RAISE YOUR PRAYERS; SPEAK TO GOD

EVERLASTING GOD, WE GIVE THANKS AS WE COME TO WORSHIP YOU TODAY. 
We rejoice in Your Presence and in each other as we remember all that Your Son Jesus Christ fulfilled through His Death and Resurrection.

Merciful God, we lift to you today all those who are homeless. 
We pray for an increase in work opportunities. 

Heavenly Father, we lift to you today all those who are most in need.

Lord God, we pray that You will strengthen and guide all those who care for children.

We pray for all who are involved in youth work. 

We pray for Sunday children's groups.

Abba Father, today we lift to you all priests, ministers and pastors who labor devotedly in the Vineyard of the Lord. 
Grant them the strength, humility and courage they need to carry out the task which You - in Your infinite wisdom - have entrusted them. 
We pray that You continue to work in and through your priests, ministers and pastors in all they do to shepherd Your people and to serve the communities in which they live. 
May You richly bless them, their families and loved ones as they honour You through their words and deeds.

Sovereign Lord, please guide and encourage the leaders of our lands. 
May Your Presence among them lift them and enable them to glorify You in all they think and say.

Father, give to us, and to all Your people, in times of anxiety, serenity: 
in times of hardship, courage; 
in times of uncertainty, patience; 
and, at all times, a quiet trust in Your wisdom and Love. 
This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Holy God, show us Your ways, teach us Your paths. 
Guide us in Your truth and teach us, for You are God our Saviour. 
Our hope is in You.

Sovereign Lord, we thank You for the opportunity to serve You.

We pray for God's wisdom and guidance for governments as they continually discuss and make decisions.

We pray for all congregational leaders.

We pray for all those who serve on Parish Councils.

Father, we thank You for the opportunities of playing a part in the life of others. 

We pray for all fathers, mothers and children.

We pray for all those who are suffering violence at the hands of others.

Father, we pray for all lonely people, especially those who, coming home to an empty house, stand at the door hesitant and afraid to enter.
May all who stand in any doorway with fear in their hearts, like the two on the Emmaus Road, ask the Living One in.
Then, by Your Grace, may they find that in loneliness they are never alone; and that You fill empty rooms with Your Presence.

We pray for Gospel readers. 
Almighty God, please speak through your servants that You may enlighten us through Your living Word and enable us to stand firm in Your promises and to be a voice heard crying out for those unable to speak for themselves. 
Enable us to speak through the prompting and gift of Your Holy Spirit.

Father, we thank you for the gift of music and for the ability of those who use their musical gift to life us into Your Presence. 
We pray for worship groups and choir. 
Continue Your mighty work in them, Father, as we praise and worship You: the One to Whom all praise is due, now and forever.

Holy God, You alone are our hope, O God of our salvation. 
Your love breaks down walls that isolate and divide us.
Your Love heals, forgives, and makes us whole again.
Restore us, O God of our salvation.
Reconcile us, that we may be a true community of believers and live to Your Praise and Glory alone.

God, our Shepherd, give to the Church a new vision and a new charity, new wisdom and fresh understanding.
Grant revival of her brightness and the renewal of her unity.

We praise and bless You Who makes all things new; Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.

Father God, we pray that during this time, we will spend more time in listening to You, our Father, and less on speaking.
Holy Father, open our ears that we may hear Your Voice.
Amen.