Good morning everyone,
To see the video of Jim's sermon for this Sunday, click Here
The readings this week are for the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost:
Genesis 25:19-34
Psalm 119: 105-112
Rom 8:1-11
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
See below for the Prayers of the People. Jerry Filipski prepared them for today.
Prayers of the People
Heavenly Father
We offer this day into your keeping; our plans into your providence, our concerns into your love, our words into your silence, our activity into your stillness. Look upon us in your steadfast love and grant us your saving health, so that we may be instruments of your healing for others, and all may grow into wholeness in your praise.
Lord in your Mercy; Hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father
Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy in this time of uncertainty and distress.
Sustain and support the anxious and fearful, and lift up all who are brought low;
that we may rejoice in your comfort knowing that nothing can separate us from your love
in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Lord in your Mercy; Hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father
We bring before You the many leaders of the world, and those in high positions, knowing that the nation whose God is the Lord is a blessed nation indeed. We pray for those leaders around the world, who are seeking to abide by the truth of Your law and to make the right decisions as we deal with the Coronavirus. May they be tools, used by You, to maintain justice and righteousness in their respective positions and nations.
Lord in your Mercy; Hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father
As we think of family life, we think of our own church family here at St. Mary's, where we await our return to our lovely little church in the woods with great anticipation. Dear Lord from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named; we trust to your loving care the members of our families, both near and far. Supply their needs; guide their footsteps; keep them in safety of body and soul; and may your peace rest upon our homes and upon our dear ones everywhere.
Lord in your Mercy; Hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father
We pray for those who are sick in body, mind or spirit. Please bring them your peace in their pain, your strength in their weakness and your comfort in their sadness.
Lord in your mercy: Hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father
We pray for those who nurse a sick parent or partner or child. Where life is threatened by the illness give the carer calmness and wisdom. For those who nurse the chronically sick, knowing that a lifetime of care will be called for, we pray for endurance, patience and gentleness in the face of tiring duties and lost sleep. Care for the carers with your fatherly concern and meet their needs so that they may have strength to persevere with love and kindness.
Lord in your mercy: Hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father
It was your Son our Lord Jesus Christ who won the victory over death; grant that all who mourn the loss of those dear to them may enter into his victory, and find comfort, hope and peace in him, who is the resurrection and the life.
Lord in your mercy: Hear our prayer.
We remember
We are not people of fear: we are people of courage.
We are not people who protect our own safety:
we are people who protect our neighbours' safety.
We are not people of greed: we are people of generosity.
We are your people God, giving and loving,
wherever we are, whatever it costs
For as long as it takes wherever you call us.
Accept these prayers for the sake of your son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.