SEPTEMBER SEASON OF PRAYER
During September, all churches will be looking at a different aspect and style of prayer. If you feel that prayer doesn’t come easy or that it’s not something you feel ‘gifted in’ then we hope by coming along you can find encouragement in a style that suits you; after all prayer is not for a ‘special group of people’ but something for everyone. Each week will focus on a different theme.
Week two: Intercessory Prayer
Intercession means simply being with God with particular people or situations in mind. “Lord, I am here before you, with …(name)… on my heart.” You only need to mention a person or situation with a real intention to hold them before God. It’s not about rushing through a list, but naming people or situations in loving care. It doesn’t matter how the thoughts or words come out – the more personal and genuine the language, the better.
Use the simple phrase above if you like, or something like: “Circle, Lord, your servant …(name)… with your healing love…” Talk to God about your particular concern. After naming the person or describing the situation that is troubling you, be silent – whatever feels right to you.
However, it is important to remember that this is only one of many ways of praying, and prolonged moments of repetitive lists of intercessory prayer can sometimes get in the way of a deeper listening place. So a certain balance needs to be found here.
All of us pray in different ways at different stages in our lives. Sometimes our way of praying changes as we grow in our relationship with God.
Afterwards you might want to write down any thoughts of feelings.
Week One: Listening to God in the Silence and Stillness
It is in Silence and stillness that we may ‘hear’ God with inner ears. Blocking out all sounds and activity in this fast-paced, noisy world of today is a challenge. But the following steps can help you to relax and focus on that silence within.
You can do this whenever and wherever – even if you only have a few minutes!
First, get into a comfortable position.
Relax, listen to the sounds around you, you might find it helpful to close your eyes, become aware of your breathing, slowly and gently breath in and the out.
Then read a passage of scripture, maybe a favourite Psalm or Psalm One
Remember God is present with you.
A Prayer to conclude or start with:
In me God, You live and move and have your being.
In you God, I live and move and have my being. God of Stillness and Creative action help me to find space for quietness today that I may discover the inner meaning of silence and hear your still, small voice through Christ, in the love of the Spirit.
Amen.
Afterwards you might want to write down any thoughts of feelings.
The material is from ‘Prayer Pack’ from the Diocese of Rochester and particular thanks goes to Susan Carlsson who edited the publication.
Daily Prayer
From the Book of Common Prayer (BCP)
and Common Worship (CW)
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The Financial CrisisWe pray for those affected by the enormous burden of debt: for a just and lasting solution to the problems they face. Lord, in your mercy We pray for ourselves, that through our choices, actions and words we may daily live out our faith, and bear witness to you, the source of all good things. Lord, in your mercy Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom, WORDS TO THINK ABOUT FROM THE BIBLEGod cares for youJesus said to his disciples, ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Luke 12.22-23 We must fulfil our obligations'Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another.' Learn to be content with what you can affordKeep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, ‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’ IF YOU NEED HELP…The Consumer Credit Counselling Servicehttp://www.cccs.co.uk The Citizen’s Advice Bureauhttp://www.adviceguide.org.uk The SamaritansFor emotional support or contact the Vicar of this church: vicar@smasch.orgPRAYERS FOR A TIME OF FINANCIAL CRISISA PRAYER FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL SITUATIONLord God, we live in disturbing days: VERSES FROM PSALM 139O Lord, you have searched me out and known me; A PRAYER FOR WISE FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP Lord Jesus Christ, PRAYERS FOR THOSE WORRIED ABOUT DEBT VERSES FROM PSALM 107 Let us give thanks to the Lord for his goodness and the wonders he does for his children. PRAYERS FOR THOSE LIVING WITH DEBTFather, we pray for the many who are God of power, A PRAYER FOR GUIDANCE Lord God, your will is to bring hope and a future to all your people. A FORM OF INTERCESSION We pray for the Church, that it may be a compassionate community, We pray for those who work in government, finance and the law, We pray for those individuals who, because of their debts, |