St Mark's Church Community Centre, Bedford

A Christian Church where you will find a welcome whoever you are. Sunday worship is 9.30am Our community centre is open each day from 7.30am until late, welcoming over 60 community groups and charities based at our centre. The world is our parish.

St Mark's Church, Diocese of St Albans UK, part of the worldwide Anglican Church

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church prayers intercessions for worship

Prayers for use in Church

These prayers and intercessions are suitable for use in church worship
on Sundays through the year, or your own private prayer.

You can also see church prayers 2022 & Church Prayer 2023

Church Intercessions for the Second Sunday after Easter by Gerladine

Christ, our risen Lord, no tomb can keep you, no door is closed to you, no heart is barred to you, no mind is shut off from you. Come lead us out of darkness into light, out of doubt into faith, out of death into life eternal:

Jesus Christ our risen Lord. We pray for all who witness to your resurrection, those who speak of your presence, for preachers of the word and ministers of the sacrament; for those who reveal your presence by the way they live. We pray for all who are in doubt and for all who are seeking you. We pray for unity in the church and in the world. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Jesus Christ our Risen Lord, we rejoice in your resurrection, we sing Hallelujah and we are here in your house to worship, sing your praises and pray in your name. For so many, dear Lord, this is not possible. The war in Gaza and the war in Ukraine mean that life for many is about surviving and in Gaza is about food, water and medicine too. In Iran the Christian’s celebrate in secret and face prison and interrogation if they are found out. We pray for all those who want to worship but life for them is just about survival. Let them know the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you Lord for our homes, schools and communities here in Brickhill. Thank you for our church family, our families, our friends and all the support we have around us. We know our living God. We bring before you today those people that are lonely, depressed or ill. We pray that they will see your light and feel the warmth and comfort of your Holy Spirit their lives. We pray for the charities and groups, community services and the various organisations that try to reach out and identify those at risk. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. We pray that the people with wealth, power and influence, those who govern, the negotiators, will use their power with fairness, understanding and compassion for all people. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. We pray for our friends and family who may be poorly in mind or body, the nurses and carers in hospital and those caring for loved ones at home. We also pray for those who have lost loved ones recently, for all those who live in our hearts and minds. May they find comfort in your sustaining and everlasting love. We will have a moments silence to remember those loved ones. ........................................ Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We remember before God those who have died and light a candle to symbolise the light of Christ which eternally shines and brings hope. Today we remember Brian Hodgson, Peter Davies, Pam Tobin and Grace Mary Foster. You turn our darkness into light and in your light shall we see light. Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Lord Jesus. Amen

Praying together together this week - Third Sunday of Easter by Mike and Janet Warren 14 April 2024

This Sunday many church are holding Annual General Meetings. As we start this new year in our ministry we pray:

With thanks for our church Ministers, Church family and all those who work tirelessly to bring God’s love to the people of our community
For our members who are taking on roles of responsibility in the Leadership Team and the PCC; we give thanks for those who have served us this past year
With thanks for our members who contribute in so many different ways to the ministry and worship of our church
For the ministry of our church in all its aspects that it may bear fruit and touch those in need and those seeking a spiritual home
With thanks for those who have gone before us; for those whose lives of faith have built up our church and inspired others to continue God’s work
For the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we move forward through the year, that we may stretch out our hands in service; that our church may truly be inclusive and that we may offer welcome and fellowship to all

Praying together this week - Second Sunday of Easter by Mike and Janet Warren 7 April 2024

This Sunday, 7th April, is designated World Health Day by the World Health Organisation. The theme this year is ‘My health, my right’ which considers all aspects of health including environmental factors. We pray for:

The NHS; for all Healthcare professionals and those who work to bring healing and comfort, for those whose role is to make difficult decisions about priorities and for all patients receiving care
The millions of people around the world who have little or no access to healthcare; for those countries reliant on aid and charities to bring healing to their people, and for those who work tirelessly in difficult and challenging conditions
For those living in war-torn countries; for the people of Gaza, Ukraine, Somalia and Haiti, for a lasting peace to allow healing of bodies, minds and spirits, and rebuilding of lives
For those whose lives are blighted by pollution and environmental devastation; for scientists and environmental workers seeking solutions that will heal the creation God has given us
For world leaders, for wisdom, sound judgement and action to ensure the health and well-being of their people

