Prayer of the Week - 26th February
Dear Lord
take my small offering of self-denial this Lent,
as
a sign of my great longing for you.
When you were tempted in the wilderness,
you rejected the way of easy popularity,
and chose instead a path of humiiation
at
the hands of those you had come to love.
Lord show me the way when I may be tempted.
Grant me the courage to keep my faith
with my small offering this Lent.
In
fasting and service
you bring us back to your heart
you open our eyes to your presence in the world.
Be
with near to us as we journey along these days.
For ever and ever.
Amen
Prayer of the Week - 19th February
God, the Almighty Father of mankind,
who in your great love
made all the peoples of the world to be one family;
help those of different races and religions to love,
understand and accept one another.
Take away all hatred, jealoousy and prejudice
so
that all may work together for the coming of your
kingdom of righteousness and peace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
Prayer of the Week - 12th February
O
You who are love,
and dwell in love,
teach us to be children of love in our actions,
thoughts and words.
May we never turn our love away from those
who are ignorant of your love.
May we be instruments of your mercy
reaching out to those in distress and need,
giving such an example of your loving concern
that all may find unity in the discovery that they are your
children.
Amen.
Prayer of the Week - 5th February
Our heavenly Father
As
we look out of our windows
and see the wonder of snow before us,
we
give you thanks for your creation.
For all the joy that the snow can bring,
children and families playing together
building snowmen and playing snowballs,
sledging and walks along the crisp snow.
For the laughter and smiles which the snow can bring,
Show what simple pleasures in life we really only need.
Help us all to take care when we are out in the snow.
Whether we are out walking or driving.
Keep us safe in your care.
Amen
Prayer of the Week- 29th January
Lord, listen to my words.
Answer me when I pray to you.
My
God who does what is right
Have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
Lord we take each day for granted,
we
take everyone and everything around us as expected to be there.
But then things happen and suddenly our lives change.
We
cannot turn the clocks back and pretend all is normal,
These changes in our lives happen for many reasons
we
have to believe they are all part of your plan.
Be
with us and make us stronger,
renew our faith in you and show us your guiding light.
For today and always.
Amen
Prayer of the Week - 22nd January
O
Lord,
When I am hungry for faith, be my bread.
When I am in the dark, be my guiding light.
When I am alone, be my gate to safety.
When I am lost and afraid, be my shepherd.
When I am in the presence of death, be my resurrection and
life.
When I cannot see where to turn, be my way and my truth.
When I am dry and drifting from you, be my sustaining and
everlasting vine.
For in my prayers I ask
Jesus, remember me.
Amen
Prayer of the Week - 15th January
Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord.
I
will rejoice and be glad in it.
God calls the sun to rise for us;
He
is eager for us to wake up and start a new day
and to talk to HIm.
Each evening the sun sets on all our problems and mistakes
from that day, but then something marvelous happens
while we sleep;
The Lord gives us rest physically, mentally and emotionally;
We
are then renewed and rejuvenated to face the next day.
He
wakens us with a purpose we can hear;
We
are like a disciple who is taught.
So
listen with a ready ear,
to
what God has to say to you,
and you will have a good day.
Amen
Prayer of the Week - 8th January
We
thank you, God,
for all those who brought
the good news of Jesus to us.
Let us keep in our hearts
not just for advent but for all times,
through our lives, your special story
and all those who made the journey to see you.
May we now make that journey as we
are called to be the Body of Christ;
make us worthy of that calling,
fervent in all our prayer and worship,
loving, faithful and honest in our lives,
so
that the whole Church displays
what God is like.
Amen
Prayer of the Week - 1st January 2012
We
thank you, Father, Lord of all time.
For all the possibilities which lie ahead in this new year,
make us thankful, O Lord.
Give us wisdom, courage and discernment
in
the face of so much chaos, despair and fear.
Help us to see how, in our circumstances
we
can contribute towards peace, faith and love,
and give us the will to put our desires
for you into action,
so
that we can grow in faith
and spread the word and your love
throughout our local communities.
Through him who is the beginning and the end,
your Son, Christ our Lord.
