Our daily prayers for 11th July 2020
Prayer for 11th July:
So let us come near to God with a sincere heart and a sure faith, with hearts that have been purified from a guilty conscience and with bodies washed with clean water. (Hebrews 10:22, TEV)
“Lord our God, grant us true unity with your Son Jesus Christ, so that his power can be revealed in us and we may find new life in which we can truly serve you. Protect us from all error. Be among us with your Spirit to make us people who are genuine. Let your will be carried out more and more in this age. Let your will again intervene so that a new creation may come, a new heaven and a new earth, as we have been promised. May your name be great among us, may your kingdom come and everything in heaven and on earth be done according to your will. Amen”
Father Mark will continue to pray, during his daily prayers, for the people on our prayer lists - those who are ill or have died. (For the names of people who have asked for our prayers or have died, please see the Weekly Prayer list posted on Sunday 5th July.)
We pray for those who are ill in body, mind or spirit:
“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, 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”
Prayers for all those who have died from Covid-19:
“Almighty and merciful Father, we come before you today asking for a quick control of the Coronavirus still ravaging our world. Hear graciously the prayers we make for those affected by the virus in various parts of the world and especially in our country. Grant healing to the sick, eternal life to the dead and consolation to the bereaved families. We pray for the relevant governments and health authorities that they take appropriate steps for the good of the people. Look upon us in your mercy and forgive us our failings. Amen”
“Be with those who have died from the virus. May they be at rest with you in your eternal peace. Be with the families of those who are sick or have died. As they worry and grieve, defend them from illness and despair. May they know your peace. We pray for the families and friends of people who have died and for those attending funerals at this time. Amen”
Whatever the cause of death, we pray for those whose loved ones have died especially for those who have funerals over the coming days.
“Jesus, you 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. Amen”
“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”
We remember all those who are struggling with isolation:
“Dear God, the anxiety we face often feels like too much to carry. We’re tired and weary. We’re drained. We face discouragement at every turn. Yet 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. We believe that you are mighty and that you are bigger than this trial. Amen”
“Lord Jesus Christ, you 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. 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. Amen”
“We pray for all the generous people we have in our community who have donated food to the Food Bank. We thank the volunteers helping to feed those in need in our town. May God protect you all and keep you safe during this uncertain time. Amen”
A special prayer for all of us:
"Dear God, 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”
“We pray for a vaccine to become available as soon as possible to help stop this virus. We are thankful that many thousands of people have recovered from the virus and we pray that this will continue. Amen”
A prayer for parents and children:
“Father, thank you for our families. Thank you for the laughter, the learning, the tears and the triumphs that fill our homes. Teach us. Root us in your word. 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. May we glorify you in our victories. Amen”
We pray for workers across the world, we think of all key workers without whom we would struggle:
“God, please bless all our key workers who are labouring long and hard for the rest of us. Keep them safe, bless their endeavours and give them strength. May we all uphold them in your name and remember their families left at home: please guard and protect them too. Have mercy on us all, dear Father. Amen”
Prayer for 11th July:
So let us come near to God with a sincere heart and a sure faith, with hearts that have been purified from a guilty conscience and with bodies washed with clean water. (Hebrews 10:22, TEV)
“Lord our God, grant us true unity with your Son Jesus Christ, so that his power can be revealed in us and we may find new life in which we can truly serve you. Protect us from all error. Be among us with your Spirit to make us people who are genuine. Let your will be carried out more and more in this age. Let your will again intervene so that a new creation may come, a new heaven and a new earth, as we have been promised. May your name be great among us, may your kingdom come and everything in heaven and on earth be done according to your will. Amen”
Father Mark will continue to pray, during his daily prayers, for the people on our prayer lists - those who are ill or have died. (For the names of people who have asked for our prayers or have died, please see the Weekly Prayer list posted on Sunday 5th July.)
