Prayer Sheet October/November 2005 - The World

Lord of all grace and truth, who came to dwell in your own town of Nazareth, we pray that you will give us grace to live in our local community as salt to purify it and as light to reveal your truth. May we not be ashamed to acknowledge you; and may we learn so to love and honour all that peace and goodwill may prevail; for your name's sake. Amen.

The Local Community

• for all young people, particularly those who are alienated & on the margin. Also for the Police & others who seek to preserve order.
• for our local schools, residential homes & sheltered housing.
• for a renewed interest in the Good News & the life of the local church.

The St. Cuthbert's Project

• for the work on the building to be completed on time and for ourselves as we take up the challenge of the 'return home'.
• for the continued provision of all necessary finances.
• for guidance regarding our use of the extended premises and for the formation of a management team for the new church centre.

The Church

• for our Development Plan as it is shared amongst Church members.
• for unity & purpose as our time at Meadowbank comes to an end
• for St. Mary's as they seek to develop their vision & premises.
• for a willingness by all to explore new avenues of service & ministry

Individuals / Others

• Chris Betson preparing for a Bishop's Advisory Conference.
• for the sick, bereaved & housebound.
• for Catherine Johnson as she completes her Reader Course.

A Prayer for Justice

Dear God,
We know that you are a God of justice, and that you want to see justice shine in the world.
Father give us who love you the strength and the will to speak up against injustice, and to understand that our personal choices can and do make a difference - good or bad.
God touch the hearts of those in power - make them sensitive to recognise the wisdom and the righteousness that lies in your way - the way of compassion, justice and love.

A Prayer for Motivation

Father God, your love for us is compassionate, merciful, genuine and tangible. You ask us to love others as you love us, Lord please help us to do this. Teach us to see people as you see them and value them as you value them. Give us the strength and the understanding to follow the example of Jesus who was a living expression of your love. It is in his name we pray, Amen.

A Prayer for Prisoners in Rwanda

Lord God, Our Father, our inspiration, and the author and finisher of our faith, fill our hearts with compassion for prisoners all over the world. We ask especially for Your grace on those who are in prison in Rwanda. We pray that the Good News of Jesus Christ will be brought to each one. Help those who have committed crimes to seek your forgiveness. Give them the will to be born again and have new life in you. Amen.

A Prayer for Asia

Following the tsunami in December 2004.
Lord, it's hard to know what to pray when somthing as devastating as this occurs. In the Bible, Paul talks of faith, hope and love: God, we pray that faith, hope and love will prevail as the journey towards recovery begins.
We pray for faith - for those for whom difficult questions have been raised as a result of the disaster; and for faith that will initiate action.
We pray for hope - for all those who find themselves in what seems to be a hopeless situation.
We pray for love - that the love you have for us will become the love we have for each other, the love from which compassion, motivation and co-operation can come. Amen.

A Prayer for Orphans

Almighty God, full of compassion, remember the orphans of the world, children who have had their parentstorn away by death or separation. Orphans who have to wait in misery and hunger for someone to plead their cause or come to their aid.
Almighty God, Father of the fatherless, let the cries of the inocent pierce the armour of heartless men and women, and teach them love, understanding and compassion. Amen.

A Prayer for the Persecuted

We pray, Lord, for fellow Christians who face persecution because of their faith or ethnic identity. Help them to show love to those who regard them as enemies, to turn the other cheek and not to retaliate, to walk the way of peace, not the way of violence. May the witness of their lives draw others to you. For Jesus' sake. Amen.

A Prayer for Afghanistan

Father, we pray for the people of Afghanistan whose lives have been disrupted and destroyed by decades of conflict and disaster. May their need for food, shelter and security be met and may the coming decades be marked by peace, progress and justice for all. Amen.