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Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

Gracious God, we come to You as a new week begins. As lockdown restrictions continue to lift, life seems to be moving forward once more. And yet we appreciate that there will be some who are ready and engaged to seize the opportunities that more freedom gives them. There will be some who are moving forward cautiously, whilst there will be those, who for whatever reason,  are still feeling unsure and insecure. Lord God, we have all made different journeys throughout the pandemic. It has effected and continues to effect us in many different ways. So today we pray for the unity and assurance that we find in You. We pray for the peace in our hearts and minds that comes from being cared for by You. We pray for the strength that comes from being guided by You. Help us to continue to nurture and care for one another so that no-one in our communities feels that they are making this journey out of lockdown, on their own. May Your love fill the very heart of all communities and unite us this day and in the days to come. Amen.

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Romans 12:13
“When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.”

Gracious God, as the weekend approaches at the end of a week when we have seen restrictions lifted on restaurants, cafes,  public houses and hotels, we give thanks for the gift of hospitality. We appreciate that these have been incredibly difficult times for all those connected to the hospitality industry, as their livelihoods have been effected by the pandemic. We pray for all those opening their doors again and give thanks for the welcome they will provide in our communities to the many folks who have felt isolated from human contact over the past months. We pray for the health of our economy as businesses begin re-trading. We pray especially for all those who sadly have lost their employment or businesses, and pray that new opportunities will arise for them in the coming days. In the meantime, may we as communities support and offer hospitality to those in need at this time. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

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1 Peter 5:7      ESV
‘Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you’.

Gracious God, it may be many Thursdays ago since we clapped for our NHS workers and yet we know that they remain under enormous pressure as they try to deal with the backlog of appointments and procedures, that have been delayed during the pandemic. And so this morning, we pray for all administrators working to ensure all necessary appointments and treatments are carried out. We pray for healthcare professionals who continue to give of themselves and work long hours to care for the needs of our nation. And so too, we lift before You all those who anxiously await appointments. Lord God, may Your presence and healing power continue to be felt in our homes and in all medical institutions, now and in the days ahead. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

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Genesis 1:11
Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so.

Gracious God, as we read in the news of plans concerning the future of Farmers, we pray this morning for all those who tend the land to ensure we have a variety of wholesome and healthy foods to eat and and drink. As we see fresh crops slowly emerging from the soil, and the birth of livestock, we give thanks for the wonder of creation, for the cycle of new life and growth. Lord God, we appreciate that Farming is a complex process, beholden to weather conditions and economic, ecological and political climates, and so we pray that Your presence will be felt in the whole Farming community. May they feel valued and cared for and may we in return appreciate and share the food we are provided with. So too, we pray for Farmers in poorer countries struggling with the effects of climate change and lack of resources. We give thanks for the work of charities such as Christian Aid and All We Can. May we do everything we can to support and sustain the livelihoods of our brothers and sisters overseas, who rely upon the land for their well-being. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

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Matthew 25:40
‘The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’

Gracious God, as Princess Anne launches a charity to provide respite for carers, we lift before You and give thanks for those who care for others. We appreciate that the love and care given often comes at a cost to the giver, as they put aside their own needs in order to ensure that the person in their care is loved and nurtured. We acknowledge particularly those who care for Dementia sufferers during this week of Dementia Awareness. Lord God, You taught us that rest and relaxation are important to our mental and physical well-being. And so, help us as society to ensure that the carers in our communities receive the support, encouragement and empathy that they richly deserve. May opportunities be provided for rest and relaxation, and may all carers feel the assurance and power of Your presence with them in their homes. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

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John 14:27      ESV
‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid’.

Gracious God, as we begin the start of Dementia Awareness Week, we pray for all those who lives are affected by Dementia. We pray especially for sufferers who experience the frustration and anxiety of memory loss or the inability to function at their usual capacity. We pray that they will be conscious of Your love and presence with them this day. We pray for the family of sufferers as they seek to support their loved ones in often very difficult and upsetting circumstances. Give them strength and may they too be assured of Your love and presence with them. We pray for all carers and medical professionals that they will be able to use their expertise to support and sustain families. And finally Lord God, we pray for all those engaged in medical research to help us as communities to deal with this illness and to offer support and empathy to everyone affected by it. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

Lord God, we lift before You the two families suffering the tragic loss of their beautiful young sons, Jordan and George. We pray for comfort, strength and assurance at this most difficult of times. May they be surrounded and held by Your love and compassion, supporting and sustaining them in the days to come, Amen.

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As we reach the end Christian Aid week, we share in the tea-time prayer.

Amos 5:24
‘Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!’

God of all of life, waiting for the water to boil we confess and lament the rise of temperature that has led to a climate crisis across this beautiful planet. We wait, impatient for change.

Pouring out hot water on loose-leaf or tea bag, into teapot or favourite mug, we pour out our intercessions for a change of heart by politicians to put planet and people first.

Stirring teabag, leaves or sugar we ask that you would stir in us
a passion to take action, to do all we can at this critical hour to take care of our common home and amplify the call for climate justice.

Drinking that first satisfying sip we give thanks for the day when ‘they will hunger no more, and thirst no more’. Infuse us with a strongly brewed vision of your creation healed and restored. Amen

(image: www.hippopx.com)

As we journey through Christian Aid week, we use prayers suggested for us by the charity.

Amos 5:24
‘Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!’

We pray for courage and wisdom to lift our voices in the cause of climate justice. We pray for young people to continue to be supported, empowered and listened to as a prophetic voice for climate justice. We pray for Glory and all those living at the sharp edge of climate injustice to have the resources they need to prepare and be protected from the climate crisis.

Gracious God, let justice roll down like a river, may righteousness flow like a never-ending stream and may the joy of creation fill us anew as we pray, act and give for the restoration of creation and the flourishing of all people. In the name of the Creator, Son and Spirit, Amen.

(image: www.pixabay.com)

As we journey through Christian Aid week, we use prayers suggested for us by the charity.

Amos 5:24
‘Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!’

We pray that the planting of trees would become an international priority and nature would be given space to flourish for the good of all creation. We pray for protection for the forests of the Earth and for the end to the burning of the Amazon rainforest. We pray for the vision of creation healed to inspire us all to do what we can to be part of that healing process.
Creator God, from the tree of the garden of Eden, to the tree in the city in Revelation, we thank you for your vision of creation healed. Help us to be Your agents of restoration, tending to the beauty of the Earth, and enabling your healing of the nations. Amen.

(image: www.hippopx.com)

As we journey through Christian Aid week, we use prayers suggested for us by the charity.

Amos 5:24
‘Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!’

We pray that the voices of indigenous communities may be heard and heeded as we learn how to live in harmony with nature. We pray for a rapid and just transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. We pray for a radical change of heart for politicians. We pray that as a global community we will care for our common home and for people living in poverty, where the right thing is done in the right way.

Spirit of God who hovered over the waters, harness your power in us to live faithfully and in harmony with the rhythms of righteousness, for the restoration of creation and the glory of your name. Amen.