Intercessions for Advent

Tuesday 13 December, 1:19pm

Here are a set of prayers written by Steve and used in a recent Advent service. They were well-received and we thought others might like to read them.

PRAYERS FOR SUNDAY 4 DEC 2011

Heavenly Father, as once again we prepare for Christmas, help us to find time in our busy lives for quiet and thought and prayer, that we may reflect upon the wonder of your love and allow the story of the Saviour’s birth to penetrate our hearts and minds. So may our joy be deeper, our worship more real, and our lives worthier of all that you have done for us through the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

We pray for Peace:

• Give peace to the world – we think especially of this time of the people of the Near East who are living in turmoil – of Egypt, Libya, of Tunisia and of Syria; we think also of the people of Afghanistan and of Pakistan
  Give peace to the victims of war, the refugees, the widowed and the orphans.
• Give peace to family and friends; to those who have quarrelled and need to be reconciled.
• Give peace in our own divided hearts.

We know that without justice there can be no peace. Let peace come when all people are respected, regardless of race and religion. Let peace come when trading weapons of mass destruction is a crime. Let peace come when the earth’s resources are used wisely for the common good. Let peace come when money is used to serve and not enslave the world. Let peace come through the transformation of our lives that we may do justice, love and kindness and walk humbly with our God.

Your Son came as the Prince of Peace and brought a message of Peace for all people. Help us to be Peacemakers in our own homes, at our work or wherever we meet people, so that the peace and goodwill of Christmas can find a place in the hearts of all people.

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

We pray for our leaders:

Give strength and wisdom to our European leaders in their efforts to rescue the Euro currency, and to solve the problems of indebted governments like Greece and insolvent banks. We know there are difficult economic times ahead Lord, so guide our leaders in the United Kingdom, David Cameron, Nick Clegg George Osborne and the leaders of other European Countries such as Angela Merkel and Nicholas Sarkosy as they look anxiously ahead at the coming storm

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

We pray for people in need:

We pray for homeless people and for refugees who have no country to call their own. Let your blessing be with those who work to help the homeless this Christmas, and give to all of us the determination to help where we can. We pray especially for Christian organisations who help the homeless in Leeds, the Salvation Army, St George’s Crypt, St Vincents, LASSN, PAFRAS at St Aidans, Joanna, Kids Club and others.

We pray for people who cannot find useful work, who are unemployed, who have been made redundant.

We pray for people who are lonely, those who are lonely because they have lost a partner, those who are lonely because no-one seems to care, those who are lonely because of handicap or illness. Let your presence be with those who are alone at this season of friendship and may we take your friendship to those whom we know will be alone this Christmas.

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

We pray for those who are ill:

We pray for friends and family who are ill at this time, and remember them in the quietness of our hearts. We bring them to you in the confidence that you love them and know their every need and that your healing power is still the same today. Bless all that is being done for their recovery and answer our prayers as you see best.

Jesus Christ is the light of the world, a light which no darkness can quench. We remember friends and family who have died and light a candle to symbolise the light of Christ which eternally shines and brings hope. I leave a silence for you to put in a name of anyone you wish to pray for who is ill at this time.

Help us to experience the comfort of the Holy Spirit within us, and the fellowship of the church family around us until we are reunited once more in your heavenly kingdom.

You turn our darkness into light in your light shall we see light. Merciful father accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

We pray for the neighbourhood:

Thankyou Lord for the resliliant spirit of our neighbourhood, and the way that people, with your help, rise above the challenges they face. Thankyou that we avoided the worst of the disturbances that affected many English cities this summer and for the actions of local people and our church neighbours who positive action to calm things down and prevent trouble.

We pray for the community – may the various races and religions continue to live together in peace and respect. May there be less crime, less worship of money and worldly goods, more caring, and more helping others. May our church at Harehills Lane and our neighbouring churches such as the Church of God of Prophecy, St Aidans, Chapeltown Community Church, New Testament Church, Roscoe Methodist, Chapel A, Chapel Allerton Methodist and St Martins, help you bring about a spiritual revival in our local area.

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

We pray for the church:

• For the Christian family who will be celebrating this festival in so many different ways, and for those who dare not celebrate openly.
• For Christians in countries where there is persecution.
• For Christians in our own country, with whom we will share our celebrations
• For our Church family.

Grant that all who come into our church at Harehills Lane this Christmas time may be enabled to renew their relationship with you. Help us all to be glad of your presence, and to rejoice at the coming of Jesus.

May your blessing be upon all who worship with us, give us grace to live as faithful members of your family, that we may learn each day afresh to love and serve you.

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer