No magic answers
Wishes won’t make it come true
Harsh realities
But prayerful intercession
Brings us all closer to God
written in response to the prompt in Colleen’s Weekly Poetry Challenge #30 – “Wish” and “Magic”
intercession
Repentant Renewal
Renewal rebirthed
Daily I turn
Obedient necessity
Repent, repent
Daily I read
Absorb, mature
Daily I reflect
Repent, renew
Repent, repent
Praise, intercede
Yield, mature
Renewal rippling
written in further response to today’s prompt at The Daily Post
Prayers for strangers – 14 August 2016
Lord Jesus, you came to us so that through you we would not be strangers to God, but could know the Father. In life you told us of the good news that the Father’s kingdom is near; in death on the cross you saved us so that we might be welcomed into eternal life in the Father’s kingdom, adopted in your family. You commanded us to love our God and our neighbours, and in resurrection, left us your Holy Spirit that the glory of God may be known in all the world.
We thank you and offer you all our worship and praise.
One shall tell another
And he shall tell his friend
Husbands, wives and children
Shall come following on
From house to house in families
Shall more be gathered in
And lights will shine in every street
So warm and welcoming
We recognize and welcome Your presence, moving in us and among us, between us and through us. Holy Spirit, reveal Yourself to us, we pray.
Where darkness has been darkest, The brightest light will shine
Help us to be a light in the dark world around us, not merely professing our faith, but also proving our faith by the way that we live and love. May our relationships be a testimony of Your compassionate kindness and mercy. May we recognize every place we visit, wherever our feet may fall, and every face we meet as part of a personal mission field without borders. We pray for the people of our neighbourhood. May they know they are welcome in this place, and come to know you in the way that will change and save their lives.
When I needed a neighbour
Were you there, were you there?
When I needed a neighbour
Were you there?
We come as those called to offer Christ’s welcome, to reach across all lines; to carry on the mission of the Messiah who looked the “other” in the eyes with love. Challenge us with your radical example of love. Stretch us to engage the way you engage. Holy Spirit who challenges and empowers us, urge us to compassion, break down our resistance, strengthen our resolve, open our hearts, and inspire our minds. Flow through us, and make us vessels of Your welcome, compassion, justice and love.
I was hungry and thirsty
Were you there, were you there?
I was hungry and thirsty
Were you there?
Guide the leaders ours and of all nations, that justice may prevail throughout the world.
Father, we ask your blessing on those who have fled into refugee camps, private homes, churches and communities. May they find the refuge they seek. We pray for those offering welcome to relatives, friends or strangers in their homes, churches and communities. We ask your wisdom for those working in camps and among displaced people wherever they are. Through their care, may your gifts of patience, freedom and hope be shared with all.
I was cold, I was naked
Were you there, were you there?
When I needed a shelter
Were you there?
Lord we come to You with hearts that are holding the people we love who are struggling, those close to us who are sick, those who are grieving, and those in need of Your healing. We pray for members of our church family who suffer today.
Here is healing and forgiveness:
The wine of the kingdom
The wine of the kingdom of God
God of healing, we call out to you.
When I needed a healer
Were you there, were you there?
When I needed a healer
Were you there?
We know that you comfort those who mourn, and lift to you all known to us who are grieving at this time, or whose anniversaries of loss fall at this time and in particular think of their families and friends. Hear us, Lord of life.
Let your church always be an instrument of your peace and love, and let your glory be over all the earth.
Wherever we travel
You’ll be there, You’ll be there.
Wherever you travel
You’ll be there.
And the creed and the colour
And the name won’t matter
You’ll be there.
Father, to you be glory and honour forever;
hear our prayers, in Jesus’ name, and for his sake,
Amen.
Pray, Always
Pray through all seasons
Pray in all circumstances
Continually
Pray through suffering
Intercede for those in pain
With joy, fill the gaps
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”
– 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Prayers for 21 February 2016
Lord God, we thank You for the privilege of prayer, for the doors it opens, that through Jesus we are able to speak, hear, and know our Creator.
