Prayers for use in church or home

These prayers and intercessions start at Advent 1 2024 and will be updated weekly as we go through 2025 (Liturgical Year C)

They are suitable for use in church worship on Sundays through the year, or your own private prayer.

Click here for previous years 2022/3 2023/4

Praying together with Mike and Janet Warren for Trinity 6 (27 July 2025)

As schools and colleges now break up for the summer holidays and those in work look forward to a period of rest, we think about the characteristics of God during this holiday season. We pray:

God of peace and calm; we give thanks for the opportunity to take holiday, to rest from our labours and to enjoy your creation. We pray for those who will continue to work through this period, serving others in the work they do.
God of patience and love; when plans may go wrong, when others are angry, when we are impatient and rude we pray for your spirit of patience and love. Give us quiet hearts, thoughtful minds and patient, loving words.
God of protection and safety; we pray for all those who will travel over this holiday period and give thanks for those who have responsibility as drivers, pilots, ships captains and all those who work behind the scenes to help us travel. Grant each of us protection and safety as we journey through the holiday and through life.
God of healing and care; we pray for those who are ill at this time, for those whose plans have been spoiled and those who have had accidents and illness whilst away from home. Grant that each one will know the touch of your hand and the enfolding arms of your love to heal.
God of mercy and rest; we pray for those reaching the end of their lives and for the souls of those who have died recently. Grant that they may journey safely to your side to see you in glory.

Praying together with Mike and Janet Warren for Trinity 5 (20 July 2025)

On Tuesday, we celebrate the festival of Mary Magdalene. As we recall her faith and discipleship throughout the life of Jesus, we think about the examples of the two Marys in the Gospels and for parallels in our world today.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, gives birth to the Christ child: we pray for all mothers in their role as bearers of our children, feeding and nurturing them; for mothers in childbirth that they may be protected from harm and for all unborn children that they may be brought safely into the world
Mary, the mother of Jesus, flees for sanctuary in Egypt: we pray for all women who are fleeing violence, warfare, persecution, prejudice, and poverty; for the women and children of Gaza, Ukraine, Somalia and Yemen; for those in small boats on the English Channel and in camps around Europe
Mary Magdalene wipes the feet of Jesus: we pray with thanks for all those women who give generous care to those they love in their lives; for unpaid carers and all those who sacrifice other opportunities to be beside a loved one at a time of need
Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news, “I have seen the Lord “: we give thanks for the faith and love that drove Mary and the other women to the tomb on that first Easter day. We pray for all women who proclaim the gospel and ask that they be supported in their ministries and celebrated for their actions of faith and love.
We pray for ourselves; Lord, help us to have the strength of faith and depth of love to follow you each day and to walk the way of the cross, finally to see You risen in eternal life.

Praying together with Mike and Janet Warren for Trinity 4 (13 July 2025)

On Friday we commemorate the life of Elizabeth Fry, a renowned Quaker, Prison and Social Reformer, born in Norwich in 1780. Today we think about all those who are captives. We pray for:

All prisoners, prison staff and the Department of Justice, for our local prison in Bedford, its staff and its chaplaincy team.
Magistrates, Lawyers and Judges that their decisions will be wise and just.
The work of Prison Reform organisations, Amnesty International and those negotiating the release of captives at home and abroad.
Those held captive for political reasons and those who are innocent of the crime for which they have been imprisoned.
The work of the Probation Service and all those working with former offenders to rebuild lives.
Ourselves that we may be compassionate, non-judgemental and loving

Praying together with Mike and Janet Warren for Trinity 3 (6 July 2025)

As politicians debate our country’s welfare system we think about those who are anxious about any potential effects on their lives.

