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 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.

Our help comes from the Lord - The maker of heaven and earth

Loving God, we pray for the Church throughout the world, and for our congregation here at St Marks. Will you continue to bless the ministries of Charlie, Sam and Alan. We thank you for them and we pray that they and all who serve you here in any way may always point to your welcoming and boundless love, so that all who are in contact with you will know your welcome. Help us to lead others to see your love and glory. And may all confess your name. 

Our help comes from the Lord - The maker of heaven and earth

Loving God, at this time of great uncertainty in world relationships as there is distrust and dislocation, guide all leaders of the nations, strengthen the good, sweep out false pride, the self-seeking, the deceit, corruption and lies. May the kingdoms of this earth seek justice and peace that there may be peace and freedom from end to end of the earth.

Our help comes from the Lord - The maker of heaven and earth

Loving God, we pray for the victims of current conflicts, remembering before you, children trained to hate and fight, families turned into homeless refugees and lands laid waste and devastated. We remember those blinded and permanently disabled and those driven insane by nightmare experiences. We pray for an end to the destructive hatred of war, that in Ukraine, Gaza and Syria, seeds of hope, however slim, may by a miracle of your grace bring a transforming peace.

Our help comes from the Lord - The maker of heaven and earth

Loving God, we bring to you our families and friends, the circle of contacts who enrich our lives and by their love and concern show us more of the reality of your love. We remember now those for whom we have a special concern; all who are fearful of the future, those who are seriously or terminally ill, who await a doctor’s diagnosis or who await operations or treatment. Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind or spirit, give them courage and hope in their troubles and bring them the joy of your salvation.

Our help comes from the Lord - The maker of heaven and earth

And finally, Loving God we give thanks for all who have passed through death and reached the fullness of your kingdom. We rejoice in their fellowship and their triumph and pray that you will grant us with them a share in your eternal kingdom of glory, light and love. 

Today we remember especially... .

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 and in your light do we see light. 

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

Praying together with Mike and Janet Warren s for the Second Sunday of Lent  16 March 2025

On Wednesday the Church celebrates Joseph of Nazareth who is variously commemorated as a patron of Fathers, Builders and Carpenters, and exiles. We pray:

• For all those who have the role of a father; for those with new- born children who are starting their work as a father, for those who find fatherhood difficult, for those who are estranged from their children and family and for our own fathers, giving thanks for their love, example and support through their lives.
• For those who use their skills as builders, carpenters and construction workers; we give thanks for the work they do giving beauty to our buildings, safety for our homes and creativity in works of restoration and repair.
• For those who are living their lives in exile from oppressive regimes, war zones, fear of reprisal or economic deprivation; we pray for a safe home, for acceptance and a welcome in their adopted countries and for the hope of a return to their homeland.
• For all churches dedicated to St Joseph, for their priests, church families and for their mission and ministry in their parishes.
• With thanks for the example of St Joseph who remained faithful and constant to Mary and Jesus in the face of social isolation, persecution and fear.

Praying together with Mike and Janet Warren for the First Sunday of Lent  9 March 2025

Last Sunday Andrea, from the Bedford Food Bank, spoke to us about its work and the national campaign by the Trussell Trust to Stop Hunger in the UK where one in seven people are facing hunger. We pray:

For the work of the Trussell Trust and all Food Banks, their staff and volunteers, those who donate and those who receive support.

For generosity from those who have plenty to meet the increased demand for food and supplies at a time of economic challenges.

For support for this urgent campaign from churches, organisations and individuals giving donations, positive action and prayer.

For thoughtful stewardship of our food resources, reducing waste and over-consumption; for supermarkets and food producers.

For the hungry of the world in desperate need of humanitarian aid, practical help and solutions to combat the effect of climate change.

For ourselves as we journey through Lent that we may reflect on the abundance around us and respond with a generous heart.

 

Matthew 25:35-40

“For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.

Then these righteous ones will reply, Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?

And the King will say, I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!”

