"Mothering Sunday"

Led by Megan Ashmore

Prayers of Intercession

NB: as there were some audio issues with our Prayers of Intercession in this service, you can also read them below.

Lord, as we gather, we pray that you would teach us afresh how to pray and renew a passion for prayer within us. 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name …
Holy God, we pray for your children who acknowledge your power and authority but who don’t recognise your love. We rejoice that through Jesus we can approach your throne of grace and pray that all may know you intimately and call you “ABBA”, Father. We bring before you now those we know who have yet to meet you.........In you we are united with your children throughout the world. Help us to remember this in our daily living, so that we are conscious of the impact of our actions and words. 

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven …
We look to the day when your kingdom shall be established throughout heaven and earth, when Jesus shall reign and we shall see him face to face.  We thank you God for the promise of eternal life with you in glory where your reign means no sorrow, hurt, fear nor pain. May this promise be a comfort to those who mourn. In the meantime, Lord we pray that your kingdom values will be exemplified by us, so that those who are oppressed, homeless, lonely, ill or worried may experience a glimpse of your justice, understanding, friendship, healing and peace. 

Give us this day our daily bread …
One day at a time. Lord this pandemic has reminded us how precious life is. May we use each day in your service knowing that you will provide for our every need. The apostle Paul wrote that you said to him, “My grace is sufficient for you, my power is made perfect in your weakness”.  We pray for all those working to heal people of this virus and keep them safe: the hospital staff, scientists, those administering the vaccination and carrying out testing programmes, care home workers and outreach workers. 
We pray for government leaders who are trying to handle the impact of COVID - 19. We pray for schools and colleges - pupils, students, staff and their families. We pray for the unemployed, for small businesses struggling to keep going and for larger companies seeking to keep staff safe. 
Bless them all with your grace and strength that your presence will be more visible to them. 

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us …
As the days of lockdown roll on we pray that you will forgive us when we lose hope. Work within us and turn our thoughts back to you. Forgive us when we take our frustration out on others. Give us the grace to apologise and seek their forgiveness. We pray for all those whom we have hurt through our thoughtlessness. Let us not hold a grudge against those who have hurt us recently or in the past but give us the opportunity and determination to set things aright, knowing that we do your will and that you will help us. Forgiving Lord, draw near to those weighed down with guilt. Comfort them and show them the freedom they can have through Jesus.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil …
We see the sights that dazzle but we pray that we would keep our eyes fixed firmly on you and your way. We know that you will guide us along paths of righteousness - may our feet be willing to follow. 

For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory. Forever and ever. Amen.
We bring all these prayers to you in the name of Jesus, your son and our saviour. Amen.

As we move through this Mothering Sunday, appreciating that for some it will be a difficult day, may we all know the love, comfort, peace and blessing of our Father.