Please come, be refreshed and pray for the life of our parishes. The prayer breakfast will take place in the Canterbury Room at St Thomas’. Coffee and croissants from 8:15am, followed by prayer. Finished by 9.30am. Please do join us.
This will be a meal for families and their children where we meet, eat and share faith together and the kids have a brilliant time eating, playing and sharing faith in their way. Families of all ages are very welcome. The meal will start at 5:45/6pm.
As parliament reconvenes under a new Prime Minister, we bring our prayers for our own country, asking that you bless all those in positions of power and leadership. Guide them into wise decisions and effective policies - fair and in the interests of all - not just the wealthy or influential. Where Pharaoh feared those of a different ethnicity, turning welcome into hostility, may we instead embrace the opportunity to cherish our neighbours, no matter how they may differ from us, sharing in the joy of knowing that all are your children and made in your image. Lord, break the chains of poverty and intolerance. Lead your people into new hope.
Just as the Hebrew people prepared for upheaval, this is a time of transition for many experiencing major life changes. We think especially of children, young people and adults embarking on the next stage of their education or employment. We pray for those experiencing anxiety or other mental health difficulties brought about by change or fear of the unknown, and for those who support and mentor them, especially parents and grandparents and other carers. We pray for those relocating, retiring, or entering into new relationships. Lord, break the chains of uncertainty. Lead your people into new hope.
Grant your love, strength and comfort to those whose life is not going smoothly. We think of those sick in mind, or body or spirit; or finding their independence or quality of life restricted in any way; those who are dealing with financial challenges such as unemployment or redundancy, homelessness or unsatisfactory accommodation, poverty or need; and those whose relationships are not running smoothly or who find themselves isolated and alone. Lord, break the chains of insecurity. Lead your people into new hope.
In a moment of quiet, we bring to you the things that are particularly on our hearts today. Lord, break the chains that bind us. Lead your people into new hope. Amen.