Prayer for the Day
Maundy Thursday Holy Week 9th April 2020
Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. John 13: 3-5 NRSV
Heavenly Lord
On this Maundy Thursday we think of Jesus Christ demonstrating to his disciples the measure of his humanity by washing their feet and in so doing so provided us with a model for servant ministry.
As the Coronavirus rages on indiscriminately we thank almighty God for all the volunteers who have stepped up to the mark to help by cleaning hospitals, delivering food and medication to the vulnerable in our society, to those befriending the lonely, frightened or anxious via telephone calls and to all the other unsung heroes who by their individual, selfless actions and deeds are being beacons of hope , love and kindness in these worrying times.
We pray for their protection as they generously and without reserve seek to serve others.
And this we ask through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Servant King.
Revd Helen
Wednesday, Holy Week 8th April 2020
And wherever he went into villages or cities or farms, they laid the sick in the market-places, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed. Mark 6: 56 NRSV
Dear Lord and Saviour
As we continue to bring before you all who are in need of your healing touch we remember especially today all those who are waiting for medical test results, for treatment or for surgery. And having had them deferred we recognise their fear and frustration and the concern of their families at this difficult time. We ask also that you be with those who are in the high risk category and confined to their homes. Lord these are frightening times for everyone and we seek the calming of our hearts and souls that only faith like that of those who touched the fringe of your cloak can bring.
This we ask in your most Holy Name. Amen.
Revd Michael
Tuesday, Holy Week 7th April 2020
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27 v1
Gracious and most holy God
As humanity is stilled and quietened by the ferocity of the Coronavirus and its devastating effects upon all who have contracted it we give thanks for all within the NHS who strive to use their skills and expertise to care for those in need. We pray for resilience, perseverance and strength especially when a patient dies despite intensive medical treatment.
In the darkness of many distressing situations we pray that many will put their trust in Jesus Christ our Lord who offers comfort and peace for the soul.
And this we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Revd Helen
Friday 3rd April 2020
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians , Chapter 3 v 16, 17
Gracious and almighty God
As we are in the midst of this Lenten season we pray that we can use the challenge to stay in and avoid social contact as an opportunity to retune our spiritual lives with you, to have more time for individual prayer, to read the Bible and to seek our place within your Kingdom here on earth.
We thank almighty God for the inspiration of the psalmists, hymn writers and musicians. Let their inspiration feed and fuel our hearts and souls as we honour God each day with the lives that we lead and the children of God that we are.
And this we ask through Jesus Christ , our Lord and our Saviour.
Amen.
Revd Helen
Saturday 4th April 2020
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?" Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it 'Love your neighbour as yourself'. Matthew 22: 36-39 NIV
Dear Lord and Saviour, you have taught us that we should love our neighbours as ourselves. Those who are able, are demonstrating this love by volunteering to help those in need and those who are self isolating during this pandemic. Many more are showing their love of neighbour by following government instructions by staying at home and practising social distancing when they have to go out. Help us all to play our part in the battle against Covid-19. Be with the lonely and those who are finding the situation difficult to cope with and bless us all that we might treat other with kindness. This we ask in your most holy name. Amen.
Revd Michael
Palm Sunday 5th April 2020
As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying,
'Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!' Luke C19 v36-38
Holy God
We join with Christians throughout the world this day united by the power of the Holy Spirit as we celebrate the triumphant entry of our Lord Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. Let our shouts of thankfulness , joy and personal devotion reverberate with hope to all during this horrendous time whereby humanity is shrouded by the Coronavirus.
This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Revd Helen
Monday, Holy Week 6th April 2020
But he said to them, "you give them something to eat". They said, "we have no more than five loaves and two fish- unless we are to go and buy food for all these people."....And taking the five loaves and two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. And all ate and were filled.
Luke 8:13, 16-17a NRSV
Dear Lord Jesus, your concern was always for those you came to serve. You took five loaves and two fish and fed five thousand people. Today we pray for all those working so heard to make sure that millions of people have enough to eat during the pandemic. The food producers and those who work in the transport industry, those working in the wholesale and retail outlets, the delivery drivers and volunteers delivering provisions to the doorstep and those working in the food banks. Bless all that they do.
This we ask in your most Holy Name. Amen
Revd Michael