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Prayer Archive Pages

September 2014

Prayers For September 2014

30 September 2014 - Today we pray for Strength and Wisdom.

Thank you, Lord, that you are there when we most need you.

We are amazed that you would take time to listen to us and to care about our lives.

God, there are so many things happening in the world that we do not understand.

In the face of them we feel weak and unable to cope even perhaps afraid.

Help us to trust you to turn to you for strength and wisdom.

Help us to cope in our lives in a way that brings glory to you.

In Jesus name we bring our prayers. Amen

29 September 2014 - As we see so many difficulties around the world we pray for all individuals.

Dear God, this morning we pray for the rights of your people around the world.

Where there is oppression bring relief.
Where there is poverty bring a more equal sharing of the good gifts you have given to us.
Where there is violence bring peace.
Where there is suffering bring forth your compassion.
Where there is mourning bring forth your comfort.

Loving God we pray that we may do whatever we can to bring all of these things into your world.

May we not be daunted by the magnitude of the problems but may we be lifted to our full potential as both individuals and nations. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen

28 September 2014 - Autumn is here

The weather is warm and fairly settled but the nights are drawing in, and nature's colours are changing.

We give thanks to God in prayer for the seasons, because each brings to us a uniqueness and beauty of its own. Amen

21 September 2014 - The Prayer from our weekly notice sheet.

Father God, we pray for those in hospital or being cared for at home.

Surround the frightened with your tenderness; give strength to those in pain; hold the weak in your arms of love, and give hope and patience to those who are recovering, and to their carers.

We ask these things through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

20 September 2014 - As the District Synod meets in Harlington we pray for those involved and the things they will discuss.

Lord of all, we pray for the guidance of your Holy Spirit in our Synod today.

We pray your blessing on all who meet lay and ordained. May we in our business today be guided by your will. In our discussions be able to identify those things which will enliven our faith.

Let us be eager to learn new things which equip us to speak your Good News and enable us to plan new things to support our congregations.

Loving God, You call us to be witnesses to the world. Assist us to be better disciples, more eager to share our stories, more willing to use the gifts and talents you have given us. Set our hearts on fire again so that we may build Your Kingdom.

We ask this through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen

19 September 2014 - We pray this morning for the day ahead and for the many things which fill our minds.

Loving God we come into your presence with hearts full with so many emotions.

Some of us are joyful, hopeful full of anticipation of the day ahead, while some of us are sad, worried, fearful of the day ahead.

We offer you all of our emotions and the circumstances which give rise to them.

Spend a little time in quiet bring those things to your God.

We know that you are with us no matter how we are feeling, no matter if we do not feel that you are and we praise you for your constant presence. We ask that the power of your Spirit will flow into each of us today. In Jesus name we pray. Amen

18 September 2014 - Whilst in Whitehall I have never seen so many Saltaire flying from government buildings. So today, as Scotland votes on independance we pray for the vote and the people of Scotland.

Saltaire over Whitehall

Lord of all, we pray for the people of Scotland as the voting takes place on the referendum.

May we respect each other in our differences. Loving God we know that whatever the outcome there will be pain and sadness and we pray your presence into those places of hurt. We pray for the many uncertainties the decision will bring and the concern it will raise in people's daily lives.

Lord, especially at this time we pray for those who are involved in government may they govern wisely and creatively for the good of all people. Amen

17 September 2014 - I was in Trafalgar Square yesterday and had a rest by the fountain where I took a picture. It seems appropriate to pray for refreshing and so we do that today.

Water droplets

Loving God you say to us, "Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink".

We pray today for the refreshing that you so freely give to us, we need to be refreshed by you. And as your living water flows freely to us may we share it with those around us.

We pray that you will send us out to give words of encouragement, time to listen, willingness to share a prayer and give comfort?

Freely we receive from you; freely we will give. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

16 September 2014 - As we read that the government is criticised for not meeting its' environmental targets we pray for our own and our world's need to care for creation.

Lord, we pray that we may have a caring attitude towards the environment in which we live. That we may be mindful of the uses we make in our daily lives of your glorious creation.

We pray that politicians, planners, developers and those who exploit the wealth of your creation may have at the centre of their decision making environmental concerns.

Lord, it is all too easy for us to leave it for someone else to sort out the problems help us to see the small ways that we can make a difference in sustaining your creation.

In Jesus' name we pray. Amen

15 September 2014 - As we start a new week we pray for the moments of quiet we need to connect with God during our busy lives.

Loving God we pray for our busy lives for the many activities we are involved in both work and leisure.

This morning we offer ourselves and our daily activity to you.

We pray that in the midst of the rush of our days we may find quiet moments to reflect on your presence with us.

That as we make decisions we may be aware of your promptings and your words to us. That as we live in the centre of our humanity we may also touch your Divinity.

Help us to make the space we need to keep that awareness today and everyday. Amen.

12 September 2014 - Today we pray for God's presence in our lives.

God our Father, you know each one of us by name.

You are always with us and your love for us is limitless and unconditional.

We ask that you will enable us to live our lives so that your light of your love and care may shine through us, bringing love, care and happiness to those who share our lives. Amen.

11 September 2014 - Today as I have been suffering with computer problems we pray for the impact of technology on our lives.

Lord, in a life so dominated by machines and technology we pray that our lives are enhanced by these wonders and not dominated by them.

Help us to be positive about the benefits technology brings to your world.

Help us ensure that we do not replace our human warmth and interaction with the remote and impersonal.

