Category: Prayer of the Week

Jesus, the Light of the World, as we celebrate your birth,
may we begin to see the world in the light of the understanding you give us.
As you chose the lowly, the outcasts, and the poor
to receive the greatest news the world had ever known,
so may we worship you in meekness of heart.
May we also remember our brothers and sisters
less fortunate than ourselves in this season of giving.
Amen

Father God, thank you for your presence here today.
Thank you that you speak to us through our worship.
Thank you that you speak to us through your Word.
Thank you that you speak to us through each other.
Help us to listen to your voice as we worship.
Help us to listen to your voice as Scripture is read.
Help us to listen to your voice as we seek your truth.
Amen

God, we thank you for your persistence with us, never giving up on us;
and for the persistence of those who prayed for us that we might come into the kingdom.
You knew the right time for us.
You knew what lay around the corner for us then, and you know what lies ahead now.
Thank you for the excitement you fill us with.
Thank you for your Son Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
Thank you for the peace knowing him gives us.
Thank you for your Holy Spirit, the One who stirs up, who opens up your Word,
and helps us to put the pieces together that we might see the bigger picture
of Jesus and all that he came to be and do.
Thank you that there is always more to discover.
Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we give you thanks and praise.
Amen

Eternal God, throughout countless generations
you have diligently prepared a path for the arrival of your Son.
And even now, by the power of your Spirit,
you continue to shed light upon our lives, guiding us along our journey.
We humbly ask that you renew our faith and restore our hope,
so that we may warmly embrace the reign of Christ within our hearts and minds
and express our deepest affection towards him.
To him we give eternal glory and honour.
Amen

Sovereign God, the supreme ruler of all creation,
in your infinite wisdom you sent Jesus to bear witness to the truth: that you alone are the Lord of life. Grant us the unwavering ability to heed his voice at all times
so that we may boldly proclaim his dominion of justice, tranquillity, and boundless affection;
through him, who reigns ceaseless in our hearts as King of Kings.
Amen

Creator God, who has furnished us with all that we have, we give you praise and thanks.
Remind us of our gifts when we lose sight of them. Show us where and how to share them.
Give us the courage to offer them freely, as you give to us.
What others may seek to destroy, help us to protect and care,
and give us the conviction to stand fast when we are called to do so.
This we ask of you, in Jesus’ name.

Amen

[Minister] God of all nations; we pray for those who have been injured or disabled through war;
[Men] for those who have lost homes and security through conflict;
for those who have lost loved relatives in wars;
for those who face danger and take risks for peace.
[Women] We pray for all those, especially children, caught up in current conflicts;
for refugees and all those in need of aid and other help.
[Minister] God of encouragement and Saviour of the despairing,
[All] Comfort those who remember past sacrifices
and guide us in building a just and peaceful community for all.
Amen

Holy God, generations know your promises, your covenant of love.
Lord of all, every promise made, you remain faithful to fulfil,
for your ways are holy and your name is holly; all honour and glory belong to you.
So hold us and let your love surround us.
Draw us to your side, and as we wait, we will rise up like an eagle,
and we will soar with you as your spirt leads us on in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Amen

Creator God, giver of life, you sustain the earth and direct the nations.
In this time of climate crisis grant us clarity to hear the groaning of creation and the cries of the poor;
challenge us to change our lifestyles; guide our leaders to take courageous action;
enable your church to be a beacon of hope;
and foster within us a renewed vision of your purposes for your world;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, by and for whom all things were made.
Amen

We praise you, Lord, for witnesses through the ages
who have told your story and made you real to the next generation.
So take our lives, we pray, and let them be consecrated, Lord, to you.
Take our moments, time together and our numbered days
and let them flow in ceaseless praise to you, merciful Lord.
Help us to put into practice what we learn when we are together
and to take the message of Hope and salvation through Jesus
beyond the walls of this church, to the glory of your name.
Amen

Let us pray, conscious that our prayer gives the Spirit a way of breaking into word and song
unique in all the universe,
so, for the words and songs within each of us, we give thanks.
Let us pray: believing we are bearers of a treasure, the Spirit of Life blessing us with a variety of gifts,
so, for the treasures we each bear, we give thanks.
Let us pray: mindful of God in Christ at work in our lives and of what may be possible,
so, we let go, allowing the Spirit to work freely in each of us.
Let us pray: inviting the Spirit of life, love, and goodness to move freely in our words and in our actions,
become in our lives the way to what we need, to what we can become,
and what we can do. In the name of Christ!
Amen

God of the unknown, as age draws in on us, irresistible as the tide,
make our life’s last quarter the best that there has been.
As our strength ebbs, release our inner vitality, all you have taught us over the years;
as our energy diminishes, increase our compassion, and educate our prayer.
You have made us human to share your divine life; grant us the first fruits;
make our life’s last quarter the best that there has been.
Amen

Gracious God, it is through your abundant provision that even those who grumble
and remain discontented receive all that is required for their existence.
Guide us in learning your ways of fairness and inspire us to embody your generosity,
so we may lead a life that reflects the gospel truths
revealed to us by your Son and our Redeemer, Jesus Christ.
Amen

God of all, we come to offer you the best of ourselves:
To take hold of mercy and to let go of fear.
To take hold of generosity and to let go of resentment;
To take hold of forgiveness and to let go of sin.
To take hold of forgiveness and to let go of sin:
To take hold of gratitude and to let go of grudge.
To take hold of all your very self, in Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Amen

Gracious God, we give you thanks for all the ways your Son draws us together in community.
We pray for those unable to worship alongside those they love:
for churches in turmoil and for all places where relationships are breaking.
And we ask your blessing on ourselves, on one another,
and on all who call upon you today in Jesus’ name.
Amen