We pray for those who are ill in body, mind or spirit:
“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, 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”
Prayers for all those who have died from Covid-19:
“Almighty and merciful Father, we come before you today asking for a quick control of the Coronavirus still ravaging our world. Hear graciously the prayers we make for those affected by the virus in various parts of the world and especially in our country. Grant healing to the sick, eternal life to the dead and consolation to the bereaved families. We pray for the relevant governments and health authorities that they take appropriate steps for the good of the people. Look upon us in your mercy and forgive us our failings. Amen”
“Be with those who have died from the virus. May they be at rest with you in your eternal peace. Be with the families of those who are sick or have died. As they worry and grieve, defend them from illness and despair. May they know your peace. We pray for the families and friends of people who have died and for those attending funerals at this time. Amen”
Whatever the cause of death, we pray for those whose loved ones have died especially for those who have funerals over the coming days.
“Jesus, you 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. Amen”
“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”
We remember all those who are struggling with isolation:
“Dear God, the anxiety we face often feels like too much to carry. We’re tired and weary. We’re drained. We face discouragement at every turn. Yet 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. We believe that you are mighty and that you are bigger than this trial. Amen”
“Lord Jesus Christ, you 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. 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. Amen”
“We pray for all the generous people we have in our community who have donated food to the Food Bank. We thank the volunteers helping to feed those in need in our town. May God protect you all and keep you safe during this uncertain time. Amen”
A special prayer for all of us:
"Dear God, 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”
“We pray for a vaccine to become available as soon as possible to help stop this virus. We are thankful that many thousands of people have recovered from the virus and we pray that this will continue. Amen”
A prayer for parents and children:
“Father, thank you for our families. Thank you for the laughter, the learning, the tears and the triumphs that fill our homes. Teach us. Root us in your word. 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. May we glorify you in our victories. Amen”
We pray for workers across the world, we think of all key workers without whom we would struggle:
“God, please bless all our key workers who are labouring long and hard for the rest of us. Keep them safe, bless their endeavours and give them strength. May we all uphold them in your name and remember their families left at home: please guard and protect them too. Have mercy on us all, dear Father. Amen”
Weekly Prayers for 5th-12th July
Special prayer for 5th July:
We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. (Romans 8:22–24a, NIV)
"Lord our God, we thank you for the great calling you have given us. We thank you that in all the evils of today's world you give us the hope and faith that you are leading us to a goal that is good, and you make us free. You make your children free so that throughout humankind a new spirit may come, a new life and a new power to serve you in time and eternity. Praise to your name that we can always have hope; nothing can discourage us, but everything must work together for good in accordance with your great purpose. Grant that your compassion may come to all the world, to all people whom you have looked upon with mercy in sending Jesus Christ as Saviour. Amen”
Prayer for our church:
“Dear God, we pray that you will enable our church to do your will. We pray for Fr Mark and ask that you watch over him when he has to conduct funerals at this time. Make our church a community of peacemakers and bridge builders in the midst of turbulence. We pray that our congregation can stay close to their faith in their homes with the help of the Spiritual Communion document on the website and the Weekly Prayers and Daily Prayers as well as the Bible Readings and Reflections on the website and Facebook page. We ask that you enable our fellow worshippers to stay safe. Amen”
“Lord, in these days of mercy, make us quiet and prayerful; in these days of challenge, make us stronger in you; in these days of emptiness, take possession of us; in these days of waiting, open our hearts to the mystery of your cross. Amen”
OUR PRAYERS FOR THE SICK AND THOSE WHO HAVE DIED
Please be assured that Father Mark will continue to pray for these people during his daily prayers this week.
Those who have asked for our prayers:
George and Jean Hodgetts, Rose Ward, Nina Davies, Vicki Ellis, George Carter, James Carr, Lindsey Dawes, Fred Clarke, Martin Holland, Ted Dodd, Chris Handley, Mike Harrison, Danny Peters, Stephen Wright, Sam Martin, Lynn Yule, Keith Turner, Bill Rae, Adam Jones, Rob, Leonie, Ged Lance, Gerry De Meulemeester, John Manns, Amanda Horton, Yolanda Cox, Lillian Freeman, Charlotte Talbot, John Lewis, Aiden Holmes, baby Frankie Rowley, Debbie Sampson, Francis Burrows and Bernie Burrows, Ray Stansbie, Steven De Meulemeester, Barbara Willerby, Natalie Price, Evelyn Stokes, Malcolm Wright and Mike Gwynne.
