Prayers – April 2019

‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches’ : Rev 1

As we now reach the end of our teaching series on this book, let us consider what the Spirit has been saying to us & to S. Nic’s.

We ask the Lord to bring to our minds those things which stood out. We pray that we may be aware of the Holy Spirit working in the life of the church. We embrace the message of hope in the book.

We give thanks for the good which is happening…the success of Messy church, the eagerness with which so many attend the Bible Project, the good teaching we are having week by week, the friendships, the care for those around, the involvement in the community, the commitment to bringing situations for prayer. Let us praise God with a thankful heart…….it is He who gives the increase to the church.

‘So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who makes things grow.’ 1 Cor. 3:7

We pray that the Lord will give us the courage to keep spreading the word, and that He will enable the church to grow….not just numerically but spiritually.

‘Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.’ Eph 5:11

Let us praise God for being concerned, with us, for our nation. Give thanks that nothing is too hard for the Lord!

Hymn 604 says:
‘We have scorned the truth you gave us,
We have bowed to other lords.
We have sacrificed the children
On the altars of our gods.
O let truth again shine on us,
Let your Holy fear descend:
Upon our nation, upon our nation
Have mercy Lord.’

Let this be our prayer to God as we cry out to Him for our country. We cry out to the Lord to heal our nation, to bring it back to acknowledging Jesus as Lord over all. We ask again that the Brexit negotiations are finalised without any more damage to our nation’s stability. We pray for our continued freedom, may we never take it for granted.

As Easter approaches, help us to remember the enormous love God has for us, fill our hearts with joy and thankfulness. We pray that we will reflect that love and joy in the community. Jesus has come to set us free from all that binds us. Whoever Jesus sets free is free indeed! Praise God!

As Rev Chris & Sarah prepare to make their Pilgrimage, let us surround them with our prayers, may the preparations go smoothly, let us support them in prayer every step of the way.

We also pray for Rev Barry, Fiona, Nigel, Julian, Liz as they continue to minister to us. We are very blessed to have them. Help us to be aware of those things we can do to lighten the load.