Sunday 18th October 2020: Trinity 19

Our Heavenly Father,

We bring our prayers to you knowing that you have no hands but ours, no feet but ours. Ours are the eyes through which to look at your compassion for the world, ours are the feet you use to go about doing good and ours are the hands you use to bless each other now.
So Lord hear our prayer

We pray for all people in all parts of this troubled world,and in all kinds of need. Particularly we pray today for medical workers around the world where resources and protective equipment are always in short supply, not only now but always. Let those who live in fear of famine, disease and destitution and those who live without hope, faith or love know your true love and the joy of your salvation.
Lord hear our prayer

Lord, shine your light upon your church and people of faith that your  love may shine in the darkness through our acts. We pray for your church in Rayalssema in Southern India. We pray for Bishop Prasado Rao, his clergy and his people. Also for the Chief Minister, Jorganoham Reddy, and his colleagues, as they fight the virus in one of the poorest areas in India.

Closer to home we pray for those people who live in or pass through Black Road, Canalside and Hollands Place. We pray for those we meet day by day, our families, friends and neighbours. In this time of anxiety give us strength to comfort the fearful, to tend the sick, and to assure the isolated of your love.

We lift up to you our St Paul’s Church family. Thankyou that in these strange times you have softened the hearts of people in power to enable us to worship together and also for those who have gone the extra mile to facilitate it. We pray for those of us here today and remember those who are not here for so many reasons. Remove anything that might hinder us from caring for each other and bless us as we do our best to support each other wherever and whenever we can, as we struggle to be faithful disciples of Jesus.
Lord in your mercy

Loving God, we think now of those in our community in most need, the sick, the elderly and the house bound. Those in care homes, hospitals and hospices. Particularly we pray for those in care homes and a campaigning group called  Rights For Residents, for a new system that puts people first and allows people that have not been able to hug their nearest and dearest for 8months the opportunity to do so. We pray for Lorna, Hilda, Barbara, Bill and Nigel. We know that you are aware of their needs at this time so we pray that they will feel your compassion and love and gain strength from knowing that you are beside them on whatever journey is in front of them.
Lord in your Mercy

Heavenly Father, we pray for those whose hearts have been saddened by the death of Alfred Hall, and Stephen Falconer. Also those who particularly today remember the lives of Naomi Hulme and Andrew Bracegirdle. Help them to experience the comfort of your Holy Spirit and grant those who have died the grace of your eternal life and light.
Lord in your Mercy

In these times of isolation, Lord, apart from our loved ones, distant from friends, away from neighbours, thankyou that there is nothing in all creation, not even coronavirus, that is able to separate us from your love. May your love that never fails continue to be shared through the kindness of strangers, looking out for each other, for neighbours near and far.  We recognize our shared vulnerability, each of us grateful for every breath and willing everyone to know the gift of a full and healthy life. Keep us all in your care today and during the week to come. Amen

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