Light can shine on darkness and reveal what lurks. God’s love does expose what needs facing in our lives, but its purpose is to enable new life. We are invited to confess and turn from sin, from anything that hinders life, have it dealt with in God’s grace, and be freed to praise. Ask God to show you … life.
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 from "Roots on the Web" Lord God, as we gather today to rejoice in your loving plan to send your Son to save the world, we pray for any who are struggling to see the way forward. Worries and difficult situations often seem worse at this time of year, when others are partying and making plans for Christmas and the New Year ahead. We pray that your love will enfold them, and your light illuminate their way. We say with Zechariah, ‘the rising sun will come to us from heaven’. Father, as we lovingly gather gifts for friends and family, we remember those to whom we can no longer give, because they have gone before us into your presence. We pray for all who feel the absence of loved ones keenly at this time of year. May your love be the bridge between heaven and earth, reminding us that we are apart only for a while. We say with Zechariah, ‘the rising sun will come to us from heaven, to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death’. Lord, as Christmas cards land on our doormats, perhaps with letters telling of travel and adventure, or achievements and family pride, we pray for those who have little to tell this year; those who have suffered disappointments and defeats, whose hopes have faltered and come to nothing. Your love is both comfort and encouragement to keep going, to have faith; may your Holy Spirit inspire them to persevere. We say with Zechariah, ‘the rising sun will come to us from heaven, to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the path of peace’. Father, for a war-torn world we pray, and for leaders who must make difficult decisions every day; and for your Church, often struggling to make its voice heard amongst the clamour of opposing views and strife. May we here, in our own community, be carriers of your love to those who are confused by life; bombarded by too much news, bewildered perhaps by choices to be made and their consequences for ourselves and others; let your love reign in our hearts, and bring peace. We say, in fulfilment of Zechariah’s song: ‘The rising sun has come to us from heaven. He shines on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death. He guides our feet into the path of peace.’ Amen.