Loving God, we pray for all those who are anxious and struggling to make ends meet; for those concerned about any reduction in their benefits or whose monthly income is simply insufficient to support themselves and their families. Lord, be alongside them and guide their way.
Loving God, we pray for those who are making daily decisions about buying food and paying household bills; that the poor may be fed and help given to the vulnerable. Lord, wrap your arms around them and bring them hope.
Loving God, we pray for the homeless and those who struggle to find shelter each night, for those on street corners, in alleyways and shop doorways, for those who carry their meagre possessions around with them from place to place. Lord, walk with them and lead them to a home.
Loving God, we pray for all those individuals and organisations who advocate for the vulnerable and marginalised in our society; Lord, may they hear your encouraging word and know that they are doing your work.
Loving God, we pray for our government and all politicians at this time of debate and disagreement. Lord, guide them with your compassion and wisdom.
Loving God, we pray that we may not turn away from those for whom life is hard; we pray for our eyes to be opened and for our hearts to be moved. Lord, fill us with your love, that we may reach out to help those in need.

Praying together with Mike and Janet Warren for Trinity 2 (29 June 2025)

Today the church celebrates the feast of St Peter and St Paul, the two great leaders and founders of the Church giving thanks for their faith and witness, their legacy of a worldwide communion of faith and the Priests who have followed in their footsteps. We pray for:

All those who are considering their vocation to the ordained ministry; for those who will offer spiritual direction, advice and counsel; for those who will discern the calling of candidates
All those who will be ordained to the ministry at this Peter-tide; for their families, supporters and church communities; for those who will be ordained in our Diocese
All priests and deacons that they may be sustained and encouraged in their ministry by their church families; for those who are struggling with their ministry that they may be helped and supported
For ourselves that we may be guided and inspired in our own lay ministry

Praying together with Mike and Janet Warren for Trinity 1 (22 June 2025)

International Refugee Week ends on 22^nd June and this year the theme has been a worldwide celebration of the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. At this time of global conflict, upheaval and uncertainty we pray:

For refugees fleeing from conflict, oppression, prejudice and natural disasters; for international cooperation and collaboration to enable refugees to find a welcome and safety.
For those who are in the hands of traffickers and criminal gangs extorting money and livelihoods from their victims; for the eyes of authorities to be open to the trade in human misery and for advocates and organisations to be ready to offer help and justice.
For those refugees and asylum seekers held up in camps and hotels waiting for decisions on their future; for even-handed government to support them and quick and efficient administration to process their applications.
For those refugees and asylum seekers who have lost their lives in small boats and in the back of lorries, we pray that their souls will rest in peace.
For us all that we may recognise the plight of refugees, see them as children of God in need of loving help, and acknowledge their contribution to a diverse and colourful creative community.

Praying together with Mike and Janet Warren for Trinity Sunday (15 June 2025)

Today we celebrate Trinity Sunday. We pray to the Father, in the power of the Holy Spirit, through Jesus, the Son.

We pray for the church throughout the world and for all who teach the faith. We pray for godly wisdom and human insight
Holy God: help us to know you more
We pray for the world and all countries where there is war, oppression, poverty, disease and natural disasters. We pray for peace, cooperation, harmony and mutual respect for all.
Holy God: help us to know you more
We pray for our families, friends, neighbours and those we share our lives with. We pray that we will honour one another as children of one Father.
Holy God: help us to know you more

We pray for those who are in need. For the sick, the lonely, the homeless, the bereaved, the unloved, the marginalised and all those who are in darkness. We pray for comfort and strength.
Holy God: help us to know you more
We remember those who told us of you through their words and lives; we think of those who have died in faith and ask that we may share with them in the joy of your presence for ever.
Holy God: help us to know you more

Praying together with Mike and Janet Warren Pentecost (8 June 2025)

Today we celebrate the feast of Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit to the Disciples. We pray
That the church may be blessed and guided by the Holy Spirit and be inspired to preach the Gospel to all people; for our own church of St Mark and its Ministers; for the worldwide church and all who preach the way of faith and, at this time of discernment within the Church of England, we pray that the Holy Spirit will guide those charged with appointing a new Archbishop of Canterbury.
That the Holy Spirit may speak in all tongues to a world troubled by divisions, conflicts and misunderstandings; for the Peace of the Holy Spirit to be in the hearts of all Leaders. We pray that the Holy Spirit will break down the barriers that hold people apart so that God’s wonderful works will be known.
For all those who are in any kind of need and who may not know the fullness of life that God wishes for them; May the Holy Spirit come to them to be their comforter and companion.
For ourselves that we, like the disciples at Pentecost, may have the courage to speak out, proclaim the Gospel and seek to serve God in this place.