“May the Healing of our Risen Lord Jesus Christ, who is here present with us now, enter your soul and mind and body and heal you from everything that harms you and give you His joy and His peace.”
“All-powerful 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. We ask that you watch over all those awaiting operations. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God. Amen”
“Merciful God, we entrust to your tender care those who are ill or in pain, knowing that whenever danger threatens, your everlasting arms are there to hold them safe. Comfort and heal them, and restore them to health and strength; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen”
For those who have recently died, we pray for:
Evelyn Fullard, Roy Parker, Brian Hodson, John Pemberton, Dave Ward, Areema Nasreen, Norman Price, Janet Cureton, Jean Howell, Edna Betty Jones, Joan Weston, baby Riley, Patrick Wilkes, Barbara North, Audrey Worton, Richard, Nuala Walsh, Carmine Burrows and Ronald Hart.
Jesus said “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust God still, and trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s house; if there were not I should have told you. I am going now to prepare a place for you, and after I have gone and prepared you a place, I shall return to take you with me; so that where I am you may be too.” (John 14:1-4)
“Almighty and eternal God, from whose love in Christ we cannot be parted, either by death or life: hear our prayers and thanksgivings for all whom we remember this day; fulfil in them the purpose of your love; and bring us all, with them, to your eternal joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. In your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust Evelyn, Roy, Brian, John, Dave, Areema, Norman, Janet, Jean, Edna, Joan, baby Riley, Patrick, Barbara, Audrey, Richard, Nuala, Carmine and Ronald. In this life you embraced them with Your tender love; bid them now eternal rest. Amen”
For those known only to you who have died, we pray:
“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”
“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”
We remember NHS workers who have died from Covid-19 since 25th March.
“Heavenly Father, whose loving care extends over all things and over all time, hear our prayer for those who have dedicated their lives to the service and care of others especially those of the NHS, caring professions and emergency services who, by tending those infected with the Covid virus have themselves fallen prone to the disease and died. Receive our sorrow; comfort those who mourn; strengthen, guide and protect those who continue to care for people who are sick and in need, as we commend the departed to your loving and eternal care; we make our prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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. Amen”
“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 in their difficult times; made more acute during the current Coronavirus situation. 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 those who have too little to eat. Amen”
“We pray for all the generous people we have in our community who have donated food to the Food Bank. We pray, also, for the volunteers who help to feed those in need. May God protect you and keep you safe during this uncertain time. 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. 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. We pray that you bless all those who give and receive. Increase the capacity of the Food Bank; help the food to get to those who need it most. Amen”
We remember all of those who are struggling with isolation.
“Lord Jesus Christ, you 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. Amen”
“Loving God, we pray today for those who are confronted by the sadness, ambiguity and confusion of mental illness, and for 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”
Please pray daily for everybody whose lives are affected by Coronavirus
“We pray that you watch over us, Lord, in these uncertain times, as more restrictions are lifted and the threat of a spike in Covid-19 cases is a worrying possibility. 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. Inspire and invigorate people developing better tests to diagnose the virus, vaccines to prevent it and protocols and communication to eliminate the disease’s spread. May truth and empathy be the touchstones of people setting policies for our protection. Amen”
“Lord God, whose Son, Jesus Christ, understood people’s fear and pain before they spoke of them, we pray for those in hospital or sick at home; surround the frightened with your tenderness; give strength to those in pain; hold the weak in your arms of love, and give hope and patience to those who are recovering; we ask this through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen”
“Gracious God, give skill, sympathy and resilience to all who are caring for the sick and your wisdom to those searching for a cure. Strengthen them with your Spirit, that through their work many will be restored to health; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen”
“God, please bless all our key workers who are labouring long and hard for the rest of us. Keep them safe, bless their endeavours and give them strength. Let them feel cherished by you and respected by the ones in their care. May we all uphold them in your name and remember their families left at home: please guard and protect them too. Have mercy on us all, dear Father. Amen”
And finally . . .
“O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that with you as our ruler and guide we may so pass through things temporal that we lose not our hold on things eternal; grant this, heavenly Father, for our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for 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.
