Prayer

Gracious LORD,

the words we sung as a litany of praise to you

serve only as a springboard

for our desire to acknowledge you as the One

Who remains compassionate and faithful,

even during our times of covenant faithlessness.

We gather in your presence intentionally,

in diverse places,

but in community as a baptized people

appealing to you through our resurrected Lord

for reconciliation and a good conscience;

grant us all that is necessary

for our participation within your kingdom

which is always so near…

therefore we pray:

followed by the Lord’s Prayer

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:

We approach God as a new covenant people

obligated to love God and neighbour:

Jesus calls us to love the Lord our God with all our hearts

We confess how hard this is at times, O Lord…

Lord have mercy…Lord have mercy.

Jesus calls us to love the Lord our God with all our soul

We confess succumbing at times

to some of our modern idols, O Lord.  

Christ have mercy…Christ have mercy.

Jesus calls us to love the Lord our God with all our mind

We confess to being pre-occupied

with ungodly matters at times, O Lord.  

Lord have mercy…Lord have mercy.

Jesus calls us to love our neighbour as ourselves

We confess to merely loving only ourselves at times, O Lord.

Christ have mercy…Christ have mercy.

Assurance of Forgiveness

(1 Peter 3:18, Mark 1:15)

The Apostle Peter informs us:

For Christ also suffered for sins once for all,

the righteous for the unrighteous,

in order to bring youto God.

We come in repentance,

confident of the inbreaking of God’s kingdom within and among us,

trusting in the Good News

that through Christ our sins are forgiven us;
so we say with joy in our hearts: Thanks be to God!

Prayers Of The People:

As we pray,

we remind ourselves when our prayer life seems a wasteland:

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. ²⁷ And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God (Romans 8:26)

Gracious God,

Your spirit intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words…

We pray for the kingdoms – the nations of this world…

Grant wisdom and compassion to all their rulers,

however they attained their power,

that our kingdoms may include much of Your Kingdom…

Their reign reflect your reign…

LORD hear us, HEAR OUR PRAYERS,

HEAR OUR SIGHS FOR GRACE THAT CAN WORK GOOD FROM ILL…

[pause]

Gracious God,

Your spirit intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words

We pray for people, near and far, who suffer loss:

loss of loved ones, loss of a marriage, loss of any relationship, 

loss of work, loss of health, loss of hope…

grant them your mercy and peace.

LORD hear us,HEAR OUR PRAYERS,

HEAR OUR SIGHS FOR GRACE THAT CAN WORK GOOD FROM ILL …

[pause]

Gracious God,

Your spirit intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words

We pray for all who have heard your call,

Sensed your touch,

And like us responded to live as disciples of Jesus.

Grant us all your grace and courage

that we might discover the joy

of the riches of living within your kingdom…

LORD hear us, HEAR OUR PRAYERS,

HEAR OUR SIGHS FOR GRACE THAT CAN WORK GOOD FROM ILL

[pause]

Gracious God,

Your spirit intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words…

We pray for all who live in dangerous places,

all who live dangerously for the sake of the Gospel.

Grant them discernment and courage

to choose well for life each day and every moment…

LORD hear us, HEAR OUR PRAYERS,

HEAR OUR SIGHS FOR GRACE THAT CAN WORK GOOD FROM ILL …

[pause]

Gracious God,

Your spirit intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words

we pray for the leaders of your church

within the multiplicity of denominations

which make up your body on earth…

May they and we, recognize your claim over us,

our accountability to you

for our living as citizens of the kingdom of heaven…

Grant that compassion and kindness,

wisdom and integrity might guide decision-making…

LORD hear us, HEAR OUR PRAYERS,

HEAR OUR SIGHS FOR GRACE THAT CAN WORK GOOD FROM ILL

[pause]

Gracious God,

Your spirit intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words

We pray for each other as a church community,

for those of us

who struggle with the physical requirements of daily living,

who hope for relief from pain

who pray for the healing offered by medical treatment

and that healing only you can offer,

who trust you for the provision of their daily bread,

the meeting of daily costs of shelter, clothing and food…

we name these known to us

•  name silently or aloud- 

Grant them the peace and courage you offer through your Spirit.

HEAR OUR PRAYERS,

HEAR OUR SIGHS FOR GRACE THAT CAN WORK GOOD FROM ILL

Gracious Lord, grant we continue to serve you well with great joy,

Through Christ our Lord, AMEN