Almighty God, our heavenly Father, you promised through your Son Jesus Christ to hear us when we pray in faith.

Lord, as we continue our journey through Lent, we follow your light to lighten the Church, which is not a light of earthly pomp and splendour, nor a light of power and dominance, but the light of a child whose life will lead to the cross.

We ask that Christ, as the light that re-defines and makes all things new, may bring his transforming light to bear on our Church so that it may truly reflect your glory.

When we were walking in darkness
You were there,
When we were kneeling in weakness
You were there,
When we drew near feeling worthless
You were there,
When we were needing forgiveness
You were there,
When we were searching for your grace
You were there.

We give thanks to you Lord,
For you have done marvellous things

As we lift up these words for our churches, let us come before God with humility and a willingness to obey. May we become intercessors for our brothers and sisters in Christ. May we pray more and criticise less.

Strengthen Stephen our bishop, Gaenor our priest and all your Church in the service of Christ; that those who confess your name may be united in your truth, live together in your love, and reveal your glory in the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Lord Jesus, you were sent into this world by God our father but so many in this world refuse to believe or to accept you. Rather, they turn their backs on you or are unable to hear your truth. Let there be a new spirit of yearning for unity and peace in the world. Let those who claim that God is on their side recognise the truth that the love of God is for all peoples and that the Word of God cannot belong exclusively to anyone.

We again pray for peace in Ukraine and in Gaza. It seems to us that such peace is unlikely – but you are the God of the ‘unlikely’, and you often act in ways that surprise us.

We all experience the demands and delights of living in this community. Help us who believe in you to live our lives in the light of your wisdom and to see others through your loving and compassionate eyes. Help us to recognise and acknowledge you in the lives and work of those around us and to be open to the possibilities of meeting you in unexpected places.

Bless and guide Charles our king; give wisdom to all in authority; and direct this and every nation in the ways of justice and of peace; that we may honour one another, and seek the common good.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

We pray for all our family and friends, and in our hearts we name in silence those we know to be in dark places today.

Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy, we pray for those who have lost hope and courage this day. We pray for all those who are ill, especially those who are terminally ill. We pray too for prisoners, for refugees, hostages and all who are trapped in unhappy relationships or problems of addiction. We think, too, of the mentally ill, the depressed, and those whose personality is crippled by violence, neglect or abuse.

Lord Jesus, for our sake you became poor.
You suffered and endured pain in human flesh, so we know that you understand our frailty.
Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind or spirit;
give them courage and hope in their troubles; and bring them the joy of your salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Our hearts and prayers go out to all who mourn the loss of loved ones. In the words of the psalmist, as he speaks to God:

‘Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Relieve the troubles of my heart, and bring me out of my distress’. (Psalm 25)

Rejoicing in the fellowship of Saint Gregory and all your saints, we commend ourselves and all Christian people to your unfailing love.

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