Privilege, Responsiblity and opportunity

"We must begin to believe that God, in the mystery of prayer, has entrusted us with a force that can move the Heavenly world, and can bring its power down to earth." Andrew Murray

Privilege:  “an ​advantage that only one ​person or ​group of ​people has, usually because of ​their ​position or because they are ​rich.”

 http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/privilege

Responsibility:  to be in a ​position of ​authority over someone and to have a ​duty to make ​certain that ​particular things are done:

http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/responsibility

Opportunity:  an ​occasion or ​situation that makes it ​possible to do something that you ​want to do or have to do, or the ​possibility of doing something:

http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/opportunity

  Privilege, responsibility, and opportunity are three nouns that describe a Christian’s relationship to prayer.  As people who find indentify in Christ, we have access to the riches of heaven.  We have been given the advantage of Christ’s authority to enable us to make disciples around the world.  Prayer allows us and others to participate together at any time to release the changing power of God’s love into the lives of family, friends and even strangers on the other side of the world.  

It is not uncommon for Satan to use all kinds of interruptions and distractions to draw away from praying.  As we grow in Christ we learn to recognise these attempts by the Evil One to keep us inactive.  When we hear of amazing answers to our intercessions, we become more determined and disciplined to persevere.  

Our prayers are a life-line for the individuals, families and organisations that are represented here in the Mission Bell.  Whether individually, or with others, let us see every day as an opportunity to take our responsibility of interceding to a new level, taking advantage of the privilege of being sons and daughters of God.  

Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,

"Lady Helene"

Intercessions from Sunday, 17 April 2016

¹⁹ “Again I say^[a] to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. ²⁰ For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”  Matthew 18:19-20

The Reader:  Lord, in Your mercy,

Response:   Hear our prayer.

The Church:  Merciful God, You Who are a maker of mysteries and a revealer of secrets we bless You.  Today we have gathered together in Your name and believe You are with us, receiving our love and hearing our prayers.    You have created us in Your image to reflect Your nature and character to the world.  Grant us, your church, grace to think, speak and act in ways that reveal your truth to our generation both here and around the world.

We pray for our church leaders:

·        Arch Bishops Justin Welby and John Sentamu

·        For Robin and Juliet as they prepare for the cruise.  Keep them safe as they travel.  Bless Robin as he performs the daily tasks as Chaplain.

·        Bless Colin and Bruce and they cover extra responsibilities while Robin is away.

We pray for Missionaries world-wide as they work to take your message to unreached people around the world:

·        We pray specifically for the Cleaver Family;

·        For their corrected visa to be processed and delivered  quickly;

·        For their travel arrangements to go smoothly;

·        For protection and safety as they travel to Vinnytsia;

·        For the children to travel well, especially as the trip will be several days; 

·        For good health for the family, as they prepare to go, as they travel and after they arrive in Ukraine.

·        For the adjustment of transitioning to a new home, where English is a 2^nd language

·        For relationships with YWAM staff members to grow quickly

·        For Joni as she starts school

·        For peace of mind and good health for  their families who remain here and who will miss them when they are away

 

The Reader: Lord, in Your mercy,

Response:   Hear our prayer.

As the 2^nd anniversary of the kidnapping of 276 teenage girls from a school in Chibok, Nigeria is marked , we remember them and the many others who have been abducted and trafficked.  We pray for their safe return to their families. 

On Thursday, 21^st April, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth will celebrate her 90^th birthday.  Bless her with continued good health, a keen mind and a deepening faith.  Thank You for her commitment to serve You and our country with diligence, wisdom and compassion.

The Reader:  Lord, in Your mercy,

Response:   Hear our prayer.

The Local Community: 

We give you thanks for the emergency workers, ambulance drivers, police officers and fire-fighters who faithfully and conscientiously served Langley and Slough.  Please continue to protect them as they work to keep our community safe.

The Reader:  Lord, in Your mercy,

Response:   Hear our prayer.

Those who suffer:  God of comfort and healing, touch those who suffer in spirit, emotionally and physically.  Supply them with hope, peace and joy in the midst of pain.  Bless their doctors, nurses, therapists and carers. 

The communion of saints:  We commend to you those who have gone before us in the faith.  We ask for your consolation as we remember our loved ones—whether the bereavement is new or long-standing. 

Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of Your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Prayer of Intercession

Scripture Reading:  12)   I have revealed and saved and proclaimed— I, and not some foreign god among you.   You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “that I am God.

 13)   Yes, and from ancient days I am he.  No one can deliver out of my hand.  When I act, who can reverse it?”   Isaiah 43:12-14--New International

The Reader:     Ancient of Days,

Response:         Save Your People

The Church:

 Ancient of Days, our near and Present Father, we praise you.  We pray for your Precious body, the church.  May each person, who claims your name, draw near to You in intimacy.  Help them discover Your purpose and call on his/her life.  We ask that you send aid to those who are suffering persecution for Your Name’s sake.  Bless those in church leadership to be true and caring pastors to Your flock.

 We pray for the work of Corrymeela Community, an organisation committed to the healing of social, religious and political divisions that exist in Northern Ireland and throughout the world.  Pray for the forthcoming events:  Slowing Down to Meet Yourself, Violence in the Village, and Making Language Visible.  Pray that hearts will be challenged, encouraged and gain hope.  Pray for hosts, facilitators and speakers.

