St Mary's Church, Mudford

Intercessions

Prayers of intercession written each week by a member of our Benefice

Advent Sunday 2020

This is Advent, season of promise.
In our worship we prepare for the birth of a baby in a dusty stable in Bethlehem, and remind ourselves that this child will become the Saviour of the world, who will return again in power and glory to draw all of his children together with songs of everlasting praise. The promise of the baby is also the promise of eternal life to all who believe.
God of hope and promise, be with us throughout this Advent season and draw us ever closer as we journey together towards the stable and the birth of your Son, our Saviour,

Amen

God of hope, we pray for your church in the world, and for all Christians.
We remember all who are persecuted for their faith.
We pray for all who walk in darkness, that they may see your light.
We pray for our own churches here, in this Benefice, as we prepare to worship together again after this second time of lockdown. We know that we will not be able to celebrate this Christmas season in our usual way, with carols and large services, but you, Lord, will still be with us.
We give thanks for all who have continued to keep us in touch during this very difficult time.
Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer

God of hope, we thank you that there is a promise of an effective vaccine that will help to free us of the virus which is causing such devastation in so many aspects of our lives, and the lives of those in many other countries.
We continue to pray for all who work in hospitals and care homes and ask you to keep them safe as they look after the sick and suffering. We pray too, for all those who have the virus at present, for those who have severe after-effects and for all who have lost loved ones.
Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer

God of hope, be with the leaders of the nations, that they may be led and advised by you.
We pray for peace between and within all countries of the world, that there may be an end to war and violence, of calamity and disaster.
We pray for all victims of conflict, the hungry, the homeless and the destitute.
Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer

God of hope, come into our homes that they may reflect your love.
We pray for our families, our friends and neighbours,
the communities of our five villages.
We thank you for all who have been working and volunteering within those communities
to support the most vulnerable during this difficult year.
Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer

God of hope, we pray for all who feel unable to cope at this time;
for those weighed down by debt, or fearful of losing their jobs.
We pray for all who are suffering in body, mind or spirit,
thinking today of Beryl, of Judith, of Philip and others known to each of us.
We bring them all before you and place them into your loving care.
Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer

God of hope, we thank you for the life of your faithful servant, Helen,
now resting in peace with you.
We pray that you will be with, and comfort, Bill, Simon and Kate as they prepare for her funeral this week, and with all her family and many friends.
Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer

We look with hope, Lord, to the fulfilment of all you have done and continue to do,
and offer you our thanks and praise for all your love, as we continue our journey through Advent with you.

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

Amen