Faith & Worship

" For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every famil  in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being," (Ephesians 3:14-16)

"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." (John 15:13)

" For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light" (Ephesians 5:8)

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him." (1 John 3:1)

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Bring a blessing into the lives
of young people who are,
through circumstances
well beyond their control,
now the principle carer
for a family member,
and whose childhood
and education is on hold
whilst, with loving care
and devotion, they do
the very best they can.
Lighten their load, Lord,
give time for them to play.
Bring light into their darkness,
a song of joy into their souls.

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Bless those close to us,
our family and friends.
Bless the neighbourhood
of which we are a part.
Bless this town or city
we think of as our home.
Bless the young and old,
faces known or strangers.
Keep them safe and well,
meet them in their needs,
our loving God, we pray.

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Loving God, we bring to you
those for whom this day
is simply a continuation
of a struggle to survive;
to feed and clothe the family,
pay the rent or mortgage,
keep the kids in school,
stem a rising tide of debt,
search for yet another job.
Be with them in the choices
that must be made today.
Bring light into their darkness
with the help that they so need,
and embrace them in your love.

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We pray for the many families
struggling with life at present
through illness, loss of work,
mounting debt and anxiety.
May we be there when needed
by our own family and close friends,
but also when our neighbours,
close by and further afield
need a shoulder to lean upon
or simply a helping hand;
that as community, together,
we can share your love, in word
and deed, to your glory, loving God.

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What a joy it is
to know that we
are not only
son, daughter,
brother, sister,
but together, family,
with a heavenly Father
who knows us well,
cares for us,
laughs with us,
often weeps for us,
yet loves us still.

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Bless the many people
to whom we entrust
the care of our children;
the baby sitters, childminders,
nursery workers, teachers,
doctors, nurses, grandparents,
aunts, uncles and neighbors
who together will become
part of an extended family
bringing love and laughter
into the lives of both
parent and child.
Bless their contribution
and the care that they give.

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Lord, bless the worldwide Church
which, though seemingly divided
by emphasis, liturgy and ritual
is still in your eyes family,
brothers and sisters united
by so much more than that
which keeps us apart,
a shared experience of grace
and love, amazing and divine,
and a common purpose, to bring
those who are still searching
to a place where you can be found.

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For all who we love,
both family and friends,
be that constant presence
in their daily lives
with whom they can share
both joys and sorrows,
and know they can turn to
in times of trouble.
Be the rock they choose
to build their lives upon,
that sure foundation
on which they can depend.

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Thank you, Lord
for showing us that love
has no boundaries or end
but listens, has patience,
compassion, grace
and gives without counting cost.
Thank you for granting us
a heart for those you love
and a willingness
to step out in faith
and service.
Thank you, Lord
for showing us true love
can be ours to know and give.

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We thank you, Gracious God
for Hallelujah moments.
Those turning a corner
and meeting a long-lost friend
moments.
Those climbing a mountain
and standing in awe of the view
moments.
Those wiping of tears
from our eyes as a baby is born
moments.
Those welcoming back
a prodigal child into our arms
moments.
Those answers to prayer
at times when we feel totally helpless
moments.
Those sighs of relief
at the end of a dear friend's suffering
moments.
For these and all
Hallelujah moments,
we thank you, Gracious God.

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Bless our families;
mothers, fathers,
daughters, sons.
Protect them
from all that might harm.
Prosper them
in times of hardship.
Instruct them
in the ways of goodness.
Prepare them
for both joy and sorrow.
Unite them
within your arms of love.
Daughters, sons,
mothers, fathers,
bless our families
Lord, we pray.

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Reveal yourself
dear Lord, this day
in the special places
where we can be alone.
Reveal yourself
in the busy places
where noise is all around.
Reveal yourself
in the smiling faces
of friends and family
Reveal yourself
in the sullen faces
of people passing by.
Reveal yourself
dear Lord, this day
and by your grace
bless this beautiful
but fragile world with joy.

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We pray for healing and peace
for the stresses and strains
within family relationships.
For couples who have lost
the love that they once had,
and their lives are drifting apart.
For parents who no longer
can control their children,
and are beginning to despair.
For families who struggle
to live within their means
and not slip deeper into debt.
For children who walk into
a more uncertain future
with difficult choices to make.
For the stresses and strains
within family relationships
we pray for healing and peace.

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These and many more prayers avable in 'Ripples of Prayer' - see ebooks