Praying together this week - Easter Sunday by Mike and Janet Warren 31 March 2024

We rejoice at the news that He is Risen, Alleluia! We celebrate with our brothers and sisters around the world and proclaim the risen Christ. We pray for:

The leaders of the world-wide church – Archbishop Justin Welby, Pope Francis and Bartholomew the Ecumenical Patriarch
The Easter message to be heard in those places that try to silence it
Those who cannot profess their faith openly through fear of persecution or death
Those without faith that they may hear and believe the Good News of the Risen Christ
The true meaning of Easter to overcome the noise of commercialism and greed
The hope and joy of Easter to flow into the troubled, war-torn, hungry and oppressed people of God’s world
Our eyes to be open when Christ shows himself to us in unexpected places and at unexpected times
Our faith to radiate the love of Christ in our lives, homes and community and for courage to proclaim the Good News of Easter with confidence, assurance and joy

Church Intercessions for Easter Sunday by Morag Sewart 31 March 2024

The bidding today: Hear us Risen Lord Response: Our Resurrection and our Life

On this the Holiest day of the Christian calendar, we thank you Lord that Jesus lived on earth as an ordinary person and yet by his death and Resurrection, is alive and reigns with the Father. We join with members of your family all across the world to offer praise and adoration for Jesus – Jesus alive, powerful and victorious. We rejoice that in Jesus all that separates and injures and destroys has been overcome by what unites and heals and creates. Hear us Risen Lord - Our Resurrection and our Life
Creator Lord, we pray for the world you made, thanking you for signs of new life and hope: We praise you for our country, its beauty, the riches it has for us and the gifts it showers on us. We thank you for your people, the gift of languages we speak, the variety of races we have, the cultural heritage we cherish. Grant that we accept these gifts with thankfulness and use them for the good of the human race and to bring glory to you. Hear us Risen Lord - Our Resurrection and our Life
Merciful Lord, amidst our Easter joy, we ask for your loving compassion on all whose lives have been marred by tragedy of any kind. Look with mercy on those who are living in war torn countries, those who are injured, those who are fleeing from danger, those who are homeless, those who are hungry, those who are grieving the loss of loved one. Bless those who work to bring them relief; inspire generosity and compassion in all our hearts. Help us to believe that all things are possible, that nations can make peace, that men and women can love their enemies, that justice can prevail. Hear us Risen Lord - Our Resurrection and our Life
Forgiving Lord, you know the needs of human life. We ask you to help us as we seek to live our lives according to your example. Help us by your presence to overcome our hasty speech that hurts others; to be free from greed and selfishness, from pride and jealousy, that spoil our lives. Let your presence help us to care about the feelings of others, to be gentle, and ready to say we are sorry. You saw deep into the hearts of those around you. You knew the arrogance of Peter, the pride of James and John, the hatred of your enemies. But you never stopped loving and sought to bring the best out of them. Bring the best out of us, so that our lives may reflect your way for the world. Hear us Risen Lord - Our Resurrection and our Life
Loving God, we place in your gentle hands all those who are sick. Ease their pain, and heal the damage done to them in body, mind or spirit. Be present with them through the support of family and friends and in the care of doctors and nurses, and fill them with the warmth of your love, now and always. Hear us Risen Lord - Our Resurrection and our Life
Father God, we pray for those we love, but no longer see and remember them in our hearts today. Jesus Christ is the light of the World, a light which no darkness can quench. We remember before God those who have died and light a candle to symbolise the light of Christ which eternally shines and brings hope.
You turn our darkness into light in your light shall we see light. Risen Lord Jesus, on this, Easter day, may the wonder of your resurrection dawn in in our hearts and take root in our lives, quietly, steadily, and with love. Merciful father ….

