Prayer
Prayer is a way of communicating with God. It is, or should be a two way conversation. It isn't just us throwing demands at God. We should also find the peace and the space to listen to him. In busy lives it can be tough trying to find space, but we can find space for things when we want to, all God wants is a few minutes of our time. We don't have to use special language or be in a church, we can talk to God as we talk to any of our friends.
Prayer can be about anything.............financial difficulties, relationships,
happy things, we can thank God for situations in the world or in the lives of friends and family, or support in a difficult situation.
God knows what we need, He knows what we want and He knows what is good for us.
Do you have a special prayer? Share it with us, it might be helpful for someone else.
If you need our prayers please contact Tina [email protected]
(Please also contact Tina if you would be willing to go on the prayer circle to pray for others).
GMCC is praying for different countries and areas each month. This month we are praying for:
UKRAINE
Father, today we pray for the escalating situation in Ukraine.
We confess that in times of such rapid change and on issues of such complexity,
it can be difficult to know how to pray.
So we start with our praise and thanks to you,
who remains steadfast and faithful,
all-seeing and all-knowing.
We re-orientate ourselves in you, your timescales,
your ways and your purposes.
We remind ourselves of your love for this earth you formed and those you created in
your image.
We struggle to see clearly through confusion and misinformation,
yet recognise an age-old lust for power, control and violence.
We pray for those already mourning,
those who are fleeing homes and livelihoods,
for those who are fearful and vulnerable.
We pray for intermediaries on the ground
and those seeking to defend life and liberty.
Blessed are the peacemakers.
Amidst the political posturing and frightening military action
we pray for those involved in genuine diplomatic efforts to avert further bloodshed.
We remember how Jesus resisted being co-opted into the religious and political uprisings of competing empires.
We remember how He spoke to heal the sick, calm the storm and raise the dead. We too pray that the name of God would not be invoked in destructive nationalistic ways.
We pray for powerful words and miraculous actions –
for de-escalation, peace and justice, repentance and restoration.
On earth as it is in heaven, and for our faithful witness until then, Amen.
Prayer by David Smyth, Head of Northern Ireland Evangelical Alliance.
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Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.
—Psalm 57:1 (NIV)
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He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers …
—2 Corinthians 1:10-11 (NIV)
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Pray for people who are infected with COVID-19 or facing quarantine.
Jesus, during Your ministry on Earth You showed Your power and caring by healing people of all ages and stations of life from physical, mental, and spiritual ailments. Be present now to people who need Your loving touch because of COVID-19. May they feel Your power of healing through the care of doctors and nurses.
Take away the fear, anxiety, and feelings of isolation from people receiving treatment or under quarantine. Give them a sense of purpose in pursuing health and protecting others from exposure to the disease. Protect their families and friends and bring peace to all who love them.
Pray for the coronavirus to stop spreading.
Almighty God, we know that everything is in Your sovereign control. We ask that You keep this new coronavirus from continuing to spread. Give government officials the ability to safely handle people arriving from other countries. Help people decide to stay home instead of traveling or going out needlessly. Holy Spirit, remind people to wash their hands properly. And while it may be heart-breaking, comfort families as they decide to keep their distance from elderly or other high-risk family members.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea …—Psalm 46:1-2 (NIV)
God's healing hand
To our brothers and sisters who have contracted
and are suffering due to the Coronavirus Disease,
we pray that God’s healing hand may rest upon you.
To medical doctors, nurses and the supporting staff
who are in the frontline of the fight against COVID-19,
may the Good Lord sustain you and inspire you
to render your life-saving services with due care, love and compassion.
To all those who have lost their loved ones due to the Coronavirus outbreak,
we convey our deepest sympathies.
We pray that their souls, through God’s mercy, may rest in eternal peace.
We pray that God may grant all bereaved families his consolation and strengthen their faith and hope in Jesus Christ, the Risen Lord.
Amen.
“As the deer pants for streams of water so my soul pants for you my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. Where can I go and meet with God my tears have been my food, day and night?”
Psalm 42:1-2
Gracious God, we pray for those who are struggling emotionally and spiritually, those finding it hard to experience your presence, those who can’t see you through the tears and the anguish.
Thank you that even when we are struggling to have a vision of you. You are with us. You have promised to never leave us, and you have said when we seek you we will find you.
Thank you that you enter into our sorrow and pain, you journey with us in our questions and our doubts. Bring comfort strength and hope we pray.
In Jesus' name
Amen
We thank you, Lord, for the gospel – the good news of Jesus, and His life, death, resurrection and ascension.
We pray that the saving message of love, hope, forgiveness and salvation in Him may go forward to all parts of the UK in the power of your Spirit.
Lord, we ask that many will encounter you for the first time and that others may have a fresh knowledge of your love and grace.
Move in our nations in saving power, we pray.