Prayers for Pentecost led by Mr Ian Farthing (8 June 2025)

Heavenly Father on this day of Pentecost we come before you with hearts open to your Spirit.

As you poured out your spirit on your disciples so pour it out on us, that we may be empowered to proclaim your word, be obedient to your call, live in unity, and serve with love.

We pray today

For the church around the world that it may be a faithful witness to your love and truth, that the church may be blessed and guided with the gift of the Holy Spirit, and to preach the Gospel to all people. We pray for our own church here at St Marks, and for our ministers for Charlie, Sam and Alan and all who preach and teach the way of salvation. May each of us respond to the gift that the spirit bestows to enable us to serve you faithfully each day.

Lord in your mercy

We pray for nations and leaders that the Spirit of wisdom and peace would guide them to bring justice to the oppressed and healing to the broken, that the Holy Spirit may unite and reconcile, and bring an end to war, hatred and discrimination, today we think and pray especially for those living in Ukraine, Gaza, Russia and Israel.

Lord in your mercy

Heavenly Father we look around and give you thanks for the wonderful world you have created, a place full of beauty and wonder, for the wind and the waves, the stars in the sky, the changing of the seasons, make us more aware of our responsibilities in the stewardship of our world, our environment, our climate and our resources that we may ensure that the beauty of the earth continues for future generations.

Lord in your mercy

Heavenly Father we pray for all whose lives are limited by poverty, suffering, sickness or violence and who may not know the fullness of life that you wish for them, May the Holy Spirit come to them to be their comforter and their companion.

We pray for nurses doctors surgeons and all who work caring for others, that your love, your spirit and healing power may flow through their eyes their lips, and their hands bringing new life, peace and comfort to those they serve.

We pray for all those whose life is saddened by the loss of someone dear to them.

Jesus Christ is the light of the world, a light which no darkness can quench, we remember before God those who have died and we light a candle to symbolise the light of Christ, which eternally shines and brings hope. Today we remember all those known to us whom we have loved and who we miss.

You turn our darkness into light In your light shall we see light

Lord in your mercy

Lastly we pray for ourselves and we give thanks for our health, for each new day that dawns and the opportunities they bring. May we always speak your truth, love our family, friends and our neighbours and live as people transformed by your grace, may the fire of Pentecost burn brightly in our hearts lighting the way for all to see Christ in each of us.

Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

Praying together with Mike and Janet Warren Easter 7 (1 June 2025)

This week our prayers join those of the global Christian prayer movement ‘Thy Kingdom Come”, which encourages us to pray for more people to come to faith: We pray

Our Father who art in Heaven; we give our praise, thanksgiving and our faith as we worship you day by day. Help us to show our faith and to lean on you when times are difficult.
Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done; Lord be seen in our stricken world where there is war, hatred, oppression and hunger. We pray that Your Kingdom will be seen on earth through peace-making, feeding of the hungry, mutual respect and love of one another.
Give us today our daily bread; Lord, you have given us all that each of us could need but we know that there is such unfairness in our world. Help us to be generous, to share, to see the needs around us and willingly to give away the excess in our lives.
Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; Lord, we thank you for your mercy to us as we fail, and you pick us up. Help us to stretch out our hands to those who think differently from us, do those things we consider to be wrong and make us bringers of harmony.
For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory; Lord, we thank you for the glory that we see around us in creation, the natural world and the abundance of life. We pray that Your glory will be seen in our church, in us and in all that we do.

Praying together with Mike and Janet Warren Easter 6 (25 May)

On Thursday the church celebrates the feast of The Ascension when we see our Lord glorified. We pray:

For the worldwide church as it celebrates the Ascension, giving thanks for the constant prayer, praise and faithfulness of Christians throughout the world.
For the leaders of the church. As the Church of England looks for a new Archbishop of Canterbury we pray for discernment; for Pope Leo as he sets out on his journey of leadership, for all priests, deacons and lay ministers.
For Christians unable to celebrate the feast openly because of persecution, prejudice and fear; may their praises resound through the walls of prisons, oppressive regimes and intolerance
For the Good News of Easter and the Ascension to continue to be proclaimed with joy and conviction in all churches and by all Christians
For our church in its work and witness in this community.