 

Praying together with Mike and Janet Warren for the Sunday next before Lent  2 March 2025

On Wednesday we begin our Lenten journey when we are encouraged to prepare ourselves for the 40 days to come by prayer and reflection. 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 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 and Russia, Gaza and Israel, for other countries where war rages and oppression is rife. For countries recovering from natural disasters, 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.
• Merciful Father accept these prayers for the sake of your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ Amen,

Church Prayers for the second Sunday before Lent 2025 23 February by Richard Ledger

In our prayers today the bidding is “Lord God come to us” and the response is “and give us your peace”.

• Loving God, you created us out of your love and for your love. Lord Jesus, you have redeemed us by your love and for your love. Holy Spirit, you inspire us with your love and for your love. Give us grace to perceive your love and reflect your love in our lives as we ssk to know you and to know you and serve you.  Lord God come to us   and give us your peace.
• Loving God, help us here at St Marks to put our trust in you amid the storms of life. Will you continue to show to us and to your church throughout the world the true meaning and power of love; love that unites and overcomes disagreement and hurt; love that builds up and offers acceptance and encouragement. Will you bless all who serve you here – all who encourage pastorally and who preach and teach – and today, as she has preached here for the last time, we thank you for the ministry of Wendy over the years. Here and at Carlton. We offer ourselves to you and ask that we will continue to engage with our community and serve and welcome all in your name. Lord God come to us and give us your peace.
• Loving God, as we mark three years since Russia invaded the Ukraine and with so much disruption, uncertainty and danger in Europe and beyond we place our lives together as nations in your hands. We seek your kingdom. Help us to pray for its coming in the world and to be channels of your peace. May we and all the world see love that seeks justice and is merciful and compassionate; love that destroys enmity and promotes harmony and peace. May people find refuge from cruel wars, havens from fear. May our leaders find strength and wisdom in you. May swords be changed into ploughshares and spears into pruning hooks, so that nations will not train for war anymore. Lord God come to us and give us your peace.
• Loving God you promise to be with us always. You lead us in green pastures and beside still waters. So, we thank you and pray for all those people in our families and in the community who enrich our lives by their caring and love and who reflect your love, so thank you for our homes and loved ones. We pray for their peace in our communities and in our lives.  Lord God come to us and give us your peace.
• Loving God, you promise to be with us as we go through darkness, grief and stress. So, we pray for the anxious, the fearful, the troubled. We pray especially for friends who are ill or in need – those facing tests, waiting for results, those with long term serious illnesses.
• We pray for Pope Francis. In a time of quiet we bring to you any for whom we have a special concern. May they, and we, know ourselves to be enfolded in your arms of love. We ask that you will be, to us all, all that we most deeply need. Lord God come to us and give us your peace.
• Finally, loving God, you promise that we shall dwell in your house forever. So, we thank you that through your love, which is as great as your power, we will overcome all evil, we will triumph over death and rejoice in life eternal. We pray for loved ones departed, that they may rest in peace and rise in glory. 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 we shall see light” Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen

Praying together with Mike and Janet Warren the Second Sunday before Lent - 23 February 2025

This coming Saturday marks St David’s day. Celebrated as the Patron Saint of Wales he joins Saints Andrew, Patrick and George as Patron Saints within the United Kingdom and so we pray for:

• The people of Wales; for the celebrations as they remember St David, for the leaders of the Welsh Parliament as it seeks to represent the interests of Wales and its people. We pray for the church in Wales and Revd Andrew John the Archbishop, the many church communities and their Ministers.
• The people of Scotland; for the members of the Scottish Parliament and the MSP’s in their decision making and leadership; for wisdom and discernment in the continuing discussions about an independent future for Scotland and for the church of Scotland, its leaders and church families.
• The people of Northern Ireland; for the members of the Northern Ireland Assembly in their role navigating the future and their discussions with the Irish Republic and England about trading arrangements; for the church communities both Catholic and Protestant working in faith to bring peace and harmony.
• The people of England; for our government and Prime Minister in their difficult role making decisions on both international and domestic problems; we pray for cooperation and collaboration, strength and courage to do what is right. We pray for the Church of England in its search for a new Archbishop of Canterbury, for discernment, wisdom and faith.
• With thanks for the lives of the Patron Saints of the United Kingdom and all the Saints who give us a daily example of faith and hope.

