This week we are asked to pray 

• For all who suffer with low spirits or who are, or feel, battered.
• For our preparations for remembrance-tide as we minister in the hope and love of God to all who are bereaved, and all who suffer as a result of war.
• For our wisdom for the government as they prepare the budget and for us as we all receive it and work together.
• For a reduction in plastic usage and waste.
• We will not be too tidy in our gardens but remember the needs of all creatures!
• We give thanks for all encouragers and carers.
• Give thanks and pray for the Genesis group which continues this week.

Prayers for the week
Thank you to Simon for this week’s prayers.

Father God, help us to still our hearts and centre ourselves on your saving grace.

Thank you for the promise of new life, so freely offered and at the start of the week, help us to commit once more to live a life worthy of our calling.

Looking out into a troubled world, we continue to pray for a just resolution to war and conflict in Ukraine, and the Middle East. We ask especially for a breakthrough in the provision of humanitarian aid in Lebanon and Gaza. We pray for guidance for the region’s leaders and international partners in the best way to provide the support required to bring this conflict to a swift conclusion.

During this last month before the election in the United States, we bring the country before you, with thanks for its strong and lasting influence in world affairs. We ask for a peaceful election and for your blessing on the newly elected leader as they prepare for the responsibility of government.

We remember King Charles, asking for wisdom for him and the Ministers that form his new government. With the first budget in the final stages of preparation we pray for those making difficult choices against such a challenging economic backdrop. We pray also for the Ministers piloting the ambitious environmental agenda, as they decide how best to build on the significant progress being made by industry partners. 

Here in our Benefice, we ask that you would bless the leaders at our churches - Gavin our Bishop, Ben and the entire ministry team. May we both support them practically and, in our prayers, as they lead the devotional life of the Benefice and especially as they prepare for the coming season of worship.

We pray for our congregations, for health and wellbeing and for the depth of our spiritual journey together. As we reflect on how best to support the work of the church, guide each one of us to think about our response to your generous provision for us, as we recognise that indeed - “All things come from you O Lord, and of your own do we give you.”

Finally, Lord, thank you that you are with us in times of grief and distress; comfort their families and friends and any others who are ill or in suffering at this time.

We commend ourselves, and all for whom we pray, to the mercy and protection of God our Lord and Father.

Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.