Special prayer for 5th July:
We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. (Romans 8:22–24a, NIV)
"Lord our God, we thank you for the great calling you have given us. We thank you that in all the evils of today's world you give us the hope and faith that you are leading us to a goal that is good, and you make us free. You make your children free so that throughout humankind a new spirit may come, a new life and a new power to serve you in time and eternity. Praise to your name that we can always have hope; nothing can discourage us, but everything must work together for good in accordance with your great purpose. Grant that your compassion may come to all the world, to all people whom you have looked upon with mercy in sending Jesus Christ as Saviour. Amen”
Prayer for our church:
“Dear God, we pray that you will enable our church to do your will. We pray for Fr Mark and ask that you watch over him when he has to conduct funerals at this time. Make our church a community of peacemakers and bridge builders in the midst of turbulence. We pray that our congregation can stay close to their faith in their homes with the help of the Spiritual Communion document on the website and the Weekly Prayers and Daily Prayers as well as the Bible Readings and Reflections on the website and Facebook page. We ask that you enable our fellow worshippers to stay safe. Amen”
“Lord, in these days of mercy, make us quiet and prayerful; in these days of challenge, make us stronger in you; in these days of emptiness, take possession of us; in these days of waiting, open our hearts to the mystery of your cross. Amen”
OUR PRAYERS FOR THE SICK AND THOSE WHO HAVE DIED
Please be assured that Father Mark will continue to pray for these people during his daily prayers this week.
Those who have asked for our prayers:
George and Jean Hodgetts, Rose Ward, Nina Davies, Vicki Ellis, George Carter, James Carr, Lindsey Dawes, Fred Clarke, Martin Holland, Ted Dodd, Chris Handley, Mike Harrison, Danny Peters, Stephen Wright, Sam Martin, Lynn Yule, Keith Turner, Bill Rae, Adam Jones, Rob, Leonie, Ged Lance, Gerry De Meulemeester, John Manns, Amanda Horton, Yolanda Cox, Lillian Freeman, Charlotte Talbot, John Lewis, Aiden Holmes, baby Frankie Rowley, Debbie Sampson, Francis Burrows and Bernie Burrows, Ray Stansbie, Steven De Meulemeester, Barbara Willerby, Natalie Price, Evelyn Stokes, Malcolm Wright and Mike Gwynne.
“May the Healing of our Risen Lord Jesus Christ, who is here present with us now, enter your soul and mind and body and heal you from everything that harms you and give you His joy and His peace.”
“All-powerful 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. We ask that you watch over all those awaiting operations. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God. Amen”
“Merciful God, we entrust to your tender care those who are ill or in pain, knowing that whenever danger threatens, your everlasting arms are there to hold them safe. Comfort and heal them, and restore them to health and strength; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen”
For those who have recently died, we pray for:
Evelyn Fullard, Roy Parker, Brian Hodson, John Pemberton, Dave Ward, Areema Nasreen, Norman Price, Janet Cureton, Jean Howell, Edna Betty Jones, Joan Weston, baby Riley, Patrick Wilkes, Barbara North, Audrey Worton, Richard, Nuala Walsh, Carmine Burrows and Ronald Hart.
Jesus said “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust God still, and trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s house; if there were not I should have told you. I am going now to prepare a place for you, and after I have gone and prepared you a place, I shall return to take you with me; so that where I am you may be too.” (John 14:1-4)
“Almighty and eternal God, from whose love in Christ we cannot be parted, either by death or life: hear our prayers and thanksgivings for all whom we remember this day; fulfil in them the purpose of your love; and bring us all, with them, to your eternal joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. In your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust Evelyn, Roy, Brian, John, Dave, Areema, Norman, Janet, Jean, Edna, Joan, baby Riley, Patrick, Barbara, Audrey, Richard, Nuala, Carmine and Ronald. In this life you embraced them with Your tender love; bid them now eternal rest. Amen”
For those known only to you who have died, we pray:
“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”
“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”
We remember NHS workers who have died from Covid-19 since 25th March.
