Prayers for Various Occasions & Needs

At the beginning of a day

O Lord, our heavenly Father, Almighty and everlasting God, we praise you for bringing us safely to the beginning of this day: defend us with your mighty power, and grant that we fall into no sin, nor run into any kind of danger, but govern and guide us at all times, so that we may do what is right in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A general thanksgiving

Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants do give you most humble and hearty thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all men. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your inestimable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, for the means of grace and for the hope of glory. And, we beseech you, give us that due sense of all your mercies, that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful, and that we show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives; by giving up ourselves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with you and the Holy Spirit be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen.

A general confession

Most merciful Father, our Creator and Judge, we acknowledge and confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed. We have not loved you with all our heart; and we have not loved our neighbours as ourselves. We earnestly repent, and are truly sorry for all our sins. For your Son our Lord Jesus Christ's sake forgive us and strengthen us to serve and obey you in lives wholly renewed by your Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

At the end of the day

Lighten our darkness, Lord, we pray, and by your great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of your only Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

Mission in our Parish

Heavenly Father, we thank you for your love revealed in your Son Jesus Christ: you call us to make your love known to others in this parish and neighbourhood. Help each one of us to respond to your challenge, especially as we prepare for mission 2006. Give strength and wisdom to our PCC and mission leaders in all our planning so that many may be drawn to Jesus Christ and come to know him as their Lord and Saviour serving him faithfully throughout their lives; for Jesus' sake. Amen.

Parish and weekly worship

Almighty God, we pray for your blessing on all who share in the life and work of the church in this parish: in the ministry of word and sacrament, in teaching and Bible study, in service to the young, families and elderly, in caring pastorally for those in need, and in spreading the good news of the Gospel. We pray for all members of our congregations that in their varied callings they may witness to your love and live a life of prayer and service to build up God's church in this place; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Church leadership

O God who gave your grace to the early apostles that they might bear witness to your truth: we pray for those who lead your church today especially our Archbishop Rowan Williams, our local Bishops John and Laurie, our Rector and Curate as they minister in our parish and others who lead in our Deanery. May they enlighten the churches by faithful teaching from your Word, and in their words and actions so set an example of Christian living that all may see in Christ the answer to their needs and the needs of the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Renewal in the Churches

Almighty and eternal God, you alone work great marvels: send down your Holy Spirit on all Bishops and pastors and the congregations they serve. And so that we may truly please you, pour on us the continual dew of your blessing. Grant this, O Lord, for the honour of our advocate and mediator, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For those who serve in home and overseas missions

We give you thanks, loving Father, for all those who serve with missionary societies overseas and at home: as they preach the Gospel and give practical help may they be aware of your Presence and help in their work. Help us, O Lord, as we seek to share in this work by our prayers and gifts so that those in need would be blessed and your Name glorified through their work; in Jesus name we ask this. Amen.

Provision of church needs

Almighty God, you have made us members of Christ and his Church, and have taught us through him that it is more blessed to give than to receive: make us truly thankful for all your goodness; help us to deepen our commitment to you as stewards of our time, talents, and money; and guide us in all things to know and to do your will, for the honour  and glory of your name. Amen.

Local community

Heavenly Father, we pray for Chadwell St. Mary. for the continued work and witness of all Christians of whatever denomination, for those who serve in our schools, for those who serve in local government and the Community Forum, for those who serve in the police and Fire services, for doctors and all who help those in need, for all who live here especially the weak and needy, that all may turn to you for strength in their work, guidance as they serve, and comfort in times of weakness; in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

For our schools and colleges

Our loving Father, we pray for the schools and colleges of our area. May those who teach in them show the love and understanding revealed in the life of Christ. May all who serve as support staff and Governors be faithful in their tasks. May our children and their parents be guided to learn and use their gifts in the service of others, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Young people

Father we pray at this time for all young people especially for those in our families and churches.  Keep them aware of you and help them to find Christ and keep the faith so that they may not be dragged into temptation and a wrong way of life. Strengthen them with your peace and wisdom as they study and prepare for examinations. Guide them as they plan their future whether at school, college or work. Above all encourage them with the knowledge of your Presence and help them to become faithful servants for you; for Jesus' sake. Amen.

A prayer for our families

Heavenly Father, we thank you for our homes and families, for our food and clothing, and for all the happiness that parents and children can share. We ask that your love may surround us, your care protect us, and that we may know your peace at all times, for Jesus' sake. Amen.

A prayer for service

Teach us, good Lord, to serve you as you deserve, to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to labour and not to seek for rest, to toil and not to ask for any reward save that of knowing that we do your will, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For our nation

Loving Father, we pray for our nation, for our Queen and royal family, and for all in positions of authority in government. We pray that all those elected to Parliament may love truth more than power, their countrymen more than themselves. Give wisdom to all leaders of our nation that in their decisions and actions they may show a spirit of honesty and service in all spheres of public and business life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For world leaders and the pursuit of peace

God of all mercy, we pray for the nations of the world and their leaders and for peace in these troubled and violent times: give wisdom of mind and strength of character to those called to positions of leadership at this time. May all mankind be led into the way of peace and harmony for the sake of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the sick and those in any kind of need

Eternal God, to whom all may come through your Son: lay your healing hand upon those who are sick, make your loving Presence known to those who are lonely, and give your strengthening power to those who are weak. May those who mourn be comforted, those who worry be calmed and those who seek forgiveness find it in Jesus Christ through whom we pray all this. Amen.