We have heard in the gospel reading of today, Jesus telling us “I am the living bread come down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live for ever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”

After a pause …

As we are gathered together in this Holy Communion Service, we thank God for the Holy and Healing Sacrament of the Bread and Wine, the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ that we share and celebrate in this Eucharist. Trusting fully in the promises of Jesus we humbly bring our needs to our loving God:

We pray for the Church of England, for the queen and for all the leaders of the local and national Church. May we who Jesus Christ, the way, the truth and the life make a difference in our families, neighbourhoods and village communities;

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

All       hear our prayer.

Father God, we thank you that we are reopening our churches for worship. It has been a difficult time and the pandemic is still with us. We seek your blessing and your grace to return to our churches and reconnect with each other and build up the Kingdom of God in our Parish communities,

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

All       hear our prayer.

Creator God we pray for all those on holiday this Summer despite the ongoing restrictions imposed because of the Pandemic. Thank you for the refreshment which holiday brings to their lives, for the freedom from routine and for the new experiences and opportunities they have as they explore our countryside and relax in our resorts.  Thank you for the gift of your wonderful creation and help us to be good steward especially in our leisure time and also to continue to take all the necessary precautions for the safety of ourselves and others.

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

All       hear our prayer.

As a Church family and followers of Jesus Christ, we remember in our prayer our our own dear ones and friends who are suffering illness at the moment, and pray especially for Diana, Mel, Don, Chris, Matt, Sophie, Poppy, Lisa, Anne, Chloe, Nadia, Margaret, Jennifer, David Keene and others we know of. We thank you for all who care for them and provide comfort for them.  May they be aware of your love surrounding and enfolding them

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

All       hear our prayer.

We pray for anyone who is grieving, having lost family or a friend. We especially remember Ray Curtis of North Carlton and Reginald Shore of Fillingham who passed away recently. May their souls rest in peace and may we all find hope and comfort in the truth of our Christian faith and the knowledge that we will all enjoy life with God forever.

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 longer pause …

Loving Father, we trust you in faith to hear our prayers, whose we have publicly stated and those hidden in the depths of our hearts known to you alone.

After a longer 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]