Amen
Prayer of the Week - 25th December
What can we offer you, Marys' Boy child, Jesus Christ.
The angels offer you a hymn;
The heavens give you a bright shining star,
The Wise Men bring you gifts of myrrh, frankincense and gold,
The shepherds, bring a lamb.
All I can do is offer you myself as poor as I am.
Your gift to us is so much more.
You offer us a message of Peace at Christmas,
Peace among nations,
peace in our lands,
peace in our homes,
and peace in our hearts.
Let us remember the birth at Bethlehem of the Prince of Peace
not just for today but for the coming days ahead.
Amen
Prayer of the Week - 18th December
Father in heaven,
the day draws near when the glory of your Son
wil make radiant the night of the waiting world.
May the lure of greed not impede us from the joy
which moves the hearts of those who seek him.
May the darkness not blind us
to
the vision of wisdom
which fills the minds of those who find him.
May we rejoice in His coming.
Amen
Prayer of the Week - 11th December
God of all hope and joy,
open our hearts in welcome,
that your Son Jesus Christ at his coming
may find in us a dwelling prepared for himself;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God now and for ever.
Amen
Prayer of the Week - 4th December
As
each new day dawns
we
rejoice in the first glimmers of light
let them remind us of your coming, O Christ
We
give thanks
that your light has overcome all our darkness;
may we share in the mystery of your presence in the world,
and be always ready to live in each day for you.
Amen.
Prayer of the Week - 27th November
Dear Heavenly Father,
as
once again we prepare for Christmas,
help us to find time in our busy lives
for quiet time of reflection.
Help us to keep calm in the weeks to come,
that we do not get caught up in the retail rush.
Allow us to find time in prayer and thought,
so
we may reflect upon the wonder of your love
and allow the story of the Saviour's birth
to
fill our hearts and minds.
May our joy be deeper,
our worship more real,
and our lives worthier of all that you have done
for us through the coming of your Son.
The most precious gift of all.
Amen
Prayer of the Week - 20th November
Grant us a vision, Lord
To
see what we can achieve
To
reach out beyond ourselves
To
share our lives with others
To
stretch our capabilities
To
increase our sense of purpose
To
be aware of where we can help
To
be sensitive of your Presence
To
give heed to your constant call.
For today and always keep us aware.
In
your name
Amen
Prayer of the Week - 13th November
Dear Father
As
we stand before you now in prayer
Let us remember all those who have suffered as a result of war;
For those who have lost their lives in conflict,
For the families who grieve and try to rebuild their worlds.
For those who have been injured
and now have to learn new skills in life to help them.
For those service men and women
who are on active duty throughout the world,
Please protect them and bring them home safely.
Let us pledge ourselves anew to the service of God
and our fellow men and women;
that we may help, encourage and comfort others,
and support those working for the relief of the needy
and for the peace and welfare of the nations.
Guide us by your Spirit;
Give us wisdom;
Give us courage;
Give us hope;
And keep us faithful, now and always.
Amen
Prayer of the Week - 6th November
Caring, loving God,
you call us to journey with Jesus.
Help me to hear you calling me by name
as
I seek to turn to you again.
Give me the courage to face life's temptations
and so discover a deeper faith in you.
Caring, loving God,
release your Spirit within me,
that i may become the living presence of Christ
wherever you may place me.
Amen
Prayer of the Week - Beginning 30th October
How marvellous you are,
how wonderful your ways.
Yours is a faithfulness that never changes,
never ceases with the passing years.
As
God freely gives to us such blessings,
may we freely give to others.
May we be good stewards
of
His churches, money, time, and in our energy.
Yours forever.
Amen
Prayer of the Week - Beginning 23rd October
Almighty Lord,
we
all live in a world
that each day seems to tear itself apart;
your world which was meant to be whole
is
now broken in so many ways,
through war and continual conflict
causing loss of so many precious lives.
For the severe change of the seasons
which has caused so many natural disasters,
from tsunamis and floods to droughts.
Each transforming lives in so many different ways.
To
the financial crisis in the world.
Which has impacted in so many areas,
Those who are self employed and
are now wondering whether they still may have a business.