Prayers used in church 16 February 2025 - Third Sunday before Lent by Morag Stewart

Heavenly Father, you promised through your son to hear the prayers of those who ask in faith.

 

We pray that we may listen more attentively to the words of Jesus; give us more awareness of your presence with us, both in our worship and in our daily lives and give us the courage to live out your truth with joy.

 

We do not come to prove our own worth to you, or to be accepted because of good deeds, or the greatness of our faith. We come simply as we are, small sinful and weak. We come trusting in your mercy and daring to believe that you can and will accomplish greater things in our lives than we can ask or think. We come in the name of Christ to worship you for your glory, power and love.

Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer

 

In February we often experience the ordinariness of life without the highlights of festivals and holidays. We pray for those for whom every day feels ordinary, those without good health or sufficient money, or without family to love them. Help us to notice those who are unnoticed and offer our time, attention and kindness.

Lord in hour mercy, Hear our prayer

 

Loving God, we thank you for the place we call home, where we know that we can relax in warmth and security. Bless our homes and help us to make them places of peace, love and hospitality.

We pray for those who feel less confident about the concept of home – those who find it difficult to make mortgage payments, those living in cold, damp conditions and those who are struggling to get into the housing market. Give them resilience and patience and help them never to lose hope.

We pray for the many people who are homeless, who move from sofa to sofa, night shelter to night shelter, shop doorway to shop doorway. Strengthen the work of the many agencies who work tirelessly to support the homeless and make us a more compassionate society at every level.

We pray for the millions of people who have had to leave their homes because of war and persecution. Those who drift homeless across continents looking for somewhere to start again. We pray for those who have lost their homes due to natural disasters and those who are having to leave their homes due to rising sea levels.

Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

 

We pray for our hospitals and nursing homes. For the work and devotion of carers whose skill and compassion bring both material and spiritual comfort at times of need We remember those who await a doctor’s diagnosis or an operation. We pray for all who seek healing and hope. We bring before you those most in need in our own community, the elderly, the housebound and those in care.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer 

 

We give thanks for all who have passed beyond death and been transformed in your glorious kingdom: for the saints, for loved ones departed; that we, like them may come to the fullness of your presence.

 

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.

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

Amen.

Praying together with Mike and Janet Warren the Fourth Sunday before Lent - 9 February 2025

As this year is now well under way and there are signs of Spring around us, we think of our church, its ministry and mission as we journey towards Lent. We pray;

• For our Ministers Charlie, Sam and Alan, our Reader Wendy and the whole church family as we work together to spread the Gospel of Christ, to welcome all people and to show God’s love to all those around us.
• For the pastoral ministry of our church as we seek to reach out to those in need, to be a voice for justice and peace and to be ready to be alongside those we meet in the highs and lows of life.
• For the work of our church in providing a place of worship, a preschool and a community hub for organisations and groups; we pray for all those, seen and unseen, who provide their skills, time and energy to support this work.
• For our ministry to the bereaved through our Garden of Remembrance, the Woodland Burial Ground and pastoral support for those who mourn.
• For our mission as we look outwards to the needs of the wider community; we pray for the various charities and good causes we have been able to support and give thanks for the generosity of those who have contributed.
• For ourselves as we seek to discern the part that God calls each one of us to play in furthering His Kingdom at St Marks. 

Praying together with Mike and Janet Warren Candlemas - 2 February 2025

This week the church celebrates, Candlemas, the Presentation of Christ in the Temple who is the Light of the World. We pray:

For the church that it may shine the light of Christ brightly in these dark times; for our own church that its ministry in Brickhill may bring light and hope to the community; for the warm space that we offer that it may be a source of comfort to those who use it.

For the world that all its people may find peace, hope and justice through the light of Christ; for the people of Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Gaza, Sudan and the Yemen; for global leaders that they may strive earnestly in their endeavours for world peace and the relief of suffering.

For those in need that they may be comforted and strengthened through Christ who walks their journey with them; for those we know personally who are in need or are unwell; for those that bring light and hope through their caring.

