St Mary's Church, Mudford

Intercessions

Intercessions for the 15th Sunday after Trinity: 20th September 2020

These intercessions are written by members of the Five Churches Benefice

Heavenly Father,
We thank you for the opportunity to worship you today: in Church, through the media, or with the email form of service lovingly put together by Jo.
We pray for the return to good health of Bishop Peter, for Bishop Ruth deputising for him. for James, Rural Dean and all clergy and lay leaders working hard to meet the needs of our local parishes within the ever-changing restrictions. Inspire and strengthen us all with your Holy Spirit, that we may rise to the challenges before us with cheerfulness and hope.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Tomorrow is St. Matthew's Day. We give thanks for his life, his example and his account of the Gospel, of which Chapter 6: vv 19-34 is so relevant to our world today, as our lifestyles and attitudes are damaging our planet and everything on it.
Save us, O Lord, from our love of money and material things, and everything which separates us from you and the way you would have us live our lives. Teach us to be truly content in all circumstances, to realise your love will never fail us, and your grace will be sufficient for all our needs.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our Government and world leaders faced with circumstances and dangers spiralling out of their control. Give them wisdom, integrity and guidance, and bless the organisations working calmly on many fronts to relieve the situation.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for those who face the future with anxiety; those who fear it; those who despair of it or feel they have no future.
We think of families and friends separated by restrictions, particularly those living in care homes closed to visitors because of lack of testing, and those who have been self-isolating since March. We pray for people struggling to survive who lack the bare necessities of life through no fault of their own; and who despair of ever seeing freedom, justice, peace, help or healing.
Reach out O Lord to all for whom the future seems uncertain or unwelcome and bring assurance that even in the darkest moments you are working out your purpose, able to bring light out of darkness and hope out of despair.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the family of Molly Crabb, whose funeral takes place this week; giving thanks for her Christian life, and her service as Churchwarden in Marston Magna for 30 years until her death.
Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we offer you our prayers for all who have lived and died in faith. Give us grace to be faithful in the days of our earthly pilgrimage, that with them we may share in the glory of your Heavenly Kingdom through the merits of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Merciful Father. accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Savour Jesus Christ.
AMEN