In Jesus' name
Amen
We thank you for your Spirit, helping us to share your love in countless words of grace and acts of kindness.
As we move forward grant us wisdom, grace, mercy and love.
Strengthen and renew your church and heal our land.
In Jesus' name
Amen
Psalm 20:7
"Some trust in chariots and some in horses but we trust in the name of the Lord.
They are brought to their knees and fall but we rise up and stand firm."
Lord, we thank you that you are trustworthy: you remain constant in love, mercy and grace.
We ask that in times of trial that you may strengthen our faith and help us to keep our eyes fixed upon you.
When we are weary and tired help us to come to you enable us to rise up and stand firm.
In Jesus' name
Amen
Psalm 20:1-2
"May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion."
Lord, we thank you for your grace and goodness, we thank you that you are our help and support.
We thank you for your compassion, you never abandon us.
Lord, we pray for those in distress today carrying a burden and under a weight of distress and sorrow.
May you answer them in their need and grant them protection and give them your peace.
In Jesus' name
Amen
All mighty God, rich in love and full of tenderness.
We pray for all those who feel wounded, weary and broken.
For the bereaved, the anxious and the isolated.
We unite our hearts with them in tears of lament.
God come in power,
God have mercy,
God bring healing,
may the oil of your love bring peace.
In Jesus' name
Amen
We lift up our voices
Merciful God,
We place into your care all the refugees and migrants.
God who hurts with humanity, we lift up our voices and pour out our hearts to you,
in sadness and grief, for those who don't have anyone to hear their suffering and pain,
for those who don't have anyone to love and care,
for those who don't have anyone to tell their stories
and especially for those who have been suffering due to this pandemic
and struggling with coronavirus to see another day in their life.
We pray for their courage of heart and strength of mind and body.
Keep them safe from harm.
Amen.
Prayer: Inmanuel Chayan Biswas, who works for Caritas Bangladesh in Cox's Bazaar refugee camp
For hospital staff and medical researchers
Gracious God,
give skill, sympathy and resilience
to all who are caring for the sick,
and your wisdom to those searching for a cure.
Strengthen them with your Spirit,
that through their work many will be restored to health;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
A Prayer for Wisdom
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. Psalm 32:8
Lord God,
You create and recreate us in your goodness and wideness.
Thank you for the many outreaches and programmes you have blessed us with,
Thank you for the ways they have changed us
Thank you for the ways they have changed our community
As we look to a time beyond lockdown,
Keep us listening to the ways you want to restore us
And the ways you may want to recreate us.
May we not cling to the old out of nostalgia,
But rejoice at the new wine you bring
And look for the fruitfulness after the pruning.
In this time of preparation make us flexible;
To contain new wine without bursting,
To be ready for harvest,
To embrace with joy all you are recreating.
May we look to you for comfort, not comfortableness.
In the name of Jesus, our foretaste and pioneer of all things new. Amen.
All Who Minister
Bless the Lord, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will. Psalm 103:21
Father God,
You send your angels to minister to us.
Thank you for all those who minister in a particular way at this time:
For those who work in hospitals, care homes, surgeries and pharmacies;
For those who grow, produce, transport and supply our food;
For those who clean, cook, clear up and keep us healthy;
For those who speak, preach, call, write, blog, vlog, sing and pray into our isolation;
For those who calm, cradle, carry, comfort and care for those that have passed away and their families;
For those who lead, decide, deliberate and govern;
For those who seek, research, explore and assess treatments and cures;
For those who give, bless, serve, love and tend the vulnerable and the needy;
For all who in this season reflect you.
Even as they mirror you, would you bless and protect and provide for them,
Our great Shepherd and the One who is always Enough.
Amen.
A Prayer of Trust
The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits enthroned as king forever.
Psalm 29:10
God, our God,
King over all, including this chaos.
You are always enthroned on high;
You are always king.
You alone are sovereign over this world you have made.
In a time when we groan with uncertainty,
when we are overwhelmed by the invisible flood of pandemic and panic,
Be king.
Be king over nations, and governments.
Be king over sickness and death.
Be king over communities and families.
Be king over me.
Be king over the floods around me and the floods in me.
For Jesus’ sake.
Amen.
A Prayer of Doubt
Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. Psalm 73:23
Lord,
I am uncertain.
I am afraid.
I am wondering where you are, if you are there.
My mind is whirling with questions.
My heart is heavy with the weight of grief
My hands are itching to do something but have been told to do nothing.
Are you here?
Are you in our hospitals and supermarkets and streets?
Please be here. Be here in the stillness and silence.
Be here in the busyness of ICUs and ambulances.
Be here in my head and heart and hands. Be here, even when I cannot see you or name you.
