John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
As we enter the penitential time of Lent, our prayer focus is on those areas of our world which need improvement, if the Kingdom of God is to be welcomed in. We pray for the obvious problems of countries ruled by dictators with an agenda to grasp as much as they can, but also, we pray for the ‘closed’ countries, where the citizens are indoctrinated into hatred and fear, and unable to leave or even think differently. We pray for our own country, that the atmosphere of ‘them and us’ will be removed and a joyous welcome for all types of people will be the norm.
As Valentine’s Day is this month, we pray for all people forming new relationships or deciding on marriage, that they will remember that loving is serving, forgiving and generosity, as well as receiving and contentment. We pray for all families, all generations, that they will live in harmony.We continue to pray that God will encourage His choice of new Vicar to bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm to our church. We give thanks for the excellent work and dedication of Julie and our retired clergy, who have given so much to the life of the church through the past year.
Some of our young people are taking important exams very soon, so we pray for them. We ask God to ensure that they feel secure and without anxiety, knowing that they are truly loved, regardless of their exam results.
As the weather starts to move into spring, we need to continue to pray for the homeless and those in poverty; winter is not over for them yet. We give thanks for all charities directing their care towards relieving poverty and debt, and we ask God how we can become involved and help.
Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.