“Heavenly Father, whose loving care extends over all things and over all time, hear our prayer for those who have dedicated their lives to the service and care of others especially those of the NHS, caring professions and emergency services who, by tending those infected with the Covid virus have themselves fallen prone to the disease and died. Receive our sorrow; comfort those who mourn; strengthen, guide and protect those who continue to care for people who are sick and in need, as we commend the departed to your loving and eternal care; we make our prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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. Amen”
“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 in their difficult times; made more acute during the current Coronavirus situation. 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 those who have too little to eat. Amen”
“We pray for all the generous people we have in our community who have donated food to the Food Bank. We pray, also, for the volunteers who help to feed those in need. May God protect you and keep you safe during this uncertain time. 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. 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. We pray that you bless all those who give and receive. Increase the capacity of the Food Bank; help the food to get to those who need it most. Amen”
We remember all of those who are struggling with isolation.
“Lord Jesus Christ, you 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. Amen”
“Loving God, we pray today for those who are confronted by the sadness, ambiguity and confusion of mental illness, and for 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”
Please pray daily for everybody whose lives are affected by Coronavirus
“We pray that you watch over us, Lord, in these uncertain times, as more restrictions are lifted and the threat of a spike in Covid-19 cases is a worrying possibility. 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. Inspire and invigorate people developing better tests to diagnose the virus, vaccines to prevent it and protocols and communication to eliminate the disease’s spread. May truth and empathy be the touchstones of people setting policies for our protection. Amen”
“Lord God, whose Son, Jesus Christ, understood people’s fear and pain before they spoke of them, we pray for those in hospital or sick at home; surround the frightened with your tenderness; give strength to those in pain; hold the weak in your arms of love, and give hope and patience to those who are recovering; we ask this through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen”
“Gracious God, give skill, sympathy and resilience to all who are caring for the sick and your wisdom to those searching for a cure. Strengthen them with your Spirit, that through their work many will be restored to health; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen”
“God, please bless all our key workers who are labouring long and hard for the rest of us. Keep them safe, bless their endeavours and give them strength. Let them feel cherished by you and respected by the ones in their care. May we all uphold them in your name and remember their families left at home: please guard and protect them too. Have mercy on us all, dear Father. Amen”
And finally . . .
“O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that with you as our ruler and guide we may so pass through things temporal that we lose not our hold on things eternal; grant this, heavenly Father, for our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for 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.
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Prayers for Remembrance Day 2019
In church, this morning, the following prayers were read by Trevor Stokes.
“Let us pray for all who suffer as a result of war and conflict 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 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.”
“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.”
“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.”
And now, we pray for each of our Armed Forces:
Prayer for the Royal Navy
“O Eternal Lord God, who alone rulest the raging of the sea; who has compassed the waters with bounds until day and night come to an end; be pleased to receive into Thy almighty and most gracious protection the persons of us, Thy servants, and the Fleet in which we serve. Preserve us from the dangers of the sea and from the violence of the enemy; that we may be a safeguard unto our most gracious Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth, and her Dominions and a security for such as pass upon the seas upon their lawful occasions, that the inhabitants of our Commonwealth may in peace and quietness serve Thee our God and that we may return in safety to enjoy the blessings of the land, with the fruits of our labours and with a thankful remembrance of Thy mercies to praise and glorify Thy Holy Name. Amen”
Prayer for the Royal Air Force
“Almighty God, You have promised that they who wait on you shall renew their strength, they shall rise up on wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. We commend to your Fatherly protection all who serve in the Royal Air Force. Encourage and inspire us in all our efforts so that we may be a safeguard to our Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth, and a sure defence to our nation. Help us to fulfil our duties with honour, goodwill and integrity and grant that we may prove worthy successors to those who by their valour and sacrifice did nobly save their day and generation. Amen”
Prayer for all those who serve in the regiments of the British Army (From the Field Service Book of the British Army)
“Almighty God, in you alone we find safety and peace. We commend to your gracious keeping all the men and women who serve in the Army. All who face danger and put their lives at risk so that others might live in safety. Defend them day by day by your heavenly power; and help them to know that they can never pass beyond the reach of your care. Keep alive in them and in us your vision of that peace which alone we must seek and serve. Amen”
Finally:
“O God of truth and justice, we hold before you those whose memory we cherish here today 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.”
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