Intercessions 20 May 2012

In the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ, let us pray to the Father:

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, you promised through your Son, Jesus Christ, to hear us when we pray in faith.

We pray for ourselves, Your church: we long for a fresh outpouring of Your Holy Spirit  that we may  grow in our experience of your love, forgiveness and healing.   Challenge our contentment to stay as we are; renew our vision of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ that, through our words and the way we live, others may be drawn to Him. Keep us ever mindful of the task Your Son has set us - to spread your Gospel of love throughout the world.

In the Shrivenham and Ashbury Benefice (Oxfordshire, UK), we pray for Richard, Edwin, Anne and all the Ministry Team.   We thank you that we can come to church openly and without fear; and we ask you to comfort and encourage Christians and those of other faiths in foreign lands who do not enjoy such luxury.

Strengthen all bishops, priests, deacons and lay workers in the service of Christ, that all who confess your name may be united in your truth, live together in your love, and reveal your glory in the world.

We thank you, Father, that you have been pleased to bless us with Elizabeth our Queen, and Philip her loyal consort.  In this year of Jubilee, we pray that you will grant her your gifts of love and joy and peace as she continues in faithful obedience to you and in devoted service to all her people.

Give wisdom to all in authority. At this time of financial crisis we pray that you will guide the leaders of all nations to make wise and fair decisions.

Direct this and every nation in the ways of justice and of peace, that we may honour one another and seek the common good.

Father, give grace to us, our families and friends, and to all our neighbours, that we may serve Christ in one another, and love as he loves us.

Here in Shrivenham we thank you for all those who take so much trouble and give so much time and money to the churches and village organisations, and who help to make it such a pleasant place in which to live.   Guide us to seek out and bring happiness to neighbours who are lonely or unhappy.  

Abroad, we pray for the troubled people of Greece...Syria...Iran...Afghanistan...and wherever there is discord.   As the Olympic flame arrives we pray that the Games will be a time of community and sportsmanship and will lead to peace between nations.

Father, we pray for the sick - those who are ill in mind, body or spirit, that knowledge of Your love will comfort them; and that You will bless and encourage all who care for them.   We think particularly of  those whose sickness or disability is regarded as incurable.

In our village family we pray for ....... and others of whom we know.   Give them courage and hope in their troubles and bring them the joy of your salvation.

Hear us as we remember those who have died in the faith of Christ ....... and others known to us. According to your promises grant us with them a share in your eternal kingdom.

In a moment of silence we bring our private joys and sorrows to you, our loving Father.

Rejoicing in the fellowship of  Mary & Joseph, Andrew and all your saints we commend ourselves and the whole creation to your unfailing love.