Intercessions 16/9/08

Let's pause for a minute and think about all the occasions when we have to decide which path to take, which person to support, what life choices to make. Let's take a moment to think, too, about how we react to other people who make choices that are different from our own.
Let us pray:
Hear our prayer, Lord, for the whole family of your church. Bless our Bishop’s and clergy, give your grace to our lay people here at All Saints, that they may lead us with strength and unity. Help them to see their work as service and their role as stewards of your church.
Give courage to those who are discerning their own calling within your church, show them your will, help them to understand and see your work in the world.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer
We pray for our country. Let your love surround the Queen and her family; give wisdom and guidance to our statesmen and leaders, and to all who have responsibility. During these times of economic hardship guide those making decisions to make things easier for the majority, may they do this without greed or selfishness.
We pray for our world, have mercy for those in distress from war, famine and other natural disasters. Heal the sick and injured, give peace to the dying, comfort those living with loss and to those trying to bring relief and order give wisdom, courage and strength.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer
Hear our prayer, Lord, for the friendship we find within the family of our church both here at All Saints and our friends at other churches in Stretford.
The comfort, peace and love of Christian friendship gives us strength. As we find these joys in our own lives may we also give them to others.
Almighty God, open our hearts that we may welcome and share our faith with others; open wide our minds that we may receive new truth and understand your will; open wide our doors that as we have come in to worship so we may go out with you to the service of the world; open wide our lives that through discipline and prayer we may experience your power in daily living.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer
We thank you, O Lord, that in a world where many disagreements exist between men, women and nations, your gospel comes to break down the barriers that divide, bringing friendship that extends across all boundaries because of our common faith in Jesus Christ.
We pray today for people in countries other than our own; in countries where governments are hostile, war and natural disasters cause suffering, healing God lay your hands on those who are suffering so that they may know the support of your presence.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer
Hear our prayer, Lord, for the children and young people especially those revising and getting ready for exams.
They are part of this church family which you have brought together in fellowship and care. For those leading the young in our church may your Holy Spirit increase in them the gifts and skills they bring to their work; grant them patience, imagination and love sufficient for their work. Help us all to respond to their needs.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer
Hear our prayer, Lord, for those who are old. Our thoughts are especially with those who have become frail and weak, those whose eyesight is failing; those who find it difficult to hear. We think of the lonely, with many memories and few friends to fill the long hours of the day; those who must have things done for them, when they wish so much they could still do them for themselves; those who are housebound, or living in hospitals or homes.
We pray for those who care for them and we pray that we ourselves may never neglect any opportunity to offer friendship and help. Teach us to be watchful for their needs and patient with their frailty and slowness, loving and serving them as honoured members of your family.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer
Hear our prayer, Lord, for people who are ill in mind body and spirit, in hospitals, at home, or wherever they may be.
Especially those who have been made know to us……………. PEW SHEET
Give them courage, hope and peace, and the knowledge that you are present in their weakness, pain and suffering.
Heavenly Father, we pray for those whose hearts have been saddened by the death of someone close and dear to them. Give to them, Father, the strong comfort which no one else can give, and let them know the comforting power of the resurrection of Jesus.
We remember those whose anniversaries fall at this time………………..
Eternal God, in your unchanging love receive all those who have died in faith, that they may rejoice in you for ever.
Merciful Father:accept these prayers for the sake of your Son,our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

16/Sept/2008
Psalm 74
Mark 14: 12-25