You are the source of all goodness, generosity and love. You are the God of yesterday, today and forever, and we praise your Holy name. Help us to love and serve you in all our ways, because you are worthy.
We thank you that you know the suffering and misery of the lost and unloved, the hurt and hungry, the persecuted and the preyed upon. We repent of the mistakes we have made – the things we have done wrong, and the things we have not done which we know we should. Forgive us Lord, and help us to make a difference in this world, for Your glory and purposes and for the sake of our fellow men.
Help us to be known as generous givers, help us to look to the needs of others and not be consumed by only our own. We ask that You help us to always remember that all are your children, all are made in Your likeness, and we are called to love them as ourselves. We pray for Your blessings to cover us all.
We thank You for opening the hearts of many to those who are fleeing for their lives. Help us now to open our arms in welcome, and reach out our hands in support, that the desperate may find hope for freedom and security.
Bind us to your word, and send your Holy Spirit to inspire our lives to be a daily act of worship and obedience, yielding to your commands. Help us to be lovers of truth, and may the fruits of Your Spirit always be evident in our lives – your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Set Your ways before us; may all Your plans succeed. Help us always to reflect Your peace and hope to a world that so desperately needs to know Your presence and healing.
Lord we know You promise to comfort those who mourn. We lift to You the family and friends of all those known to us who are grieving at this time, or whose anniversaries of loss fall at this time.
Lord, we pray for healing for all who are sick in mind, body or spirit that they may be made whole. Grant to all who are lonely, anxious or depressed a knowledge of your love and an awareness of your presence. Mend broken relationships, and restore soundness of mind and serenity of spirit to those in distress. Grant to all who minister to those who are suffering wisdom, sympathy and patience. We pray for members of our church family who suffer today.
Make Your ways known upon earth, Lord God, Your saving power among all peoples. Renew Your church in holiness and help us to serve You with joy.
Father, to You be all glory and honour; hear our prayers, in Jesus’ name and for his sake;
Amen.
Prayers for 13 Dec 2015
God of love, turn our hearts to your ways; and give us peace. Lord, sanctify us we pray and help us to wash our lives clean. Help us to stop doing wrong, and to learn to do right: to seek justice, to encourage the oppressed, to defend the cause of orphans, and to plead the case of widows.
Give us faith to trust only in You.
We pray for all those in authority, that they might lead us to live peaceful lives leading others to You. Guide the leaders of all nations, that justice may prevail throughout the world. Let the needy never be forgotten, nor the hope of the poor diminished. Make us instruments of your peace and let your glory be over all the earth.
Lord you made us responsible for stewardship of your creation and we thank you for the agreement reached at the climate conference in Paris.
God of love, show us our place in this world as channels of your love for all the creatures of this earth, Enlighten those who possess power and money to avoid indifference, but love the common good, advance the weak, and care for this world in which we live. The poor and the earth are crying out. O Lord, seize us with your power and light, help us to protect all life, to prepare for a better future, for the coming of your Kingdom of justice, peace, love and beauty.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We thank you for all those who have responded to our invitations to join us in this place over recent weeks, and pray blessing on all those who will attend this afternoon’s Christingle and all other services over the Christmas period.
Lord you comfort those who mourn. We lift to you the families of Christopher Reeve, and all those known to us who are grieving at this time, or whose anniversaries of loss fall at this time . Hear us, Lord of life, and uphold by the grace and consolation of your Holy Spirit all those who are bereaved.
Lord, grant your healing grace to all who are sick in mind, body or spirit that they may be made whole. Grant to all who are lonely, anxious or depressed a knowledge of your will and an awareness of your presence. Grant to all who minister to those who are suffering wisdom and skill, sympathy and patience. Mend broken relationships, and restore to those in distress soundness of mind and serenity of spirit. Sustain and support those who seek your guidance and lift up all who are brought low by the trials of this life. Restore to wholeness whatever is broken by human sin, in our lives, in our nation, and in the world.
