Liturgical prayers for Sunday 20 January 2013

Call to worship:

Ps 95:6, 7  O come, let us give worship, falling down on our knees before the Lord our Maker.  For he is our God; and we are the people to whom he gives food, and the sheep of his flock. Today, if you would only give ear to his voice!

Glory to the Father and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit;

as it was in the beginning, is now

and shall be forever.

Amen.

Prayer of praise and the forgiveness of sins:

Lord Jesus Christ, You came to us in the Name of the Lord of hosts. You have freed us from the slavery of sin, having being born as a man to die on a cross; You rose from the dead and You are exalted at the right hand of God. You have sent upon us Your holy and life‑giving Spirit and made us a people for Your own possession.

Holy Lord, Grant us a peaceful fellowship with You and with each other today.

The Lord is merciful.

As far as the east is from the west,

so far does he remove our sins from us.                           Ps.103:8,12

Holy God, forgive us the wrongs we have done

as we also forgive those who have wronged us.

Keep us from temptation,

and save us from evil.

Lord Jesus, crucified for us, help us to love, as you loved,

help us to live as you lived.

Father have mercy on us!

Jesus have mercy on us!

O Spirit of God, have mercy on us.

Amen.

Illumination.
Father, we cannot accept your gospel and your law,

unless you yourself inscribe them upon our hearts.

Therefore, we pray, as they are proclaimed to us today,

let your Holy Spirit imprint them upon our hearts.

So may you come to be our God, and we learn to be your people. Amen.

Prayer of Adoration and intercession:

O God and Lord of hosts, we come before your throne of mercy because you first loved us and to declare our love for you.

Father, through the work of your Spirit we received the good news,

in which we stand, and by which we are saved:

that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,

that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day;

We believe he is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. 

He is the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. 

He is our Lord and God.

God, bless Africa:

guard her children,

guide her leaders

and give her peace,

for Jesus Christ's sake.

Heavenly Lord, today, we pray for your church throughout the world and particularly in our country and our city, that it may be united in faith and in its witness to your gospel and your will.

We pray for the nations of the world, especially those facing war, famine or any other disaster.

We pray for our country that there may be justice, peace and a better life for all in our land.

We pray that you will protect us and grant us a time of fulfilment and peace. Strengthen all with authority and those responsible for law and order and guide them, and be near to our nation that everything we do may be for the best of our country and to the honour of your Name.

We pray for the poor, the sick, the suffering, the dying, the sorrowful. We pray for all who are anxious, or in doubt, despair or any kind of trouble.

You called the disciples to announce your good news to the whole world. Help your people to be your witnesses and to win others for Christ. Help your Church to proclaim your gospel and your will faithfully to all who will listen.

Lord Jesus, bring all people to repentance, reconciliation with you and each other, to peace, unity and harmony.

Lord Jesus, you were rich in heaven, yet for our sake became poor:

now move us all to share generously with those who are poor and be with all migrant workers and foreigners amongst us, and protect them and  their families.

Father, bring glory to your Name, bring glory to the Name of our Saviour and Lord; bring glory to your Name through the power of the Holy Spirit.

through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray.   Amen.