For the retail market which always was so bouyant
now facing days of quiet and cutbacks.
To
those whose jobs may be unsecure
or
whose salaries are not keeping up with their bills.
For the days when we feel we have
no
time to worship
no
time to pray.
Lord help us in these ever changing hours
that we:
Do
Need you
We
Need To Take Time To Pray
We
Need To Take Time To Worship
We
Need Time Today and Every Day
As
all things in Christ are changed.
A
whole new experience of belonging to each other as we belong to
him.
Amen
Prayer of the Week - Beginning 16th October
May the Spirit pray through us
as
we try to put into words the longings of our hearts.
Be
with us throughout the hours of this day.
In
the morning, when there is newness all around
for this day we may be at work or home
with friends or families
please inspire us with your call to discipleship.
Show us the way to take each step of the day.
In
the middle of the day
when so much still remains to be done
keep us calm and organised
so
that we can fulfill our tasks
remind us of your continuing presence.
When we come to the end of the day and our work is over
it
is so easy to kick of our shoes and sit back and relax
knowing that all our tasks have been completed for another day.
However you do not do this, for your Spirit works while we
rest,
So
that we will then be able to wake the next day and feel
refreshed
surrounded by your love.
We ask in Jesus' Name
Amen
Prayer of the Week - Beginning 9th October
Father God,
We
are surrounded by the richness of the colours of nature
and the harvest of the land,
for the corn, vegetables, fruit and flowers.
For the harvest of the earth
for the oil, coal, salt and water.
For the harvest of the sea,
for creatures and fish of many kinds.
Help us to see these things as a reminder of your unfailing
love.
Even as we pray, we remember how often we take you for granted
and sometimes even act as if you did not exist.
Forgive us for our thoughtlessness and selfishness,
and help us to make this season a time when we try
to
give you the very best we can offer.
In
your Name.
Amen
Prayer of the Week - Beginning 2nd October
God Bless each one of us.
We
are all members of God's family,
however old or young we are,
whatever we've done or failed to do,
wherever we live and and whatever we look like.
May we notice God's smile
as
he looks at each one of us with love
and enjoys our company,
and notices whenever we pass on that love to others.
In
his name we ask this
Amen.
Prayer of the Week - Beginning 25th September
God of Glory
As
this Sunday is back to Church Sunday,
may your light so shine in all our Church Communities
as
you work among us
and bless us with your presence.
We
offer up to you the gifts you have given us
to
use as you feel are best needed in our churches.
We
are all valuable in your eyes and each gift is treasured.
Help us to inpsire visitors so they may keep coming back.
We
pray that there may be a revival for your kingdom,
through our prayers and the ministries.
We
ask this in Your Name
Amen
Prayer of the Week - Beginning 18th September
Father,
All this world is God's own field,
fruit unto his praise to yield;
Wheat and tares together sown,
Unto joy or sorrow grown;
First the blade and then the ear,
Then the full corn shall apear:
Lord of the harvest, grant that we
Wholesome grain and pure may be.
Thank you God that we are fed.
Thank you God for all your care;
Help us all to share and share.
Amen
Prayer of the Week - Beginning 11th September
When rising to joy, you laugh with me.
When rising to toil, you work with me.
When rising to sorrow, you weep with me.
When rising to fear, you stay with me.
Every day I rise not knowing what lays before me,
my
comfort is that you are there by my side.
To
share in my daily emotions.
With this in my mind each and every day
I
know that I can do all things through Christ
who strenghtens me.
Amen.
Prayer of the Week - Beginning 4th September
Father God,
As
the summer holidays draw to a close we give you thanks,
for the funtimes we have had on our holidays with our families.
For the rest and relaxation to help us all recharge our bodies and
minds.
Now as we return to work and school, help us all in our work each
day.
Give us concentration so that we may listen,
understanding that we may learn,
and peaceful minds so that we may remember.
Help us to look everywhere for knowledge.
For those who begin in new jobs and schools be by their side
and help them along lifes new pathway.
We
lift our hearts up to you.
Amen
Prayer of the Week - Beginning 28th August
In
humility and love, let us draw near to our God.
