Let us pray for the Church and for the world and let us thank God for His goodness.

Blessed are you, Lord our God for you sent the prophets and John the Baptist to prepare your way.  You have told us of your coming and you reveal yourself to us in Jesus.  You come to each of us in power and in love.

Dear Lord, we come to you again to ask for your Holy Spirit to come upon all Ministers of the Word and especially we pray for the Rev. Gaenor, Rev. Angus and Judith our Licensed Lay Minister.  Lord God, we ask that your kingdom will come and Your light will shine into the dark places of our world today.

Where there is war, will You bring peace?
Where there is hunger, will You bring provision?
Where there is sickness, healing.
Help us to understand what it means to trust in You more deeply each day.

Lord, in Your mercy – Hear our prayer

Holy God, as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of Christ our Saviour we ask that You will answer our prayers and make us a holy people, fit to greet Him with eager hearts.  Dear Lord, we pray for King Charles and Princess Kate, praying that they may be completely healed.  Help them Lord in their daily tasks and give them the power of your Spirit to guide them.

Lord, in Your mercy – Hear our prayer

Creator God, help the Leaders of Nations to seek justice and peace which come from the Word of God, may there be good news for the poor and the broken-hearted; end conflicts throughout the World which lead to so much grief and mourning.  We also pray for all those who strive to rebuild in places that have been ravaged by war or natural disaster. 

Merciful God, may Your blessing be upon all those who are in pain or sickness, those who are anxious or troubled.  We know that You are always present with us, even when sometimes You seem far away. Help us to feel Your presence when we pass through dark places, and sustain us and all who suffer through our pains and sorrows.

We pray especially for Val Coombs who has now settled in to her new residential home in Gillingham.  In a moment of quiet, bring before God those whose names are on Your heart at this time. 

Lord, in Your mercy  –  Hear our prayer

Holy and strong one, ever-loving God, we come into the stillness to rejoice in Your presence, to give ourselves to You and to wait upon Your renewing power.  Lord, help us to know you are always with us and that You are our strength and hope.

Faithful God, as we continue this Advent journey, teach us to turn to You in times of joy and pleasure, as well as when faced with fear and sorrow.  Help us to put our differences behind us and to unite behind the Great Commission of Jesus to make Disciples of all nations and all people.

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