Church Prayers and Intercessions for Palm Sunday by Mike and Janet Warren 2024

As we move through the days of Holy Week, we reflect on the events that we see unfolding and follow our Lord to the cross. We pray:

Jesus Christ, Lord of the entry into Jerusalem, help us daily to proclaim you as Lord and to be joyful in our faith
Jesus Christ, Lord of the Last Supper, help us to be the servant of others and to see you in the breaking of the bread
Jesus Christ, Lord of the garden of Gethsemane. Help us in our prayers that we may have the confidence to pray without ceasing
Jesus Christ, Lord of the whips and abuse, help us to stand up against violence and hatred, calling out where we see injury to others
Jesus Christ, Lord of the corruption and hatred against you, help us to cry for justice and peace in a world that is caught up in self and prejudice
Jesus Christ, Lord of the pain of the cross and the nails, help us to be alongside those in physical and mental pain, to reach out and to bring comfort
Jesus Christ, Lord of the borrowed tomb, help us to weep with those who mourn, to share in their sorrow and to bring them the hope of everlasting life

Church Prayers and Intercessions for the Fifth Sunday of Lent by Mike and Janet Warren 2024

In our world where war rages, we see two significant events, the second anniversary of the war in Ukraine and the ceasefire talks being held to bring relief to the people of Gaza along with the release of hostages. We pray:

For peace in our broken and divided world; Lord we pray that you will stretch out your hand to bring peace to a world of destruction, pain and misery; for swords to be turned into ploughshares and that the hands that seek to destroy will be turned to hands of friendship
For the people of Ukraine; Lord we pray for protection, courage and endurance in the face of tyranny, for hope and trust that peace will come, for the international community that it will be steadfast in supporting the territorial independence of all countries
For the people of Gaza; Lord we pray that their world of hunger, despair and loss can be turned to calm and relief through the negotiations for a ceasefire; for a lasting peace that recognises the hurts on both sides of the conflict and for long-standing differences to be reconciled
For the people of Israel; Lord we pray for the safety and release of hostages, for hope for their relatives and for their life of uncertainty to be transformed into a life of peace and contentment
For world leaders; Lord we pray for your wisdom to guide those who make decisions that affect all those in the path of war, for integrity, compassion and a willingness not to turn away from those who suffer, for those who advise leaders and for all those working for peace
For all those organisations bringing humanitarian aid, medical skills and comfort to the war weary; Lord we pray that you will protect and sustain them in their work

Church Intercessions for Mothering Sunday Lent 4 by Geraldine 10 March 2024

Loving God, we thank you for all the people who have mothered us throughout our lives. For all who have held us and fed us, cared for us and comforted us. We pray for new mothers experiencing changes they could not predict. Grant them rest and trust in you. We pray for girls and women who think about whether to become mothers. Grant them patience and discernment. We pray for mothers who are raising their children in poverty. Grant them courage and relief. We pray for mothers who face the demands of single parenthood. Grant them strength, support, and wisdom. We pray for mothers who are separated from their children. Grant them faith and hope. We pray for adoptive and foster mothers. Grant them gratitude and insight. We pray for mothers whose relationships are going through difficult times. Grant them clarity and support. We pray for women who long to be mothers. Grant them strength, hope and opportunities to share their love. We pray for those who have suffered from abusive mothering. Grant them healing and strength. We pray for step-mothers, godmothers, and all men and women who have assumed a mother’s role in a child’s life. Grant them joy and appreciation of others. We pray for those people present who grieve the loss of a mother, and for mothers who have lost children. Grant them comfort, healing, and the hope of Christ’s resurrection. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Dear Lord, We thank you for our church family and our community here in Brickhill. We thank you for our lives of relative safety and security, our democracy, our homes and the food on our table. We bring before you all those suffering so much in the wars in Gaza and Ukraine . We pray for the international community to use their power, resources and energy for the good of all the people so that they too may have their homes and their families and that much needed peace in your world. Lord, in your mercy hear our prayers.

