Almighty God in faith we bring our prayers to you.  We pray for the world, the church and our parish and those we love and care for, rejoicing in the knowledge that you will hear and answer our prayer.

We pray for the people of the word where there is conflict, strife and hardship.  We pray for the world leaders that they may seek justice and peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our church, for Sarah Mulhally, Archbishop of Canterbury, for King Charles and the Royal Family; as they represent our church and country around the world.  We pray for all ministers and judges as they dispense justice.  We pray for our church here in Marnhull, we lift up to you Gaenor our rector and Judith our lay minster as they guide this congregation through this turbulent time.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Today we pray for things happening very close to us but often unseen, unnoticed and un-prayed for.  In the face of this hidden world, Lord, give us eyes to see and ears to hear.  Somewhere near us at this moment, someone is ill and struggling to stay alive, a family is grieving, as we remember Joan Geddes, someone is struggling to keep their marriage together, someone is struggling to resist a deep, familiar temptation.  Let us pray for them in their struggles.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Somewhere near us at this moment, a football match is underway, a couple are enjoying their new baby, a family are planning their holidays, a man is getting his tools out for today’s DIY.  Let us pray for them in their relaxation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Somewhere near us, at this moment, God the Father is holding the world on course; God the Son is pulling together the wonderful raw material of human lives; God the Holy Spirit is energising his people; somewhere near us, at this moment and every moment until we’re here us again next week, God will be lovingly present to every part of his creation and every person in it.  He will be encouraging us and persuading us, he’ll be delighting in us and despairing over us.  But he will never given up, and because he is inexhaustible, in the end he will always succeed. 

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

Amen