We pray for members of our church family who suffer today.
Make your ways known upon earth, Lord God, your saving power among all peoples. Renew your Church in holiness and help us to serve you with joy.
Father, hear our prayers, in Jesus’ name and for his sake
Amen
Prayers for 15 Nov 2015
We pray for our broken world, and for those who are suffering today, and remember in particular the city of Paris.
Compassionate God and Father of all, we are horrified at violence in so many parts of the world. It seems that none are safe, and some are terrified. Hold back the hands that kill and maim; turn around the hearts that hate. Grant instead your strong Spirit of Peace – peace that passes our understanding but changes lives through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Gracious God, We pray for peace in our communities this day. We commit to you all who work for peace and an end to tensions, And those who work to uphold law and justice. We pray for an end to fear, For comfort and support to those who suffer. For calm in our streets and cities, That people may go about their lives in safety and peace.
Lord we pray for those in Your church ministering to the Muslim community that their soul search for a Father may lead them to call on Your name and find the means to know You through the good news of Jesus.
ALMIGHTY and merciful God, we continue to pray for those driven to risk their lives in migration from war and persecution. Lord, give our leaders wisdom and compassion to respond, to provide sanctuary for those in need of asylum, rescue and shelter to those in peril, and aid to address the root causes that drive desperate people to the traffickers and mortal danger in search of a better life; look with mercy on those who today are fleeing from danger, the homeless and the hungry. Bless those who work to bring them relief; inspire generosity and compassion in all our hearts; and guide the nations of the world towards that day when all will rejoice in your Kingdom of justice and of peace.
Lord in a year of continuing transition for Your church in this parish and diocese, bless and guide us we pray as we seek to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly by faith, growing in discipleship, and always pointing others to You.
Lord you comfort those who mourn. We lift to you the families of Robin Sumner and Norman Evans, and all those known to us who are grieving at this time, or whose anniversaries of loss fall at this time . Hear us, Lord of life, and uphold by the grace and consolation of your Holy Spirit all those who are bereaved.
Lord, grant your healing grace to all who are sick in mind, body or spirit that they may be made whole. Grant to all who are lonely, anxious or depressed a knowledge of your will and an awareness of your presence. Grant to all who minister to those who are suffering wisdom and skill, sympathy and patience. Mend broken relationships, and restore to those in distress soundness of mind and serenity of spirit. Sustain and support those who seek your guidance and lift up all who are brought low by the trials of this life. Restore to wholeness whatever is broken by human sin, in our lives, in our nation, and in the world.
We pray for members of our church family who suffer today.
Make your ways known upon earth, Lord God, your saving power among all peoples. Renew your Church in holiness and help us to serve you with joy. Guide the leaders of all nations, that justice may prevail throughout the world. Let the needy never be forgotten, nor the hope of the poor diminished. Make us instruments of your peace
and let your glory be over all the earth.
God of love, turn our hearts to your ways; and give us peace.
Father, hear our prayers, in Jesus’ name and for his sake
Amen
Prayers for 13 September 2015
God our Father, thank you for giving us the means to know you, through the loving sacrifice and glorious resurrection of your Son. No ear has heard, no eye has seen a God like you, who adopts us as heirs in Your kingdom.
Though not one of us is worthy, you choose to love us, and welcome us into your presence. Lord, we welcome You in this place. Your heart breaks for us, and ours breaks at the thought of our sins in thought and word, in action and inaction. Father, forgive us we pray.
We pray for our broken world, and for those who are suffering today. We pray for those injured and bereaved by the crane catastrophe in Mecca. Lord we pray for those in Your church ministering to the Muslim community that their soul search for a Father may lead them to call on Your name and find the means to know You through the good news of Jesus.