We pray for friends and family who may be poorly in body or mind, and the dedicated carers, looking after our loved ones. We pray for those who have lost loved ones recently, and for all those who live in our hearts and minds. May they find comfort in your sustaining and everlasting love. We will have a moments silence to remember our loved ones. ............................................... Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We remember before God those who have died and light a candle to symbolise the light of Christ which eternally shines and brings hope. Today we remember.......................... You turn our darkness into light and in your light shall we see light. Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our saviour Jesus Christ. Amen

Church Intercessions for the Third Sunday of Lent by Mike and Janet Warren 2024

On the 4th March the RNLI celebrates 200 years since its foundation. Since then, it has saved thousands of lives and continues to provide support and rescue around our coastline. We pray:

With thanks for the vision of Sir William Hillary in creating a service dedicated to saving lives at sea; we give thanks that his work continues to this day

For all those who give their time as volunteers on our lifeboats and give thanks for their skill and commitment; for their safety at sea, for their families and friends who watch and wait for their return

For all those who, today, find themselves in peril on the sea; for their rescue, safety and care in their difficulty. As Jesus calmed the storm, we pray for safe passage for all on the sea.

For the souls of all those who have lost their lives at sea, may they rest in peace; for their families and friends who may never have had the opportunity to see their loved ones after they set off on their final journey

With thanks for all those who support the RNLI as volunteers in shops, fund-raising, education and personal giving; we pray that through their work and donations, the RNLI will continue its work now and into the future

Church Intercessions for the First Sunday of Lent by Mr Richard Ledger 2024

Let us pray

Most holy Lord, you were tempted, as we are; when we fall lift us up, when we are in error direct us. In all our wanderings, be our guide.
Lord God, as Lent begins, we pray for our Church Family. For all who lead and who serve and worship here, all the people who come to our premises that you will help us to seek your Kingdom, that we will stand against evil and seek good, that in our weakness and uncertainty we may know your strength and protection that we may all discover more of your love that never fails, no matter who we are and what our weaknesses. Loving God, deep down, we know, as the hymn says, 'the light is stronger than the darkness and the day will overcome the light' for you overcame all the forces of evil when you raised Jesus from the dead. So the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, but when we come to pray for our world and its leaders we echo the psalmists in saying “How long O Lord , how long.” So today we beg you by a miracle of your grace to change the mindset of those in authority and those who perpetrate violence that leads to the horrors that we see on our TV screens, especially in Gazza and Ukraine. We pray for peace, justice , hope and reconciliation and will you let us know what you want us to do.
Loving God we bring to you our domestic scene – with economic and social issues and division in the news. We ask that the coming General Election may not just see joint secrecy and rubbishing of policies but rather that issues of justice, truth, honesty and humility may be addressed and thus your kingdom advanced.
Loving and compassionate God we bring to you our loved ones and all those who care for us and about us, who enrich our everyday lives. May we all experience your love, wide as the ocean. We ask that all we know who are ill or troubled may know your deep peace that keep them and us in your strong hands of love.
Finally Loving God, we give you thanks and praise for all who have triumphed over evil and temptation and who now serve you in the peace of your kingdom. May we, at the last, share with them in glory. Today we remember loved ones, together with Alexi Navelny and all victims of violence and oppression. Jesus Christ is the light of the world, a light which no darkness can quench. So we commend with confidence to your everlasting love those who have died and we light a candle to symbolise the light of Christ which eternally shines and brings hope. 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. Amen

Church Intercessions for the First Sunday of Lent by Mike and Janet Warren 2024

Last Wednesday we began our Lenten journey and we are encouraged to pray, reflect and consider our gifts that can be

used to help others. So, we pray:

For the worldwide church, that it may renew and reinvigorate its mission in the world during this time of Lent; for unity of the Church in a divided and hurting world; for its leaders and church communities that they may hear and act upon God’s word to them.
For the world, that there may be Peace and healing of its people and nations; for our brothers and sisters in Ukraine, Gaza and Israel, and in all countries where there is oppression and conflict; be with them in their fear, confusion, uncertainty and loss; for Global Leaders in the difficult decisions that they have to make and for the work of the United Nations.
For our community, that differences may be reconciled and past hurts forgotten that helping hands may be outstretched to those in need.
For the sick and those who call out for rest and relief, that they may be heard, comforted and healed; for those caring for a loved one that they may be strengthened and supported.
For each of us on our Lenten Pilgrimage that we may find time in busy lives to be still and listen for God’s call to each one of us.