For grace in our human frailty to put all our trust in God’s promises and patience to wait in faith.

With thanks for the example of Simeon and Anna, and pray that we too may recognise Christ when we meet him along our way.

 

Praying together with Mike and Janet Warren for Epiphany 3 - 26 January

Our world is in the midst of a seemingly unending period of tragedy, major world events and a turbulent geo-political environment. As we think about this, we acknowledge that we sometimes struggle to be hopeful and our faith can feel weak. We pray:

• For the people of the USA as that country enters a new era of Presidency; for unity in the face of division and strongly-held views, for honesty, justice and mercy. Lord, strengthen our faith and give us hope.
• For the residents of Los Angeles caught up in wild-fires; for Fire-fighters and rescuers, for those who have lost their homes and livelihoods and for the souls of those who have died; for our created world as climate change brings real destruction. Lord, strengthen our faith and give us hope.
• For the people of Gaza and Israel as the ceasefire continues; we give thanks for the pause in fighting and pray now that it will hold over the coming weeks and that a lasting and just peace may be found. Lord, strengthen our faith and give us hope.
• For the people of Ukraine and Russia as the war continues; for a willingness on all sides to seek peace and reconciliation, for the souls of those killed and for those who live in fear. Lord, strengthen our faith and give us hope.
• For the souls of our young people killed by knife crime; as we watch in disbelief as young people turn to violence, we pray for understanding, help and support for all those who feel unsafe or threatened in their communities, for the families of those victims, their friends and teachers, and for the perpetrators. Lord, strengthen our faith and give us hope.
• For the victims of the Holocaust as the world remembers them on Holocaust Memorial Day on Monday               

Praying together with Mike and Janet Warren Epiphany 2 Christians Unity - 19 January 2025

This week is the week of prayer for Christian unity. As we continue through the season of Epiphany, we give thought to the worldwide church. We pray:

• With thanks for the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, the joy of Mary & Joseph, the worship of the shepherds and the gifts of the Magi as they all see the glory of God brought into our world
• That all Christians may recognise and accept the glorious diversity of worship and spirituality that exist in God’s church family; for joy to be the hallmark of all Christians as we worship our one God
• For our brothers and sisters in the Roman Catholic, Baptist, Methodist and United Reformed churches; for us all to work and worship in harmony to serve those in need and those who are looking for God
• For all Christian Leaders that they will continue to bring us all together in unity and that they will know the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in their ministries
• For the worldwide Church continuing to reach out in so many different ways to its community, particularly at this time where many are surrounded by war and conflict; for the Orthodox Church in Ukraine and the Christian Church in the Holy Land; for the persecuted churches worshipping in secret
• For the churches in Bedford, their ministers and church families and for ourselves that we may work and pray for the unity of God’s church 

Praying together with Mike and Janet Warren Epiphany 1 - 12 January 2025

Today we remember the Baptism of Christ and reflect on our own baptism and those who have influenced us on our Christian journey. We pray:

• With thanks for those priests, Sunday School teachers, Youth workers and Christian families who have taught us, supported us and who brought us to Baptism and encouraged us in our faith.
• For those churches and their church families that have played a part in our lives through the years; for their church communities today and their continued ministry of faith.
• For our own church of St Mark’s as it continues to preach the Gospel and encourage us all in a life of faith; for our Ministers, Lay Reader and the church family as it works to be an example of inclusivity in welcoming all people to a life of faith.
• For families that are preparing for the Baptism of a child; we pray for family and church support, and for guidance as they make this commitment; for all adults who are preparing for Baptism, for support from their sponsors and church family.
• That we may renew our own Baptismal Vows and recommit ourselves to following Jesus in our daily lives.

