The prayer from Sunday's service.

Yesterday was Sunday.  Once a quarter I have the privilege of leading the intercessions during worship service.  I quite enjoy writing prayers, because I am not just writing what comes to mind--I am actively thinking about what to pray for and how to pray.  

Often, as I think about my family, my community and the world, words seem elusive. But, I praise God, because He interprets my desires, intentions and hopes.  

When I'm writing the intercessions for church, I know He is

inspiring and leading me.  I know that when the congregation hears and agrees, God's throne is filled with the incense of faith.  Not that single smokey wisp of a slender stick of incense, (which is my prayer), but rather a great plume of smoke that is passion, belief, hope and trust that our God is faithful to answer.  

With that in mind, it is my hope that your belief and prayers are added to this intercession, which I said yesterday.

Reader: Father, we lift our hearts to you

Response: Use us to touch the World.

In the power of the Holy Spirit, and in union with Jesus Christ, let us pray to the Father:

Father of Amazing Grace and love, your promise is to hear us when we pray through Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord. 

Thank You, Father, for meeting with us today.  We lift up your body, The Church.  We pray for :

Arch Bishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby

Arch Bishop of York John Sentamu

Area Dean, Rod Cosh

We pray that they will lead the church prayerfully, with discernment, wisdom and creativity imagination?.

Robin & Juliet—for times of refreshment, rest, encouragement and wisdom and energy to use the many opportunities they will have to import experience and training to those they meet in Kenya.  We pray you will protect them as they travel. 

Bruce Russell and Colin Hartley as they fill in the gaps whilst Robin is away—that they will have grace and strength, and experience your healing Presence. 

Roger Witney-- We give thanks for his willingness to serves us during our search for a new music director and ask for your blessing on him.  Father, please bring ministers of music to our parish, to serve at St. Mary’s and Christ the Worker. 

We pray for Christian Unity in our parish, our country and the world.  Bless our ties with other congregations—Holy Family Church, the Free Church, and many smaller congregations who serve our community.  Grant that we would be one in vision and one in purpose—that of revealing Your love to the world. 

Reader: Father, we lift our hearts to you

Response: Use us to touch the World.

Father of Grace and Mercy, we pray for our Queen, Elizabeth.  (Thank You for blessing her with many years of good health, as she has sought to faithfully serve the nation.  Thank You for blessing her marriage to Prince Philip, serving as an example of commitment in marriage and family.)

We pray for our Prime Minister, the House of Commons and Members of Parliament, and the House of Lords.  Lord, You often guide us—even when we seem unaware of Your Presence.  (Raise up men of influence—like Ezra, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego—to speak Godly wisdom to our leaders.)  We Pray that our government leaders will seek to have moral integrity, servant hearts and minds who seek wisdom as well as knowledge.

Reader: Father, we lift our hearts to you

Response: Use us to touch the World.

Almighty God, we pray for the world: 

South Sudan, Egypt, and Syria:  Once again we pray You would raise up “Men of Peace” and “Men of Influence”, who possess the skills of negotiation, arbitration and peace-making.  May these men and women seek to bring equity, justice and mutual respect for all parties involved; that cooperation will be established and all races, religions and ethnicities can live openly and freely together.  We pray the peace-makers will not weary, but that their strength will be renewed daily. 

We pray for the rebuilding of Haiti, as that country still struggles to establish an effective infrastructure.  Pray that missionaries who have been working long-term will find renewed vision, procure necessary resources to continue their work.

We pray for the rebuilding of the Philippines, Viet Nam and other countries damaged by the super typhoon, Haiyan.   We pray for those who grieve over the loss of family, friends, homes, businesses, and health.  Send those with a long-term vision to direct the work of aid workers and rally the local community to contribute what they can. 

Reader: Father, we lift our hearts to you

Response: Use us to touch the World.

Heavenly Father, we pray for our local community.  Make us aware of those around us who are lonely—and seek to become their friends.  Thank you for the many cultures and races represented in our community.  We ask that You help us to build bridges and better understanding between neighbours.

We pray for:

Langley Neighbourhood Forum—that you would raise up more people to contribute to the voice of Langley residents

Langley Community Coffee Shop—that friendships would deepen and flourish, that those who would benefit by attending would discover it and join the weekly meeting

Around Langley Magazine—that all those who contribute to its production, promotion and distribution would be encouraged.  We pray that those who read it will be inspired to build stronger community by becoming more involved in the many community service projects

Reader: Father, we lift our hearts to you

Response: Use us to touch the World.

Lord, Your Name is like ointment poured out.  We pray for those who need healing of spirit, healing of mind, healing of heart, healing of body.  

Loving Father, comfort those who grieve

The loss of a loved one

The loss of employment

The loss of health

Those experiencing divorce.

Provide faith, hope, courage and peace to them. 

Father, we thank You for the lives of those, in the faith, who have recently died.  Thank you for their faithful witness, their influence and their love.  With Christ, we remember them, as we partake of the gifts. 

Lord of heaven and earth, we commit ourselves into Your loving hands.

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

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Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,

"Lady Helene"