Saturday 23 February 2013

Sharing A Prayer



Isaiah 65:24:  24 And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.


Response:  As we pray, You promise to hear.

Church:  Most Marvellous God, we are both amazed and humbled to call you Abba, Father.  As Paul wrote, our citizenship is in heaven; we live in a hidden kingdom whilst on this earth.  We pray that all of your children follow in Jesus’ foot steps—making seen the unseen Kingdom.  In countries where Your church is persecuted, fill them with supernatural joy.  You are their light and salvation; enable them to be fearless during trials by ordeal. 
We pray for church leadership worldwide.  We remember the Catholic Church as they go through the process of selecting a new Pope.  May he be strong in vision, purpose and direction. 
We pray for our new Arch Bishop, Justin Welby.  Thank you for his courage to speak into the life of our political leaders.  We ask for your continued blessing on his work.
We thank you for our new Area Dean, Rev’d Roderick Cosh.  Inspired and filled with the Holy Spirit, may he have wisdom, insight, compassion and humour to serve in his new post. 
For our local vicars—Robin, Colin and Bruce—we give you thanks; for their commitment to our community; to teaching and equipping us to effectively make a positive difference in Langley and Slough.

Response:  As we pray, You promise to hear.

World:  May we, Your Children, reflect Your light and salvation in a world of brokenness, strife, selfishness and greed.  We often feel overwhelmed, inept, frustrated at our limited ability to make a difference in such a big world.  Give us eyes to see the opportunities we do have.
          We pray for government leaders—that you would use them to make righteous laws. 
The world has come to us, here in Langley and Slough—having been listed as the most culturally and ethnically diverse community in the country.  Let us take advantage of each situation where we can share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those we meet in our daily life—through actions and words.  Touching one person here can mean touching another life far away. 

Response:  As we pray, You promise to hear.

Community:  We give thanks for libraries, learning centres, and volunteer groups that provide places for people to gain new skills, make friends and give opportunities to serve in the neighbourhood.  Help us in the church to continue to enable and facilitate the work they do.  Let us be motivated by compassion and a desire to use our abilities and talents to participate with them, whilst also being a witness to your love.

Response:  As we pray, You promise to hear.

Those who are ill/suffering:  Jesus, You were wounded for our wrong doing, you were beaten for our wickedness; you suffered our punishment so that we can be healed.  Speak Your word and send your healing to those you are suffering in spirit, soul and body.

Response:  As we pray, You promise to hear.

Those who have died:  Father, we bring to you those who are recently bereaved.  Comfort those who are feeling the recent sting of death.  Let those walking through this time of shadows and sorrow sense Your Presence with them. 

We remember others who have been a part of the fabric of our lives; for some of us they live forever in our hearts only;  for others of us, they reside in our DNA as well. 
Give us the courage and ability to move through our grief, not to be stymied by it. 

Response:  As we pray, You promise to hear.
Most Merciful Father,
Accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ,--Amen

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