Church Intercessions for Sunday next before Lent by Mike and Janet Warren 2024

The World Day of the Sick was instituted by Pope John Paul II. This is the 32^nd year since its inception so our theme this week focuses on all those who are sick. We pray:

Lord, lay your healing hands on all those of our family, friends and acquaintances who are sick; for those who are remote from us we pray for support, for those who are alone we pray for companionship and for those who are anxious we pray for peace of mind.
Lord, lay your healing hands on those in our community who are unwell; we pray that they will receive the care that they need, the help and support to recover, and the medical services that they may require
Lord, lay your healing hands on those who are sick throughout your world; for those with little or no access to healthcare, those suffering dangerous tropical diseases and those living in war-torn countries
Lord, lay your comforting hands on those whose illness is bringing them to the end of their lives; may they be surrounded with love, reassurance and comfort
Lord, stretch out your arms to all those who work in our NHS and all healthcare services throughout the world; for resilience and strength when faced with overwhelming demand, for patience and calm when faced with anger and for compassion when faced with tears

Church Intercessions for Candlemas by Morag Stewart 2024

Loving God, in Jesus you know what it is to be human and you understand the concerns and needs we all carry for ourselves and for others. Hear us as we pray to you now for help, healing and guidance in your church and in the world. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer
As we remember how Jesus was presented as a baby in the Temple, we remember Simeon’s declaration that he is the Light of the World. Lord, you have sent us a light to enlighten the nations, and yet still there are people who live in darkness. We pray for all the darkness in this world, for those whose lives are threatened by violence, war or terrorism; for those oppressed by cruelty and injustice; for those deprived of food and water, by greed and indifference to their suffering. Increase the small flames you have created in our lives that we might bring your light into the darkness. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Let us pray for our own communities: for families whose relationships are being tested and strained; for families suffering financial hardship; for families struggling with ill health and bereavement. Help us to play our part in reaching out across the generation gap that can so easily divide us. Teach the old to learn from the enthusiasm of the young, and their ability to see new flowers in the garden of life. And teach the young that the old, too, may have something to teach them, the ability to see things from a less rushed perspective, when the fever of doing gives way to the peace of simply being. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Let us pray for the world-wide Christian Church in all its diversity, bringing the elements of different cultures into their worship and in the service of our Lord Jesus Christ. Especially we pray for those churches who meet together in difficult and often dangerous circumstances. Let them know and feel your all abiding presence to both uphold their courage and strengthen their faith. Transform our darkest places with your light.
In our own church we pray for our ministers, for our leadership team and all those who give their time and talents so generously to build your Kingdom here. We pray for every member of this congregation and ask that you bless us all this coming week. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Let us pray for the people we know who need God’s healing touch today. Lord, touch with your healing power all who are sick, grant them peace amidst pain, confidence in your wisdom, and the ability to draw strength from the knowledge that underneath are your everlasting arms. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Let us pray for each and every life of those who have died and for all who mourn. We recall those known to us who have died and those who in life have encouraged us by their light and now know the fullness of your presence. May they know the peace of Simeon of a life well-led, and fulfilment as they are presented to you and enfolded in your loving arms. Jesus Christ is the light of the World, a light which no darkness can quench. We remember before God those who have died and light a candle to symbolise the light of Christ which eternally shines and brings hope. You turn our darkness into light in your light shall we see light. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. Merciful Father, accept our prayers, for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen

Church Intercessions for Second Sunday before Lent by Mike and Janet Warren 2024

The theme this week is “Serving and Caring’ and the following prayers are taken from the work of Susan Sayers. We pray:

Fill your church, O Lord, with life and energy, spiritual health and vitality. As we feed on you, may we grow more like you; may we exercise your loving, minister with your tenderness and serve with your humility.
Fill your world, O Lord, with wonder at creation, recognition of our mutual human responsibility, desire for reforming what is a fault, and hope in the possibilities of living at peace with you and with one another.
Fill our homes and neighbourhoods, O Lord, with the generosity and trust that is always ready to encourage and support. May we honour one another as people of your making.
For all who are ill at home or in hospital, for those who have recently discovered that they have illness or injury that will change their lives. We pray for the work of all who heal and comfort, all who visit the sick and comfort the distressed.
For the dying and those who love them; for those who have completed this life and have made the journey through death. We pray for the work of those who comfort the bereaved.
Fill our hearts, O Lord, with thankfulness and praise as we recall your faithfulness and live in your love.

Church Intercessions for Epiphany 3 and the week ahead by Mike and Janet Warren 2024

On Thursday we think about the conversion of St Paul. Paul gives us an example of courage, strong faith and commitment to spreading the good news of Christ. We pray for:

All Christians throughout the world persecuted for their faith; for courage and strength in the face of violence, intimidation and imprisonment; for the release of captives and for God’s Holy Spirit to sustain them.
For governments and political leaders that they may support diversity of religious belief and practice; for tolerance, understanding and a spirit of freedom to be the mark of their office.
All Priests, Deacons, Lay Readers and Ministers that their ministry and words may inspire us to do God’s work; that we may listen, hear and act when we hear God’s call.
All churches dedicated to St Paul, for their priests and church families that they may be sustained in being God n action in their communities
The word of God to break through the noise of our secular society; that those who are seeking meaning and peace of mind may hear the scriptures and God’s call to faith.
Our own acceptance of the fact that, however far we fall short of Christ, we can be restored to grace

Church Prayers for Epiphany 3 and the week ahead by Janet and Mike Warren 2024

Let us pray to God, the giver of all good things to the church and to the world

Father – Grant that the church may obey your commands and be strengthened by the good wine of your love. Bless and inspire the Leaders of the church in the spreading of the Good News of your salvation, and in preaching the wonders of your grace and mercy offered to us all. Be with those who lead your church in our Diocese and here at St Marks. Father – may we all find the mystery of your grace in the life of every day. Lord in Your mercy – Hear our prayer
Father – we pray for the needs of the world, for fellowship and mutual care in sorrow and in joy. We pray for all countries ravaged by war, hunger, disease, oppression, natural disasters, poverty and marginalisation. For the innocent and the suffering. For the leaders of the world that they would lead with truth, integrity and compassion for all their people. For an end to war mongering and to be replaced with peace-making. We pray for a global commitment from the world’s leaders to do all that they can in promoting, supporting and working towards the restoration of your creation. Father – Have compassion on those who have not enough for their needs, and guide those who are able to bring relief. Lord in your mercy – Hear our prayer
Father - we pray for our community. For our families, friends, neighbours and those we share our lives with. For all married couples, especially those recently married. For those who are struggling – through poverty, ill health, loneliness, marriage breakdown or any kind of need in their lives. Father – may your blessing be upon them and may they know the strength and comfort of your love. Lord in Your mercy – Hear our prayer
Father – we pray for those who are sick. For those waiting for treatment or surgery – for those who are in pain - for those who are terminally ill – for those who are frightened. We pray for those in our church family, for those we know personally and for those known only to you. Lord in Your mercy – Hear our prayer
Father – Receive the souls of those who have passed through the pleasures and troubles of this world and found the good wine at last – may they rejoice in the great wedding feast of heaven. Especially praying for……………….. And Father - Be merciful to those who have died unprepared We light a candle to symbolise the light of Christ which eternally shines and brings hope. As you were with them in this life, so let them now be with you for ever. May the souls of all the Faithfull departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace and rise in glory. Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen We now bring our prayers together in the Lord's Prayer

Church Prayers by Mr Richard Ledger for Epiphany 2 2024

Loving God, as you called the disciples, open our ears to your calling, open our eyes to your presence, open our hearts to your love, that we may hear you, and hearing you may love you, and loving you may serve you, whom to serve is perfect freedom.