 

Praying together with Mike and Janet Warren for Epiphany - 5 January 2025

This week we enter into the season of Epiphany when we recall the journey of the Wise Men to bring gifts to the infant Jesus. We pray:

• For our eyes to be open to the Light that has come into the world to guide us; to have the courage to follow that path and for a strong faith to know that the light will overcome the darkness of our troubled world
• With thanks for the gifts that we each have and we pray for the willingness to offer them freely and with joy; give us the wisdom to discern those gifts however small or insignificant they may seem to us
• For energy to continue our Christian journey through the days of our beautiful yet often violent and broken world; grant us faith, hope and courage to see the good that is around us, to be your messengers of hope and to speak out against injustice and hatred
• That we may recognise and be thankful for all the gifts we see around us in our church, families and community; help us to see you at work
• As the New Year begins may we, like Mary, treasure God at work in our lives and go forward in faith ready to meet the difficult situations that may come as well as the joys and celebrations

Praying together with Mike and Janet Warren for Christmas 1 - 29 December

As we start to look forward to a New Year with its opportunities and challenges, we reflect on the themes of the Christmas season in our prayers. We pray:

• For Peace; for God’s healing of the world which is broken in so many ways; for those countries ravaged by war, famine, oppression; for our environment, for those whose lives have been destroyed by natural disaster: for justice for all and for reconciliation.
• For Goodwill; among nations and people; for a spirit of collaboration, care and patience to be the mark of governments and communities; that we may all see each other as children of God.
• For Joy; for all those mothers who have given birth at this Christmas time and we give thanks for Midwives, Health Visitors and charities who provide skill, a listening ear and guidance for new parents; for those parents who have lost a child that they may be comforted and healed; for all children that we may point them to the Christ Child for love and protection.
• For ourselves that we may be strong in our faith, patient, encouraging, kind, caring with others and generous in our love

Praying together with Mike and Janet Warren for Advent 4 - 22 December

• Christ is to be born! Let us rejoice with all the Angels as we say, “Glory to God in the highest and peace to God’s people on Earth”. We pray:
• Christ, for whom there was no room in the inn, give courage to all who are homeless. Child of Bethlem – hear our prayer
• Christ, who was born in a stable, be with all who are lonely and who feel distant from celebrations. Child of Bethlehem – hear our prayer
• Christ, who came to bring peace and light, turn hearts to peace of those who make for war. Child of Bethlehem – hear our prayer
• Christ, who laid hands on the sick, bring healing to all those who are sick. Child of Bethlehem – hear our prayer
• Christ, who fled into Egypt, give comfort to all refugees. Child of Bethlehem – hear our prayer
• Christ, who fasted in the desert, give relief to all who are starving. Child of Bethlehem – hear our prayer
• Christ, who hung in agony on the cross, give strength to all who suffer. Child of Bethlehem – hear our prayer
• Christ, our Resurrection and life, be with all those who mourn. Child of Bethlehem – hear our prayer
• Christ, who came for each one of us, make us one in heart and mind to serve you with joy for ever. Child of Bethlehem – hear our prayer

Praying together with Mike and Janet Warren for Advent 3 - 15 December 2024 

As our thoughts start to move to the heart of the Christmas story and the Christ child, we think about the children of the world as we pray:

• For all children living in oppressed and war-torn areas; for the children of the Middle East, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Russia and Sudan. We pray for their safety, compassion and for an end to their fear; for their parents and those protecting the families.
• For all children living in hunger and disease; for a fair distribution of the riches of the world, for the work of the World Food Programme, UNICEF, Children’s Society and all agencies whose mission it is to alleviate hunger and disease.
• For all children living in violent or abusive homes, Trafficked children and those who are exploited; we pray that the eyes of all those around the children may be opened to their plight and that sanctuary may be found for each child.
• For all children who are young carers to a family member; we pray for support and help for them in their caring role and also to enable them to experience childhood fun and pleasure.
• For all children whose families are living in poverty; we pray that they will receive help in their need and be able to experience the joy that Christmas can bring.
• For all the children in our local community of Brickhill; we pray for their pre-schools and schools as they approach the end of the year, for all their Nativity plays, end of school term fun and laughter and we pray that they will know the love and peace of the Christ Child. 

Praying together by Mr Richard Ledger Second Sunday in Advent 8 December

In our prayers today the bidding is, “Lord in your love” and the response is, “Hear our prayer.”

