We have heard in the first reading today. “The Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 15. 7b).

Dear friends, we come before God to pray for ourselves and our world, knowing that the Lord sees our hearts and knows our needs. We therefore bring our prayers to him with confidence in our Heavenly Father.  

After a pause for silent prayer: Lord, in your mercy.
All       hear our prayer.

That the Church in this country may rediscover her origins in the Holy Spirit, that the Queen as governor of the Church and head of the government may be blessed by God’s Holy Spirit;

And that God may help the leaders of the Churches especially our archbishops Justin and Stephen, our Bishops Christopher, David and Nicholas, the Assistant Bishops and all the priests, deacons, readers and authorised lay ministers;

After a pause for silent prayer: Lord, in your mercy.
All       hear our prayer.

Gracious God we pray for our children and young people who have started Term 6 and near end of another academic year. Be with those who are beginning important examinations at school and university and those starting new lives in the world of work. Help us, through our Christian life to create a society where both young and old, gifted and less able feel valued and proud to be a part of society.

After a pause for silent prayer: Lord, in your mercy.
All       hear our prayer.

Loving God we think now of those in need in our own community and further afield; the elderly, the housebound and those in care homes, hospital and hospice. We also remember the victims of violence, abuse or cruelty.  We give thanks for all those who care for the sick within the family, and for all our medical and voluntary services.

After a pause for silent prayer: Lord, in your mercy.\
All       hear our prayer.

Gracious God we raise before you now, those on our prayer list. May Christ your living Word bring them comfort, wholeness and healing. We especially bring before you in faith Diana Scammell, Mel Deacon, Don Whyles, Chris Howard, Chris Kenny, Matt, Sophie, Lisa Smith, Anne, Margaret, Christina, Jennifer, David Keene and others we know of.

After a pause for silent prayer: Lord, in your mercy.|
All       hear our prayer.

We pray for those who face the pain of grief at the loss of a loved one. Help us to support all those who mourn, both with our prayers and with practical help both this day and in the days and weeks to come. We remember before God those who have died and ask that those bereaved by their passing are aware of the light of Christ which eternally shines and brings so much hope.

After a pause for silent prayer: Lord, in your mercy.
All       hear our prayer.

Let us pause a moment, become aware of our breathing, relax in the presence of the Lord and humbly tell him what is deepest in our hearts for he knows us, loves us and forgives us

After a pause …

Father God,
we feel loved,
we feel forgiven,
we feel saved.
Thank you for Jesus Christ your Son
who died for us on the cross
and rose again from the dead
and who offers us true peace
and true hope.
Help us to hold on to him
and to follow him
the way, the truth and the life
as we entrust you our prayers
in the name of your Son Jesus Christ.

Amen.

[Revd Dr ST Mattapally, Rector, Springline Parish, Diocese of Lincoln]