We have heard in the gospel today Jesus tells us that following him radically as Christian disciples is not easy but he says: “For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible.” (Mark 10. 17-31)

Dear friends, we come before God accepting Jesus as Saviour and Lord and wanting to follow him at all times. We now seek his grace to follow him faithfully in our lives.

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, following the example of the great and humble saints who evangelised this country;

that the Queen as governor of the Church and head of the government may be blessed by God’s Holy Spirit;

That God may help the leaders of the Churches, especially those of our Diocese and Parish to listen to God’s heart and to obey His will for His people during these difficult times;

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

All       hear our prayer.

Loving God we thank you for your invitation to gather here as we seek a true relationship with you. We bow before you now in humility and with faith, voicing our petitions.

Holy God your servant Paul teaches us that your word is living and active and so we pray that our Church life will also be full of life and activity and that day by day we will grow to know you more clearly and love you more dearly.

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

All       hear our prayer.

Mighty God, so often the lack of justice throughout the world makes us angry and bitter.  Like your prophet Amos we see the poor being trampled and denied the basic freedoms that we so often take for granted.  We pray for all those who are being driven from their homes in places of conflict and forced to seek refuge in Europe and the UK.  We pray we all cherish a loving and caring heart and do our best to offer a safe refuge to those in need.

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

All       hear our prayer.

Merciful God we remember this morning those who are sick, sad or lonely and those who are brave and patient when things are going wrong. We pray that they may be aware of your comforting presence and know that in your hands they are safe and loved.

As a Church family and followers of Jesus Christ, we pray especially for Diana, Don, Chris, Matt, Sophie, Poppy, Lisa, Anne, Chloe, Nadia, Margaret, Jennifer, David Keene and others we know of. We ask God now to bless and heal them with his love.

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

All       hear our prayer.

Father God, we remember the lonely and those suffering stress and emotional travails; and we pray for those who face the pain of grief at the loss of a loved one. We remember Mel Deacon who has died and ask that Revd Sue Deacon, Hannah, James and the family of Mel as they come together with friends at the funeral service on Monday 11^th October; may they and we be aware of the light of the Risen 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

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]