The Reader:     Ancient of Days,

Response:         Save Your People

Creation, Human Society, The Sovereign, Those in Authority: 

Creator of Heaven and Earth, teach us Your principles of stewardship.  Apart from You, we use the world’s resources selfishly.  By Your Holy Spirit, guide us with lessons of mercy, respect, and selflessness to wisely nurture natural resources and discover better ways of developing communities.  Bless all government leaders in dealing with conflict worldwide.  Thank You for our Queen Elizabeth, who openly testifies of her faith in You.  We pray for our MP’s as they deal with the many issues facing the UK, especially the forthcoming vote regarding the EU.

The Reader:     Ancient of Days,

Response:         Save Your People

The Local Community: 

Faithful Shepherd, we pray for opportunities to share the message of Jesus’ redeeming love with our friends and neighbours, and the courage to speak.  May we, Your church, shine in the community as we participate in toddler groups, children’s ministries, the food bank, Bible studies, the coffee shop and craft groups.  Help us to connect in friendship.  You have blessed us; therefore we pray to be a blessing to others.

The Reader:     Ancient of Days,

Response:         Save Your People

Those who suffer: 

Great and Glorious Physician, touch all who are suffering in spirit, soul and body.  May Your presence be felt by all who are ill at home, in hospital, in hospice and even those who are homeless.  Bless doctors, nurses, dentists, midwives, professional carers and family members who tend to the sick, by providing physical touch, medicines and treatments.

The Reader:     Ancient of Days,

Response:         Save Your People

The communion of saints

God of all comfort, make your comfort know to all who grieve—whether recent or longstanding.  Let us be Your hands to touch, Your ears to listen , Your hands to serve . We give praise to You for those who guided and nurtured us in life, but are now a part of the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us.  We remember them. 

Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of Your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Praying at all times...

The Reader:         Merciful Father

Response:            Hear our Prayer

Our Father, You, Who ever loves us, invite us to call you “Abba”, “Daddy”.  We are amazed and humbled by Your grace and mercy.  Through the blood of Your Son we are freed from our sins and called into Your kingdom to be a royal race, and a kingdom of priests.  Our worship continues as our prayers rise before you as sweet smelling incense.

The Reader:         Merciful Father

Response:            Hear our Prayer

The Church: Our Father, we lift to you our church leaders, remembering that they must give account to You for their service.  Help us do our part to encourage them and support them as they faithfully give their time, talents and service to You and to us.  We especially remember our Archbishops—Justin Welby and John Sentamu; our Area Dean, Rod Cosh and our local vicars, Bruce, Colin and Robin. 

We pray for those who remain faithful to You in times of hardship—persecution, living in war zones, living in areas of natural disasters.  Impress upon us that our prayers empower them to endure, persevere and experience joy in the midst of suffering. 

The Reader:         Merciful Father

Response:            Hear our Prayer

Creation, Human Society, The Sovereign, Those in Authority:  Most Merciful Father the nations of the world need leaders who are committed to the good of their people, the equitable and responsible stewardship of their country’s natural resources, and seeking the resolution of conflict with other nations.  By Your Spirit turn their hearts and minds to service of others, instead of grasping for power, glory and personal gain. 

We pray for South Sudan, where the fighting has stopped, but the country needs leaders with vision, determination and strategies to build a strong government and a sound infrastructure.

Also, we pray for Syria, Israel and Palestine.  We pray for miracles in diplomatic communications so that peace will truly come to the Middle East.

We bless our Queen, Elisabeth, the Prime Minister and those who lead this country.  We give You thanks for allowing us to worship freely, without fear of legal action against us. 

The Reader:         Merciful Father

Response:            Hear our Prayer

The Local Community:  We pray for Around Langley Magazine; that many new readers will have their hearts stirred with curiosity about the message of Jesus Christ.  Stir the hearts of many people who have time and talent, leading them  to  get involved with writing, advertising  in, distributing and promoting the Magazine.  We pray for wisdom and grace for those currently involved with the production of it.

The Reader:         Merciful Father

Response:            Hear our Prayer

Those who suffer:  Our hearts and minds are still grappling with the shock of the terrorist attacks in Paris.  We pray for the families who must now walk the journey of grief, learning to adjust to life without their loved one.  We pray for those who were injured, and must rebuild their lives, learning to overcome the trauma.  Lead them to faith in You. 

We bless You Father, because You send Your Word and heal us.  We pray for the lost, the lonely, the sick in body, mind and Spirit. 

Many are burdened with the responsibility of giving care to family members.  In those moments when they feel isolated, overwhelmed, anxious, and weary, reveal Your love.  Send us alongside them to help carry their burden and be the vessel of Your love. 

We remember those in our church family:   Pam and John Sanders, (read list)

The Reader:         Merciful Father

Response:            Hear our Prayer

The communion of saints:  Dearest Father, as we remember those who have fallen asleep in the faith, we give you thanks.  Today many hearts are bruised with grief.  Teach us to be the hands that touch and the ears that hear, providing solace and comfort.  We give you praise for all your faithful children, with whom we rejoice in the communion of saints…See intercession sheet. 

Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of Your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ.  Amen.