• Loving God, this advent, as we remember your coming, we pray that as a church we may get ready to welcome you and put right whatever blocks us from your love. Thank you for all who minister and serve you here as we seek to welcome all and share your love as we serve the community in which we are set. May we and all Christians work for that day when your throne shall be established, your justice prevail, and the earth be filled with the knowledge of you as the waters cover the sea. Lord in your love....
• Loving God, in Jesus you came to share the life of our world – to show the way and power of your love, shining as lights in the darkness. So we pray for our world, the different countries and those with power and influence. We pray for honesty, justice and integrity and at this time supposedly of goodwill among all, we pray for peace in our world- an end to division, discord and oppression, hatred, hostility and exploitation, death and destruction. All feature in the news, and when we look at our world we see little hope of an end to its troubles, especially in the Middle East. But we pray in this Advent season, renew our ability to look forward, rekindle our belief in the future and help us to trust in you. Lord in your love....
• Loving God, we pray for all who influence the minds of your people: for the press and broadcasters, for those who through the spoken or written word affect the way we live. We pray for teachers and leaders of young people, for all who make decisions about our future or set standards to follow, for all who influence our minds and our hearts. We give thanks for all who taught us the faith and led us to you, for all who have given us a glimpse of your glory. We pray for teachers and Sunday school teachers, for families, friends and all who are dear to us. Lord in your love
• We remember any who are having special difficulties or troubles at this time, especially those who are anxious, ill, awaiting test results and all who mourn. Lord in your love....
• Finally loving God, as we wait for your coming in glory, we pray for all who have passed into the fullness of your kingdom. We give you thanks for the saints in glory, for all who have gone before us and we commend them to your eternal joy and love. Jesus Christ is the light of the world, a light which no darkness can quench. So 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 our prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen

Praying together with Mike and Janet Warren for Advent 1 - 1 December 2024

As we enter Advent, the noise and clamour of commercial Christmas can drown out the calls of those in need and who are suffering. For many people, this season can be a time of worry and distress. So, we pray:

• Come, Lord Jesus, to those who are suffering severe financial hardship; help us to bring food to the hungry, warmth to the cold and reassurance to the anxious. We pray for all charities and agencies working to give advice, support and a listening ear to those in need.
• Come, Lord Jesus, to those torn apart by war and civil conflict; help us to work for peace in the small ways that present themselves to us. We pray for the people of Ukraine, Russia, Gaza, Israel, Lebanon, Sudan and all peoples oppressed in their own countries.
• Come, Lord Jesus, to those suffering the effects of climate change and natural disasters; help us to be generous in our response. We pray for the people of Spain with recent flooding and all people struggling to rebuild their lives. We pray that COP 29 will deliver hope, resources and commitment for the future.
• Come, Lord Jesus, to those who are bereaved and for whom Christmas is a time of loss; help us to care, to listen and to comfort. We pray for those for whom the pain of loss is recent and for those who, each year, remember the passing of their loved one at this time. We pray for the souls of the faithful departed.
• Come, Lord Jesus, to those for whom Christmas is not a time of family laughter and reunion; help us to reach out to all those in our community. We pray for the lonely, the unloved, the homeless, those in family conflict, prisoners and refugees far from home.

This is the last prayer for Sunday 24 November  Christ the King  Praying together for Christ the King by Mike and Janet Warren - November 2024

Sunday is the last Sunday of the Church’s year and is celebrated as The Feast of Christ the King so we pray:

• Giving thanks for the gift of Christ our King and his sacrifice for us.
• For the worldwide Church; Grant to the church light to know the will of God and the grace to perform it; for discernment as the church looks to appoint a new Archbishop of Canterbury; for all clergy, lay readers and church workers praying for the Holy Spirit to continue to guide, strengthen and encourage them
• That the peace of Christ our King maybe known throughout the world, in those countries ravaged by war and civil unrest, breaking down all the barriers that divide nations and drawing people together for the common good
• That the love of Christ our King may comfort and uphold all who suffer; praying for those in our community and those we know personally; we pray for the residents of Cleat Hill. Strengthen all those individuals and organisations who work to bring relief to those in need
• For ourselves that the glory, majesty and example of Christ our King will fill our hearts and lives with a deeper compassion and open our eyes to see the presence of Christ in all people