on the images to see full details.)
Please pray for churches in the Wednesbury Deanery over the next few months, especially as they embark on 'Shaping for Mission'. Refer to the images for details of which church to pray for each day and in which week. (You may need to click on the images to see full details.)
SPECIAL PRAYER FOR THE REVD PETER RAINSFORD
It is with a heavy heart we have to advise you that a previous vicar of St Bartholomew’s (from 1984), the Revd Peter Rainsford, is not at all well (following several months of illness) and he has deteriorated recently. We keep Peter and his wife, Pam, in our prayers.
Heavenly Father, give strength and courage to Revd Peter Rainsford as he patiently endures the suffering and pain of his illness. Take from his heart all painful anxiety. Help him to place himself in the arms of your loving and protective care; trusting in your compassionate and tender love. We ask that you be with his wife, Pam, at this time. Please heal her broken heart. Fill her with the peace and joy we know can only come from you during this difficult time. Amen
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10)
Prayer for Remembrance Day
PRAYER FOR ALL WHO SUFFER AS A RESULT OF WAR:
Let us pray for all who suffer as a result of war and ask that God may give us peace:
We pray for all of those who have died in the violence of war.
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 all peace.
And 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.”