Lord grant us self- control; and to self-control perserverance,
and to perserverance, godliness;
and to godliness, brotherly kindness;
and to brotherly kindness, love.
Help us to enjoy our days and keep in control of our emotions.
You gave us a free will so we can choose
what is best for us.
Keep us free from any old destructive habits however small they may
be,
help us to form new positive habits and to share with others around
us.
With His Spirit around us and by HIs power we can then live a
calm life with a well balanced mind of discipline and self
control.
In
your Name.
Amen
Prayer of the Week - Beginning 21st
August
Lord Jesus Christ,
you are our companion on life's long journey,
when the road may be uneven, you steady us.
When we become tired, you stay by our side.
You are our interpreter when we bring questions,
you find the answers.
When we are in discomfort you are there with reassurance and
kindness.
You walk with us always along life's highway.
Through hard times and good times,
you unravel the mystery of life and reveal the
truth.
Grant us a fresh vision of all that you have to
offer,
so that we may become more like him each day.
Amen
Prayer of the Week - Beginning 14th August
Dear Lord our God,
You said that "All are welcome" - yet we prefer those we
know. You said that "All are invited" - yet we always check
credentials. All is ready - yet we find every possible reason for
delay.
God of grace, mercy and compassion, reignite our faith
reinvigorate our courage and free us from fear so that we can
openly rejoice in your love, so that we may genuinely welcome all
into your house, to your feast of your goodness, truth and
love.
In your name.
Amen
Prayer of the Week - Beginning 7th August
Dear God,
We pray for those who are out on your waters, whether they are
wide open seas or small inland waterways. The blue skies and calm
seas are inviting for those who are taking their first trips out on
the boats. May they have a pleasurable time and want to come back
for more.
For the experienced sailors and fishermen grant them fair winds
and kind seas. So that they may have good trips wherever they
may go.
We pray for us in the ship of the Church, that whenever the
storms rocks our boat, and appears to put us under threat, may we
trust in You, to bring us safely through the rough seas of life, to
the calm waters ahead. Keeping our ship strong.
Amen
Prayer of the Week - Beginning 31st July
Walk with us Lord, while we are on our holidays,
drive with us down the motorways and highways,
fly with us down the air corridors and
be with us as we take off and land.
Wherever we are going, near or far away
grant that we may have a
peaceful, relaxing time.
Let us recharge our batteries of life so that we
can come back refreshed and ready for whatever you have planned
for us.
Keep us all safe both in body and mind
for everyone of your family is precious.
Amen.
Prayers for the Week - Beginning 24th July
O Heavenly Father,
Please be with those families who mourn for their loved ones
out in Norway.
For the teenagers who were on Utoya and those in Oslo.
Let everyone remember them.
Their lives have been taken from this world so soon,
and their talents lost forever.
For those who were caught up in the horrific tragedy
be with them now and at all times, try and help them to find
peace
and comfort, maybe not over the next few days but over the
coming years.
Help those who are in the emergency services to find strength
and courage
to continue everyday with their jobs which are so vital and yet
we all take
for granted. Be by their sides and know that they are
loved.
For we ask this in your Name.
Amen
Father,
As I turn on the television or open the newspapers every
day,
I see the needs and concerns of all those who are suffering
due to the drought and the famine.
May we strive to address the imprisoning poverty and hunger of
much of the world.
Give us the voice to help try and change this.
When we sit down to eat and drink may we be thankful
but also not be greedy and remember those
who even lack the right to have clean water to drink.
We have so much - riches beyond our wildest dreams,
So let us learn to share however we are able.
In Your Name Sake
Amen
Prayer of the Week - Beginning 17th July
Dear Loving God,
We thank you for the joy of our families and friendships,
and the opportunities provided in our homes
for learning what real loving is all about.
We pray for those we love and worry about,
whether they are near or far away,
and for those who love and worry about us.
We pray for those in our communities
where friendships have grown from seedlings and now
blossomed into fully grown trees.
Guide us all on the journey of life, keeping our love and
friendships together and strong, bounded in your love.
Amen.