We continue to pray for those driven to risk their lives in migration from war and persecution. Lord, give our leaders wisdom and compassion to respond, to provide sanctuary for those in need of asylum, rescue and shelter to those in peril, and aid to address the root causes that drive desperate people to the traffickers and mortal danger in search of a better life.
Lord in a year of transition for Your church in this parish and diocese, bless and guide us we pray:
– we thank you Jehovah Jireh for your continuing provision;
– as we seek new leadership in advancing Your kingdom;
– as we seek to continue to walk humbly by faith, grow in discipleship, and to always love and point others to You.
Lord bless and guide us we pray.
Lord you comfort those who mourn. We lift to you the families of all those known to us who are grieving at this time, or whose anniversaries of loss fall at this time. Hear us, Lord of life, and uphold by the grace and consolation of your Holy Spirit all those who are bereaved.
Lord, grant your healing grace to all who are sick in mind, body or spirit that they may be made whole. Grant to all who are lonely, anxious or depressed a knowledge of your will and an awareness of your presence. Grant to all who minister to those who are suffering wisdom and skill, sympathy and patience. Mend broken relationships, and restore to those in distress soundness of mind and serenity of spirit. Sustain and support those who seek your guidance and lift up all who are brought low by the trials of this life. Restore to wholeness whatever is broken by human sin, in our lives, in our nation, and in the world.
We pray for members of our church family who suffer today.
Father, hear our prayers, in Jesus’ name and for his sake
Amen
Prayers for 26 October 2014
Almighty God,
From whom all thought of truth and peace proceed, make your ways known upon earth, your saving power among all peoples. Renew your church in holiness and help us to serve You with joy. Guide the leaders of all nations, that justice may prevail throughout the world. Let the needy never be forgotten, nor the hope of the poor be taken away.
Make us instruments of your peace and let your glory be over all the earth.
Bring light out of this present time’s darkness and hope from despair that guided by your Holy Spirit, all your children may find a new way forward together based on your love for us all.
Hold in your loving arms, all those who have been caught up in conflict. We pray for those forced to flee their homes, all who have lost friends, family and possessions and who now face an uncertain future.
Bless our Christian brothers and sisters who have seen the destruction of their churches and communities and for our Muslim neighbours who have also experienced destruction and suffering.
Lord we thank you for bringing leaders into our church family. We pray for your protection over them as they share your love with the people in our area. Inspire them through your Holy Spirit, and let them walk as beacons of hope and grace.
Lord we pray for all those preparing for the Light Party on Friday evening. Guide them and direct their planning. We pray for all the children attending, may they have fun, feel you presence and have a desire to know more of your love.
We give thanks to you God for all those who use our church buildings today, and for those who will do so in the future. We also thank you God for the people you have brought together within our church families, for their range of skills and willingness to serve you. We trust in your provision.
We pray for those who are sick in mind, body or spirit and are in need of your healing touch. We pray for members of our church family, and any others known to us for whom we love and care.
Lord you comfort those who mourn. We especially lift to you the families all those known to us those who are grieving at this time. Through your Holy Spirit provide all that they need in the coming days, weeks, months and beyond. Fill them with Your peace. We also pray for those whose anniversaries fall at this time – may they find your love in the midst of their sorrow.
We thank you for those stepping out to publicly confirm their faith this morning and thank you for their desire to know and love you more and to walk with you always in the certain hope of freedom in you.
Heavenly Father, we lift all these prayers to you through Jesus Christ our Lord;
Amen.
Submit to Him
For Him who is able
To do immeasurably more
Than all we ask
Or ever dare imagine,
Let us soak our minds
Deep in His word,
Submit to His Spirit
To follow His direction,
Ignite in prayer
To praise and repent,
To intercede and yield,
To pray for transformation
In our minds and our lives,
To ground ourselves within
God’s love, grace and mercy,
To know He has no limits:
No thing too small,
No thing too large;
To seek Him, to hear,
To obey Him, and know
That He is God.
Faith Unlocked 