As we continue to unpack the revelations of the divine made manifest in Jesus, we think who we turn to when we worry about seeming lack of hope in a crisis, and how what is deemed ‘ordinary’ around and within us can be transformed.
Prayer Breakfast, N.B. Please note this has been postponed until next Saturday, 25th January, 8.15am (apologies).
Please come and pray for the life of our parishes: for our plans for the year, and the new bereavement café. The prayer breakfast will take place in the Canterbury Room at St Thomas’. Coffee and croissants from 8:15am, followed by prayer for the life of our churches. Finished by 9.30am Please do join us.
This week we are asked to pray:
Prayers for the week Thank you to Harry for this week’s prayers. Our Father at this season of Epiphany, we pause to honour our Saviour, Jesus, because the salvation granted to the Jewish peoples was extended also to the rest of the world. The Gospel was preached to the Gentiles and groups of them came to faith and received the Holy Spirit. The power of Christ came to them with the startling impact of a bright light and the worldwide spread of the gospel had started. We praise you that the Greek and Roman peoples sought to enter the kingdom of God through faith in Christ and You welcomed them in. You welcomed us in, also. We ask for your Holy Spirit's blessing on the preaching work and the children’s work of our three parishes. At this time, we pray for a special blessing on Ben and the Ministry Team. Lord in your mercy: Hear our prayer. Father, we ask especially for stamina and wisdom to be given to Archbishop Stephen and House of Bishops in the wake of the historic abuse scandals affecting the Anglican Church. We pray for an honesty/open-ness which refuses to cover-up or excuse wickedness. We pray for those who have been victims of abuse, especially those from a church context, where the wrongs have been magnified by being ignored or suppressed. We pray also for any who have been accused, but who in the fullness of time, may be shown to be innocent. Dear Lord we commit to your will the changeover of Presidency in the United States, tomorrow, at a time of such strong divergence of views and policy between the political parties and voters. We have noticed apprehension about sudden swings in tariffs, economics and warfare. We particularly pray for poorer countries and those at war, who depend on the USA for supplies and moral support. There are some awful trouble-spots in the World just now, so we ask your protection and promotion of peace in Gaza and Jerusalem. May the cease-fire hold and the parties keep their promises.
We pray for our friends who are suffering through illness and frailty. We commend to you those who cannot get to Church for worship or fellowship. Also we give thanks for the lives and the faith of friends and relatives who have recently died. We share the sadness of their passing and our deep loss of their love and fellowship. May the Bereavement Cafe on Sunday afternoon be a great comfort and sharing of fellowship. Merciful Father, accept these prayers, for the sake of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.