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

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee;
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty!
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

Lord, it is difficult for us to comprehend how such a holy, mighty God can care, and even love, mere humans like us; but Jesus showed that you do care and love us – you are merciful as well as being mighty.
But, like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we so often don’t recognise you, Lord, when you join us on our daily walk.
So help us daily to see you in the beauty of nature around us, in the people we meet and in your dealings with us – that we might be filled with praise because of what you have revealed.
We ask this, not just for ourselves, but for all your people worldwide, regardless of their situation.
We ask your help and blessing on, Stephen, our bishop; on Gaenor, our priest; and on all Church leaders in our diocese.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Today, as we look at our world we cannot help feeling despondent, Lord.  We long for the day when ‘your will is done on Earth, as it is in Heaven’.

Lord, for our land, in this our generation,
Spirits oppressed by pleasure, wealth and care:
For young and old, for commonwealth and nation,
Lord of our land, be pleased to hear our prayer.
Lord, for our world; when we disown and doubt you,
Loveless in strength, and comfortless in pain,
Hungry and helpless, lost indeed without you:
Lord of the world, we pray that Christ may reign.

We bring before you, again, the people of Ukraine and ask that you will speedily bring peace between Ukraine and Russia. That doesn’t seem very likely to us, Lord, but you are able to do it – so please give us the necessary faith, and help our unbelief.

Bless and guide Elizabeth our queen; 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 all know good and lovely people who, this day, are up against it.– either in hospital, in a nursing home or at home.

And we pray for all those who suffer in any way:

For those who are blind or partially sighted.
For those whose deafness cuts them off from conversations.
For those who find it difficult to walk.
For those with a progressive illness.
Give them all courage and the assurance that you, Lord, understand their need.

We ask that you will restore and refresh them and those who look after them.

And at this time we particularly remember Clive, George and Diana. We ask that you will heal their bodies, reduce their pain and fill them with the joy of your presence.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Hear us as we remember those who have died, and we particularly remember Gaye.  Lord, please be with her family, and with all who suffer the loss of loved ones.

‘And though we’re heavy for the loss
our sadness sheds soft tears,
no more than dew
that waits the break of Glory
and Love’s day.’

(Michael Hare Duke)

According to your promises, grant us with them a share in your eternal kingdom.  Rejoicing in the fellowship of all your saints, we commend ourselves and all Christian people to your unfailing love.