Be here, as you were in Mary’s womb,
As you were in a boat in the storm
As you were hung on a cruel cross
As you were in the cool silence of a grave
As you were in a room of frightened disciples
As you are drawing near with compassion and comfort to those mourning.
Be here and it will be enough.
Amen.
A Prayer When I Have No Words
You have known the distress of my soul. Psalm 31:7
Lord,
I ---
You ---
There’s ---
Please ---
I do not have words.
Your words says that you know the distress of my soul.
You know the distress of my soul
You know the distress.
You know.
You know.
You know.
You.
Thank you.
Amen
A Prayer of Uncertainty
We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.
2 Chronicles 20:12
Lord our God,
King of heaven’s armies.
In so many ways we do not know what to do:
our efforts seem so small in the face of so much death;
our prayers sound so feeble in the face of an invisible enemy;
our knees are trembling and our hands hang limp.
But you are God and Lord, Maker and Majesty.
We look to you, for you alone can save us.
Keep us attentive to watching you,
And then, as Jesus did, to do what you are doing.
In his name we pray, who spent his whole life attentive to what you were doing.
Amen.
An intercessory prayer
You call us to speak to you in prayer– even when the places we would usually go to are not available.
Help us to know you Spirit’s presence wherever we pray.
Today we especially pray for those who are living in fear – give them your strength.
For those who have not yet realised the urgency of the situation – protect them, and all of us from harm.
Today I especially want to pray for …….
In the name of Jesus.
Amen
Loving God,
If we are ill, strengthen us.
If we are tired, fortify our spirits.
If we are anxious, help us to consider the lilies of the field and the birds of the air.
Help us not to stockpile treasures from supermarkets in the barns of our larders.
Don't let fear cause us to overlook the needs of others more vulnerable than ourselves.
Fix our eyes on your story and our hearts on your grace.
Help us always to hold fast to the good,
See the good in others,
And remember there is just one world, one hope,
One everlasting love, with baskets of bread for everyone.
In Jesus we make our prayer,
The one who suffered, died and was raised to new life,
In whom we trust these days and all days,
Amen.
God of all hope we call on you today.
We pray for those who are living in fear:
Fear of illness, fear for loved ones, fear of other’s reactions to them.
May your Spirit give us a sense of calmness and peace.
We pray for your church in this time of uncertainty.
For those needing to make decisions in order to care for other
For those who will feel more isolated by not being able to attend.
Grant us your wisdom.
Holy God, we remember that you have promised that
Nothing will separate us from your love – demonstrated to us in Jesus Christ.
Help us turn our eyes, hearts and minds to you.
Amen
The prayer that Jesus taught us
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and forever.
Amen.
A prayer for the church
May your love that never fails
strengthen the weak
encourage the fearful
calm the anxious
heal the sick
through your church –
your washed hands
and feet on earth –
distant but still present
virtual but still connected
apart but still helping.
God in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Amen.
A prayer before silence
Loving God,
we seek your presence
in the silence beyond words
looking to you for comfort,
strength, protection and reassurance
breathing with gratitude
holding on to hope
trusting with faith
that you are still God
in the midst of the turmoil
and that your love reaches
to the ends of the earth.
Be present with us now.
(Silence)
Amen.
A prayer for times of isolation
‘For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come… will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ (Romans 8:38-39)
God of heaven and earth,
in these times of isolation,
apart from loved ones
distant from friends
away from neighbours
thank you that there is nothing
in all of creation,
not even coronavirus,
that is able to separate us from your love.
And 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
all recognising 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.
Amen.
Prayers of thanksgiving and intercession
For the health workers tending the seriously ill
for the scientists working on a vaccination
for the researchers analysing data and identifying trends
for the media outlets working to communicate reality
for the supermarket workers, hygiene and sanitation providers
for the good news stories of recoveries and effective planning
for the singing from balconies by locked-down communities
for the recognition that isolation doesn’t need to mean loneliness
for the notes through letterboxes offering help and support
for the internet and telephones and technology that connects
for the awakened appreciation of what is truly important
Thanks be to God.
For those who are unwell and concerned for loved ones
for those who were already very anxious
for those immune suppressed or compromised
for those vulnerable because of underlying conditions
for those in the ‘most at risk to coronavirus’ categories
for those watching their entire income stream dry up
for those who have no choice but to go out to work
for those who are afraid to be at home
for those who are more lonely than they've ever been
for those who are bereaved and grieving.
God be their healer, comfort and protection,
be their strength, shield and provision
be their security, safety and close companion
And raise up your Church
to be your well-washed hands and faithful feet
to be present to the pain
to respond with love in action
if even from a safe distance.
God, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Amen
Wall Of Answered Prayer:
This is an amazing story! The miracle story of how the Wall of Answered Prayer became about is incredible! Please visit their website for more details!
https://www.thewall.org.uk
If you are struggling to find the words try this sacred space
or for younger folk try 24/7