Prayer of the Week - Beginning 10th July
Loving Generous God,
We thank you for the fruits of the Spirit;
You taught us to live by the Spirit;
We pray for all those who are in conflict
and are struggling to find peace.
We pray for those who are in countries
where they have had natural disasters
may they find your love and gentleness.
We pray for our families at home and away
may they know your joy and goodness and patience.
Your fruits are so great they help grow us in character
to become the disciple you would like us to be.
For the fruits of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace
Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness
and Self - Control.
In your Name
Amen
Prayer of the Week - Beginning 3rd July
O Lord our God
We give you thanks for the wonderful things around us.
Our eyes can take in some many pictures each day,
colourful and creating different emotions for us,
We give you thanks.
Our ears hear different sounds,
from the everyday hustle and bustle to the quiet stillness,
We give you thanks.
Our mouths enjoy the tastes of different foods,
from home cooking to meals out, sharing with our family and
friends.
We give you thanks.
All of these senses are a feast of our lives.
Forgive us when we may not always share the good things around
us.
Teach us to be generous and use our senses for your work.
Amen
Prayer of the Week - Beginning 26th June
Lord when we have times of doubt
you guide us and show us the path to follow.
When our lives become muddled and confused
you help us to make clear decisions and set us on our way.
You are always there to listen to us without any judgement
If we listen too, we can hear your word to us
Your words of faith, hope and love.
The greatest of these is love.
Amen
Prayer of the Week - Beginning 19th June
O Lord, my God, when i in awesome wonder
consider all the works thy hand hath made.
The stars and the planets up in the night sky,
The gentle wind and the clouds up high.
My heart sings out to you.
The birds singing sweetly from the trees above,
The new lives you have given all for love,
My heart sings out to you.
For the beautiful plants and flowers,
For the brooks, rivers, seas and rain showers
My heart sings out to you.
What joy shall fill my heart,
My song,
My God,
How Great thou art.
Amen
Prayer of the Week - Beginning 12th June
Loving God, we thank you
for your love and care that spans the generations.
For your Holy Spirit who enfolds us and strengthens us.
Help us to be faithful disciples.
May you show us the way forward in worship and service.
Energise us, challenge us.
So that we can use our skills and passion to transform
the work of our churches within this our circuit.
Show us how we can each play a vital role in your plan
of building a church of people.
In your names sake.
Amen
Prayer of the Week - Beginning 5th June
God be in my head and in my understanding.
How marvellous you are,
How wonderful your ways with humankind.
Yours is a faithfulness that never changes and
does not diminish with the passing years.
Open our eyes, ears and our hearts so that
we can see, hear and love you
for you are a God of all good things.
Amen
Prayer of the Week - Beginning 29th May
All-seeing, all-embracing, all-loving God,
Creator of us all, whose word is his deed,
who stretches out a hand to steady those who stumble,
who lifts the fallen, and sets them back on their way.
Fill your people with the desire to become more like you so
that
when we hear the cries of those in need, we can listen and
help.
When we see someone in need, we step forward and embrace
them.
Our world is a fragile world,
but with you by our side it can only become stronger.
We too may see all, embrace all and love all
In deed as well as word
In your Name.
Amen
Prayer of the Week - Beginning 22nd May
Caring, Loving God
you call us to journey with Jesus.
Help me to hear you calling me by name
as I seek to turn to you again.
Give me the courage to face life's temptations
and so discover a deeper faith in you.
Caring, loving God,
release your Spirit within me,
that i may become the living presence of Christ
wherever you may place me.
Amen.
Prayer of the Week - Beginning 15th
May
O Lord Jesus, pray on us.
Dwell in us and we in Thee.
Unite us with Thyself so that our prayers
may become Thy prayers, and Thy prayers our prayers.
Make us to love Thee for Thine own sake
and not for what we hope from Thee.
Teach us to love as Thou lovest.
Amen
Prayer of the week - Beginning 8th
May
Into thy hands, O Lord,
we commit ourselves this day.
Give to each one of us a watchful, a humble, and a diligent
spirit,
that we may seek in all things to know thy will,
and when we know it may perform it perfectly and gladly,
to the honour and glory of thy name,
through Jesus Christ our Lord
Amen