Sunday 30th August Prayers

 Readings Hebrews 13:1-8,15-16

Luke 14:1,7-14

In the light of todays bible readings, we make our prayers  as a community of faith for ourselves and the world, acknowledging its easy to say the words but much harder to live them.

the response to Lord forgive us is - and renew us.

so we pray Lord forgive us- and renew us

God of community 

Father, Son and Holy Spirit

we have heard your call down the centuries

to care for the widow, orphan and refugee,

we say yes to that 

but when it costs us too much

we make excuses not to do so

Lord forgive us - and renew us.

Your early church sought to live out

the kingdoms values

with a spirit of generosity 

and through writers like that of Hebrews

came the call to have empathy

to show hospitality

to remember those in prison

to recall those who are mistreated

we say yes to that 

but when it costs us too much

we make excuses not to do so

Lord forgive us - and renew us.

From the past to the present

you call us O God

to live a life of humility.

In Christ you remind us of our common humanity.

we say yes to that 

but when it costs us too much

we make excuses not to do so

Lord forgive us-  and renew us.

As your community today

struggling with the challenge of our faith

and to live it out,

we pray for ourselves and our society 

that we might not fall into the trap of labelling others 

so that they can then be treated as different 

and that we have no responsibility towards them.

Silence those voices

that stir up fear and hatred

and give voice to those who need to be heard,

and if they are too afraid 

may we have the courage to speak for them.

Lord in your mercy

Hear our Prayer

We pray for people fleeing places of war

famine and violence

often a result of our own armament industry,

may they receive the hospitality they need

be seen as individuals 

and not dehumanised.

Lord in your mercy

Hear our Prayer

We pray for those who mess up their lives

often by life’s circumstances beyond their control

and end up in prison

and who while locked away 

can be conveniently forgotten,

yet we would pray 

that true reform of our prisons 

will take place

that rehabilitation becomes a reality

and a new life becomes possible

in spite of the stigma of prison.

Lord in your mercy

Hear our Prayer

We pray for those who are mistreated

women by abusive partners

citizens by bullying leaders

those who ask for justice.

May they no longer be silenced

but liberated to live life to the full.

Lord in your mercy

Hear our Prayer

God of community

in the face of all these challenges

we give you thanks and praise

for this amazing planet 

which provides all our needs,

for its beauty and wonder.

We thank you

for those who encourage us, 

who seek our well being,

and especially we thank you

for this faith community

that provides a touchstone

for our living.

We pray that just as you are faithful to us

we might remain faithful to you.

And just as we might entertain an angel in disguise

may others do the same through us. Amen.

(c) Mark Goodhand 30th August 2025