Intercessions - 14 March 2021
Intercessions
14 March 2021 – Mothering Sunday
Let us pray
Colossians 3: 12-17, John 19: 25b-27
As we reflect on the story of Jesus showing his outpouring of love for his mother and Mary Magdalene we praise you Heavenly Father, for the loving relationships that can be formed in the most challenging of circumstances. May we be on the constant look out for those that need care, comfort, kindness, gentleness and companionship especially through these challenging months of isolation and loss.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer
For Mothering Sunday
Today, on Mothering Sunday, we give thanks for the ministry and service of women, poured out in abundance in the unnamed and unsung lives of countless women, mothers and daughters and sisters.
For healthcare professionals and teachers, farmers and factory workers, for scientists and engineers, for administrators and public servants, alone and together, in prayer and in action.
We remember the women who have loved us, led us, inspired and moved us in the service of Jesus and of one another, giving thanks especially today for mothers everywhere and for our own mothers.
Nurturing God, we give thanks
for women who minister in raising families;
in offering hospitality,
and in the creative work of motherhood.
So we pray for the valuing of parenthood,
the encouragement of its gifts,
and the discovery of joy and beauty amid its challenges.
Reconciling God, we give thanks
for women who have confronted warring powers, challenged violence and offered the peace of Jesus Christ to everyone they met.
We pray for a world that deals justly with its most vulnerable members, especially those who experience gender violence, racism and exploitation; for all who labour to raise families in difficult conditions
who ask questions,
protest injustice and work for communities in which all may live in peace.
Joyful God, we give thanks
for women whose lives are shaped by prayer,
and moved by compassion.
So we pray for the stirrings of the Holy Spirit, within us and amongst us
that we may live our lives in intimacy and kindness and know the companionship of Jesus beside us.
Transforming God,
You called Mary, the mother of Jesus
to become a bearer of the gospel of peace,
putting in her mouth the song of testimony.
Grant us that same insight and courage,
that we may recognise our place in the gospel story and live it in our lives.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer
World Issues
Globally we pray for:
•Democracy and the freedom to live our lives in peace and away from harm
•Equality and fair access to food, water, energy education and healthcare services
•Consideration of our planet and the wise usage of its resources
•Our brothers and sisters in Christ who are persecuted for their beliefs.
Bless and guide Elizabeth our Queen; give wisdom to all in authority, Prime Minister Boris Johnson ; 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 ask for your blessing on our church, and we pray for all who serve in different ways within our community. We pray for our local residents within Lydiard Millicent, Lydiard Green, Common Platt, Peatmoor, Sparcells, Greenhill and Greatfield that you will care for their daily needs.
We ask for your blessing on Tudor, Tricia and our Parish Church Council who lead our ministry and provide pastoral care for our fellowship and our buildings especially as we approach our Annual Church Meeting.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer
For the sick and recently departed
At this time we pray for those who need your support through illness, for those who are troubled by life and the ongoing situations they face and especially those known personally to us.
[PAUSE]
Losing someone close can be a shock, leave a void, leave unanswered questions, but death needn’t be the end as we are confident of our future with you. Until then we are assured that you can provide peace, blessings and allow us to celebrate the lives of the recently departed. We pray especially for the family of:
Andrew Henstridge (former Headteacher of Peatmoor School)
When this heart and flesh shall fail, And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil, A life of joy and peace.
[PAUSE]
Great things You have taught us, great things You have done And great is our rejoicing through Jesus the Son But purer, and higher, and greater will be Our wonder, our worship, when Jesus we see
Merciful Father
Accept these prayers
For the sake of your Son, our saviour Jesus Christ,
Amen