St Mary's Church, Mudford

Intercessions

                                                   Intercessions written by a member of our Benefice

Sunday 26th November 2023, the Next Sunday before Advent

We pray to God our Eternal Father through our Saviour Jesus who is both Christ the King and the son of Man and who understands our needs and the needs of the world.

Eternal Father, we pray for your church of which your Son is King. We pray that you will draw us together and unite us in the love of Christ that we may proclaim with one voice your justice and righteousness in a broken world.

Lord Jesus Christ,

We your people come together today to praise you and make our prayer.

Where your name binds us together you are there with us,

Help us to love all whose burdens we can share.

Be there at our side as we face times of trouble, heartache, and sorrow, and there too, through times of happiness and joy.

Enabling us to go forward in the sure and certain knowledge of your guidance and love.

Amen

As we look forward in eager anticipation to Advent once again, we pray afresh for a close presence with our Saviour Jesus Christ.

 O come, O come Emmanuel,

and keep us poised for unexpected encounters with you.

We give heartfelt thanks that you are always with us,

even though we may often be unaware of your presence.

Help us to realise that each, and every place we find ourselves in,

may be a rendezvous with you.

Forgive us for the times we have forgotten you and failed to realise you are there.

In your graciousness, draw near, and come to us in fresh ways.

Strengthen us inwardly through the recollection of your goodness,

that in future, our eyes would be opened wider to see that your presence is very real.

Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer

Eternal Father, we pray for your world of which your Son is King; for all in authority, especially for those nations faced with so many seemingly insurmountable difficulties .Our minds are drawn to the Israeli Gaza situation; for those attempting to negotiate the release of hostages on both sides: the humanitarian efforts to bring aid to stricken and desperate people and to deliver medical aid within shattered hospitals.

We pray that they will know your presence alongside them and your power within them to bring peace and healing according to their needs.

Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We pray for our leaders, for our Bishops and clergy, for the parishes within our own benefice, for all who are assisting with services and maintaining pastoral care within our communities. We hold in our prayers the forthcoming steps needed in the appointment of a new incumbent.

Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We give thanks for our families and friends, our churches and for our village communities.  Help us to know the people around us to be our brothers and sisters in Christ and to serve them as you Christ would serve them. In a moment of quiet, praying for any who need our prayers

at this time.

We pray for those who mourn, for all who have died recently and all whose anniversaries we keep. May the Lord welcome them into the light of glory.

Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ 

Amen