May technology serve us Lord, so that we may better serve one another, and you. Amen

10 September 2014 - Today we pray for ourselves as we seek to follow God in our daily lives.

We pray that we may be your voice of compassion, your hands of care and your arms of love. May we through our words and actions show your love for the world and for every individual.

May we be your voice of protest, your hands of action and your arms of love. May we through our words and actions show your passion for the relief of the oppressed.

May we be your voice of peace, hands of healing and your arms of love. May we through our words and actions show your care for those who are unwell in mind, body or soul.

May we, through all aspects of our lives, be an effective witness to your presence in your world. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

9th September 2014 - Today we read of the need for more resources to deal with mental health issues we pray for all of those affected by mental illness in all of its forms.

O, God, today we remember especially all those whose lives have been touched by mental illnesses. We give thanks for those who give their time, energy and talents to help those coping with mental illnesses in their lives and in the lives of their families and friends.

We give thanks for the medical services who treat those with mental illnesses.

We pray for the policy makers who decide on health priorities that they may not ignore the needs of those suffering with mental illness.

We pray for ourselves that mental health may not be a source of fear but an opportunity to show your love .

We pray that appropriate help may be given to all of those who suffer and their families. Guide each one of us, and help us to bring help and hope to these families and individuals. Amen

8th September 2014 - Today as we read of £82 million being invested to reduce the isolation of the elderly, we pray for all who are lonely.

Loving God, we pray for the times in life when people are lonely.
When there is no one to share a word, a laugh, a memory, a gentle touch or a fond embrace. We pray that you will bless each one who suffers from such loneliness.

We pray that we may be aware of their needs, that we might spend a moment noticing and loving. That we may make time to break the chains of someone who is lonely.

For when we do your love shines through and you touch your world in love and care. May we always seek to be instruments of your love. Amen.

7th September 2014 - Today we Welcome our new minister Rev Andrew Prout and so we pray for him and for ourselves.

Dear God, today we especially lift Andrew up to you in prayer.
We pray that he will have your wisdom and direction as we welcome him into his new ministry here in St Albans and Radlett.
We pray for his energy and enthusiasm that it may remain ever present.
We pray for times of renewal and refreshing and the joy and opportunities they bring.

We also pray for ourselves as we welcome Andrew. May we be open to your promptings, quick to offer our service and always slow to criticise. We pray this in Jesus name, Amen

6th September 2014 - As we come to the weekend we pray for rest from the business of the week.

Lord, as we come to the weekend we pray for our rest and relaxation.

We place into your hands our worries and cares, our long to do lists and the stress that comes with them.

With open hands, help us to let go of everything we cling to. Give us the rest we need for both our spirits and our bodies.

We pray for peace and calm in our lives as we come into your presence. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

5th September 2014 - As the NATO summit is taking place we pray for those involved.

Loving God, we pray for all those who are involved in the NATO summit today.

We pray for wisdom and sound judgement for the leaders of NATO that good may be promoted and evil be restrained.
In this time of unrest in Europe, North Africa, the USA and the Middle East,
there are many difficult situations to be resolved and so we pray wisdom on their discussions. We pray for harmony, a united vision and a committment to work together for the benefit of all.

Loving God we pray for justice and peace in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

4th September 2014 - As we hear of refugees storming a ferry in Calais we think of the many around the world made refugees by conflict, persecution and economic factors and so we pray for all refugees.

Almighty and merciful God, we pray for all those who today are fleeing from danger, persecution and a lack of basic necessities in their own homes. For those who find themselves homeless and hungry. Separated from the life and people they have know.

Bless those who work to bring them comfort and relief; inspire generosity and compassion in all our hearts.

We pray for those who strive to solve the many crises in our world which give people no other choice than to become refugees.

Loving God we pray for justice and peace and a fair sharing of the good gifts you have given to us. We offer our prayer in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

3rd September 2014 - On the first full day in school for the academic year in St Albans we pray for those starting and returning to school.

Loving Father,
As our children begin this new school year,
we ask that you bless them, their families and all of the school staff.
We pray that school will be a great adventure a place of fun, learning and new experiences.

We pray that you will guide them this year in everything they do that they may be able to give of their best and achieve their full potential.
We particularly pray for those starting school for the first time and for those who have changed schools and pray that they will quickly feel at home in their new places and make new friends.

In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

2nd September 2014 - As we hear of the decimation of the health system in the regions suffering the Ebola outbreak we pray for the people of West Africa who are affected. Remembering especially the Nixon Memorial Hospital in Sierra Leone which this church supports.

God of healing, hear our prayer for the people of West Africa
As they are suffering from the awful Ebola outbreak.
Grant we pray, peace to those who are afraid,
Your welcome to those who are dying and
Your comfort to those who have to live with the loss of loved ones.

We pray your blessing on the many loving hands
that offer care and hope at great risk to themselves.
We pray that you will inspire and enable your church
to be a source of healing, comfort and hope to those affected,
and an agent for the education and equipping of communities
to stop the spread of this deadly disease.
We pray in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

1st September 2014 - As the New Methodist Year begins today

We remember all those in the ministry of the Methodist Church who have moved recently.

We remember Rev Sarah Lowe, as she settles in her new home in Cambridge, and we remember our new Minister Rev Andrew Prout, who starts work in this Circuit.

We pray that he will feel welcomed amongst us and soon feel settled in his new home with us.

May the grace of God’s Holy Spirit accompany all across our Methodist Connexion who have moved.

As our new Methodist Year starts, we pray God’s blessing on all churches of our Circuit and pray that we will together continue to find ways of drawing closer to you in our worship and service. Amen