Thank you to Ann for this week’s prayers.
Prayers for the Church Dear Lord, it is Ordinary time in the Church calendar, but I don’t see how any time spent with You can be Ordinary, when You spent Your time teaching vast crowds and picnicking with them too. You healed the sick. You invited a lonely man in a tree to a party, and healed another gent who came through the roof of the house You were visiting. You made the shy woman well when she touched Your robe in the crowd. You blessed the children brought to You and told them of their guardian angels, and not even the sparrows were forgotten by You. On a mountain top You talked with Moses and Elijah, in the desert You walked with wild creatures and angels. You crossed the waters to join Your friends in their boat, and invited Peter to join You on the waves, and calmed the storm as well. You rode into Jerusalem on a donkey and received a rapturous welcome. You released the suffering sacrificial animals and took our place, and theirs, on the Cross. Even in Your dying agony, You comforted Your Mother, Your friend, and the stricken thief. After Your glorious resurrection, You came to Your grieving disciples in the upper room, and met them on the road to Emmaus filling their lives with joy. You journey with us now and meet us wherever we are, feeding us in the Eucharist and always inviting us to join You on an extraordinary pilgrimage to our heavenly home.
Prayers for Creation Almighty God, teach us to respect and value Your world, and encourage us to share and live in harmony with all living creatures, who like us, have been given this beautiful planet as their home.
Prayers for the World Dear Lord, thank you for the rain which has caused the gardens to blossom and the fields to flourish, filled the ponds and rivers, and given water to thirsty animals and birds, and to us. Please bless the Earth where rain has not fallen where man and creature long for water, and fires and famine threaten. Lord in your mercy, please send the rain. Dear Lord, please bless the World where conflict destroys the lives of man and creature. Please comfort and protect all those in the path of war.
Prayers for the Community Dear Lord, thank you for the children who cheer us, and challenge us to do better, to make the World a safer and more joyful place where all may share their gifts and find their place in Your Kingdom. Please especially bless Steve and Lindsey, and their little daughter, and all the young people in their care.
Prayers for the Sick Dear Lord, to whom the sick were brought for healing, please bless now Mary Haines and Doreen Lawrence. May they know Your light and love.
Thanksgiving for the communion of saints Dear Lord, who promised a place in Heaven for everyone, we remember with love those in our hearts whom we lift to you... Thank You that they are safe with You in the Heavenly realms.
Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.