Prayers for the week commencing Sunday 20th September 2020

Servicing the Bald Hills and nearby Communities

Prayers for the week commencing Sunday 20th September 2020

Gracious God of the nations,

Holy One of Jews and Gentiles,

Greeks and Barbarians,

we approach you with a profound sense of awe

as we again reflect on what you are doing with us!

We entwine our awe with praise

because we have heard your call,

a grace-filled summons to mercy,

and compassion and faithful obedience;

We offer you our focus and this time

knowing thus our hearts are open

to receive your blessing

and ongoing call to work with you for the good…

the ultimate expression of which is your kingdom,

therefore we pray as our Lord taught us to pray:

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.

Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours

now and forever. Amen

PRAYER OF CONFESSION:

Holy and merciful God,

we approach you conscious of those times

when we begrudge others

that which we think they do not deserve…

Lord have mercy LORD HAVE MERCY

Gracious and tasking Lord,

we approach you only too aware

of when we think we have been short changed…

Christ have mercy CHRIST HAVE MERCY

Purifying and empowering Spirit,

we approach you remembering with embarrassment

how we have avoided your offer of labour…

Lord have mercy LORD HAVE MERCY

Compassionate God

grant us in your mercy that kingdom mind set

which opens us to the obedience of faith

with energy and joy…  AMEN

DECLARATION OF RECONCILIATION:

Jesus declared God’s generosity to us in parable form

so we need not fear rejection,

because whilst we were sinners,

God loved us with a mercy which encompasses all!

In Christ our sins are forgiven us,

so we say with joy in our hearts THANKS BE TO GOD

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE:

Almighty God, gracious Father,

in the presence of your bounty keep us humble,

in the presence of all people’s needs

make us compassionate and caring.

Give us faith in our praying and love in our serving,

knowing that by your power

all may find a new balance in living

and a new victory in adversity.

Lord hear us LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER

We pray for all unhappy lives,

those who are bitter and resentful,

feeling life has given them a raw deal,

those who are sensitive to criticism and quick to take offense, those who desire their own way,

whatever the inconvenience or cost to others.

May your judgment and mercy be for their healing.

Lord hear us LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER

We pray for those who are lonely,

who are shy and self-conscious,

who find it hard to make friends;

those who are nervous and timid,

who ever feel themselves strangers in a world

they can scarcely understand.

May your presence inspire confidence

and ensure companionship.

Lord hear us LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER

We pray for those who live with bitter regrets,

for loving relationships brought to ruin,

for opportunities freely given and woefully abused,

for the bitterness of defeat

or betrayal at another’s hand,

or for failure in personal integrity.

May your grace give new hope

to find victory in the very scene of failure.

Lord hear us LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER

We pray for all in illness and pain,

weary of the day and fearful of the night.

Grant insight and knowledge

to their doctors and carers,

and to them at all times courage

and the gift of your indwelling peace.

We pause to name those known to us…

Lord hear us LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER

Bless the company of Christ’s folk, the church in every land. Make her eager in worship,

fearless in proclamation of the gospel,

and passionate for caring.

Lord hear us LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER

Bless us, each one, in the communion of the saints,

and keep us ever mindful

of the great cloud of witnesses that,

following in their steps,

as they did in the steps of the Master,

we may with them at the last receive

the fulfillment promised to your people.

Lord hear us LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER

Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. AMEN

If you have found these prayers helpful, why no send us an email to baldhillsuc1@gmail.com