Praying together with Mike and Janet Warren Easter 5 (18 May)

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you”. As we listen to these familiar words we pray:

For healing of the nations where we see war, violence, greed and oppression against your people; for peace and justice to be the mark of all societies, for wisdom in our global leaders and compassion for the innocent victims of war.
For healing within difficult relationships; for forgiveness, trust, acknowledgement of past hurts and honesty in sharing differences so that healing can be found.
For those whom society finds it difficult to love because of a lack of understanding or the fear of people that are perceived to be different; for the marginalised and vulnerable.
For those who are lonely and without the comfort of knowing that they are loved, for those who feel that they have no worth, no future and no position in society
For ourselves that we may be ready and willing to show God’s love through words and actions in our daily lives.

Praying together with Mike and Janet Warren Easter 4 (11 May)

Last week saw the release of David Attenborough’s feature length documentary ‘Ocean’. He also celebrated his 99th birthday and a long career in environmental issues. This week we consider our environment and those working in Environmental Science. We pray:

With thanks for all those who, down the years, have informed, educated and drawn attention to the plight of our Global Environment; for authors, TV and film producers, activists and journalists.
For our world as it undergoes huge changes in climate, temperature and geography; for the restoration of habitats and precious areas of nature that form the basis of the well-being of humankind.
For the preservation of endangered species of flora and fauna on land and in the oceans; for those who dedicate their lives to protecting and running breeding programmes for the animals and plants of the world.
For indigenous people in small communities around the world whose ways of life are threatened by logging, sea-level rise and the exploitation of farmland; for governments and large corporations that they may be moved to protect their people and lands.
For ourselves that we may look and see, listen and hear, learn and understand the created world around us so that we may follow the call to be good stewards of all that we have and tread lightly upon our world.

Praying together with Mike and Janet Warren for VE Day (8 May 2025)

On Thursday, the country commemorates the 80th anniversary of VE Day. We join in this commemoration as we pray.

We give thanks for all those who played their part in bringing the war in Europe to an end 80 years ago.
For those survivors alive today who live with the memories, lost friends and lives changed for ever.
For the souls who lost their lives on the battlefield and at home.
For families who lost relatives and who continue to grieve for their loved ones.
For the organisations and charities that offer support to former service men and women bringing comfort, care and practical support.
For the men and women of our armed forces who continue to serve at home and abroad.
For the countries of Europe where war continues to rage; we pray for peace, stability and unity.
For our politicians and global leaders responsible for finding peaceful solutions to complex problems.
For the organised events to commemorate this day, that they may be an opportunity to remember, reflect and acknowledge this important period in our country’s history and the history of Europe.

Praying together with Mike and Janet Warrren for Easter 2 (27 April 2025)

On Tuesday the church celebrates the feast of St Mark the Evangelist and Apostle of Christ who is the Patron Saint of our Church. We pray:

With thanks for our church as it meets together throughout the year in worship and praise; with thanks for the witness of the Gospel to our community over many years; with thanks that our worship has continued through both good and difficult times
With thanks for our Ministers, Charlie, Sam and Alan: for their knowledge, teaching and guidance, may the Holy Spirit continue to inspire and guide them.
With thanks for our church family, the variety of gifts and talents with which we are blessed, the many unseen acts of kindness and generosity that are given and for the richness and joy of worshipping together
For the ministry of our church to both young and old through our preschool and the many organisations and groups which visit our premises each week; for the pastoral care of those who are in need; we pray that we may always offer open arms, listening ears and the love of Christ to those who come to us.
For ourselves as members of God’s family in this place and that the Good News of the Gospel will continue to be proclaimed in the years to come.

