This week we are asked to pray for
Prayers for this week
Thank you to Harry for this week’s prayers. Our heavenly Father, we ask that the ways to your peace may be found in the wars in Ukraine, Yemen and African states. Help us Lord to pray for those being hurt and harmed in these wars, that there may be faith and perseverance in those who are looking to Thee in their distress. We pray especially for the poor who are hurt and killed. Speak to the hearts of soldiers who can be fighting other peoples’ wars, as conscripts or as mercenaries. We pray for a swift end to this war, with the issues resolved. Please would you resolve the balance of power between these countries with justice, equitability and freedom. Freedom to live, worship and enjoy life. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer We pray for the peoples of Morocco and Libya, caught in natural and un-natural disasters, may they receive help from friendly countries; may these helps come with a Christian compassion favouring the poor and helpless. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer Lord we are concerned about Young Peoples’ Mental Health. We pray that supportive friendships will become the norm in schools and in society; that jealousy and nastiness will not flourish; that social media will be a force for good, not for harm, a tool used sometimes, but not becoming addictive or a master. We pray for Christian initiatives, such as the REACH programme to encourage Christian faith in secondary schools will receive a warm welcome in our local schools and successfully link with the churches. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer We pray for St Thomas’ new organist, Matthew, as he joins our fellowship and makes friends here. Bless him as he gives a strong lead to our worship of God in song, leading the choir and all the congregation in practice and in performance. Thank you for the project of works to the organ and the tradition of musical excellence here; and please will you bless the organ and choir’s contribution towards making Christ known to those entering upon the Christian life. We pray also for the appointment of a youth and children’s worker with advertisements and interviews being planned. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer We bring before You, Lord, several of our friends who are rather unwell and who may be lonely or suffering pain. We pray for relief from unpleasant symptoms and pains. And for them to be made aware of your listening ear to hear their prayers, which are so often the source of great relief and happiness… We praise you for the lives of some of our number who have died recently, in faith and fervent expectation of eternal Life, sins redeemed and victories of faith celebrated. Bless these families dear Lord in this time of deep sorrow, when joyful faith seems hard to achieve, but it is the faith which brings us so gently into the presence of our dear Lord Jesus. Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.