We are in the Kingdom Season. We earnestly pray for Kingdom values to be seen and known and lived in the church and through us out into the world, that all creation may be blessed, especially the most vulnerable.
Please come and pray for the life of our parishes. This 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 Ann for this week’s prayers. Prayers for the Church Dear Lord, in November the days are shorter, and the nights darker, the leaves are golden, and the stars seem brighter. Into this Holy Season of All Hallows, All Saints, All Souls, and of loving remembrance, your Church is moving towards Advent, and the coming of the Light of the World. May we share this light with all our neighbours, man and creature, kindling candles of kindness, faith, hope, and love. May our little flickering lights infused with your Divine Light spread outwards from your Church and be a blessing to all our neighbours near and far. Gracious God, thank you for the fellowship of St Mary’s, St Thomas’, St Andrew’s, the Free Church, and the church of Our Lady and St John. May we in the coming Advent groups together find the wonder of the shepherds, the wisdom of the kings, and the joy of the angels. Dear Lord, thank you for Steve and Lindsey, and their new baby on the way. Thank you for the street children and young people with whom they share their lives in Honduras with such joy. Thank you for everyone who cares for children, especially children in need. Bless the children with your love, and your angels to keep them safe. Prayers for Creation Heavenly Father, St Mark tells us that before Jesus began his ministry he went into the desert with the “wild beasts and the angels.” In the Book of Revelation we are told that “all creatures in Heaven and Earth, and in the Sea” combine with the angels in songs of praise to “the Lamb upon the throne.” Help us to glorify your name in unison with all Creation, by living in harmony with the Earth and all who share it with us. Remind us O Lord, that “the babe laid in the manger” came to bless all his Creation with great love. Prayers for the World Merciful God, in sad silence we have remembered the carnage of past wars, and thought of the courage and sacrifice of those who gave their lives to protect others. Today brave correspondents report terrible suffering in Ukraine, Russia, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. Aid workers, medical teams, and peacemakers strive in battle zones to bring food, water, medicine and shelter to men, women and children, and animals as well, caught in the agony of war. May our giving help provide for their needs, your Love surround them and your Peace prevail. Prayers for the community Gracious God, you gave your Church to be the centre of every Community, where all who live outside the walls, or enter into the Church doors, are remembered in prayer. Bless all who work in the Church, in our schools, council offices, dental practices, veterinary surgeries, and our libraries. Bless the farm workers and animals, bless our lock-keepers and the Environment Agency, and bless the river which is home to so many creatures. Bless especially those who maintain the roads and railways, and those who clear refuse, drains and cesspits. Bless our Posties and shopkeepers who provide for our daily needs. Bless our pubs and clubs. Bless the life-saving services of the Ambulance, Police and Fire Brigade, and all medical staff in surgeries and hospitals. Bless all who live here and all who visit this beautiful place. May the wondrous and mysterious Community of the Trinity bless us all. Prayers for the sick Dear Lord, who heals the sick, please bless all those who suffer and grant them all your Peace. Thanksgiving for the communion of saints Dear Lord, we remember with love all those whose lives have blessed ours, but have now gone before us to be with Christ. We hold them in our hearts knowing that you hold them in yours. Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.