Prayers for Easter Sunday

At this Eastertide let us take time to reflect on the following Resurrection Prayer by Kathy Galloway as we pray:

Christ our life,

You are alive – in the beauty of the earth

in the rhythm of the seasons

in the mystery of time and space

Alleluia!

Christ our Life,

You are alive – in the tenderness of touch

in the heartbeat of intimacy

in the insights of solitude

Alleluia!

Christ our life,

You are alive – in the creative possibility

of the dullest conversation

of the dreariest task

the most threatening event

Alleluia!

Christ our life,

You are alive – to offer re-creation

to every unhealed hurt

to every deadened place

to every damaged heart

Alleluia!

You set before us a great choice.

therefore, we choose life.

The dance of resurrection soars and

surges through the whole creation.

This is grace, dying we live.

So let us Live.

Praying together with Mike and Janet Warren for 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

Praying together with Mike and Janet Warren for the Fifth Sunday in Lent 6 April 2025

On Wednesday the church remembers Dietrich Bonhoeffer who was a Lutheran Pastor and Martyr who executed in the Flossenburg concentration camp in 1945. He is remembered for his willingness to speak the voice of truth to power and, particularly, the Nazi Regime.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer prayer from Prison

O God, early in the morning I cry to you.

Help me to pray and gather my thoughts to you.

I cannot do it alone.

In me it is dark, but with You there is light;

I am lonely, but You do not desert me;

My courage fails me, but with you there is help;

I am restless, but with You there is peace;

In me there is bitterness, but with You there is patience;

I do not understand Your ways, but You know the way for me.

Father in Heaven praise and thanks be to You for the night.

We pray for all those who stand up for right in the face of oppression, prejudice, hatred and injustice; for those whose lives are now spent in prison and we pray for the souls of religious and political martyrs who continue to be killed for speaking the truth
We pray for peace in an increasingly hostile, divided and violent world; for those who work as peacemakers and judges, and those news reporters who risk their lives to highlight the wrongs in our global society.
We pray for ourselves that we may have the courage and confidence to speak out for right.

Praying together with Mike and Janet Warren for the Fourth Sunday in Lent Mothering Sunday 30 March

On this Mothering Sunday, we reflect on Motherhood and mothers throughout the world. We pray:

With thanks for our own mothers in their love for us, the sacrifices they made and their hard work.
For mothers who are refugees fleeing war and oppression with their children; for those whose children have been left behind, may they know God’s strength
For women expecting a child and for those beginning their journey as mothers with new-born infants; for confidence and courage
For those women who long to be mothers but, for many reasons, are unable to have children; for consolation, peace of mind and support
For mothers - whose children have died or are missing from home; may they feel the comfort of God’s loving presence.
For organisations and charities who work to help mothers in crisis.
For the work of adoption agencies and local authorities making difficult decisions about the welfare of mothers and children.
For those whose mothers have died; may they be comforted and may their loved ones rest in peace.

Praying together with Mike and Janet Warren for the Third Sunday in Lent 23 March 2025

This Sunday marks the end of Neurodiversity Celebration Week which has set out to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported: We consider our own responses to those who do not match society’s expectations of usual behaviour as we pray:

With thanks for the variety and individuality of God’s creation as we recognise God in all his people.

For those who perceive themselves as different and struggle to adapt, fit in and achieve their best in the face of a society that expects conformity For those who are bullied at school or work, abused or ignored, lonely or isolated.

For medical professionals faced with increased demand for their skill and time that they may have the knowledge and wisdom to bring help and hope to their patients.

For employers and schools that they may be open and supportive to the needs of those for whom they have a responsibility.

For families of those who are neurodivergent that they may have the strength, patience and support as they care for their loved ones.

For our church that we may demonstrate inclusivity, welcome and support for all those coming through our doors.

For ourselves that we may set aside judgement and recognise the face of Christ in all those we meet and share our lives with.

St Mark's Intercessions by Richrad ledger 16 March 2025

Loving God, you have created us for yourself, you have called us into being, you have offered us your love in Jesus. Extend our vision that we may know we are your people and citizens of your kingdom. Help us to give ourselves to you in love.