Let us pray:

Loving heavenly Father, we give thanks for this new day as we have gathered together  to worship you and listen to your word.

At the start of this New Year, we thank you for everything that we have received from you that is good in our lives, our families, our friends, and the beautiful environment in which we live. Be with us as we pray for your help to live according to your will for us.

After a short Silence:
Let us pray to the Lord:
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, we pray for the world struck by coronavirus…

Jesus Christ, you travelled through towns and villages “curing every disease and illness.”

At your command, the sick were made well.
Come to our aid now, at the global spread of the coronavirus,
that we may experience your healing love.

After a short Silence:
Let us pray to the Lord:
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Jesus blessed the little children. Today, dear Lord, we think of all of the school children whose education and friendships, security and mental well-being have been put at risk by the pandemic. Please protect and care for them as they return to schools. Support the staff and teachers who care for them and have responsibility for them.

After a short Silence:
Let us pray to the Lord:
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all those who have difficulties in their lives, such as being unemployed, lonely or sad.  Thank you, Dear Lord, for the kindness and selflessness of those who work to support those in need.  Encourage us to make a positive difference in our Springline community even if it is just speaking to someone we don’t know. It can make such a difference to a person’s day.

After a short Silence:
Let us pray to the Lord:
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Father God, we pray today for our friends, our families and our community

Loving God we pray for those who face difficulties in their lives. 

This morning we thank you for the courage and determination shown by those who are  ill. We pray especially for Diana Scammell, Gwen Hall, Lisa, Peter, Nadia, Don Whyles and others we know of.  We ask you Lord to bless and heal them and to comfort those who care for them.

After a short Silence:
Let us pray to the Lord:
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let us also remember the people dear to us who have died and who we miss. Heavenly Father, we know that they are safe in your love. May they be granted eternal peace and rest in your kingdom.

After a short Silence:
Let us pray to the Lord:
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

And finally let us now pray for ourselves … let us tell the Lord what is of deepest concern in our hearts …knowing that he loves, forgives us and hears our prayer …

After a longer pause …

Father,
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.
 
OR
 
Lord Jesus Christ,
I believe you are the Son of God.
Thank you for coming to us to save us.
Thank you for dying on the cross
to give me a new life.
Thank you for rising from the dead
to give me hope.
I seek your forgiveness
and the gift of eternal life. 
I invite you into my life
as my Lord and Saviour.
I surrender my life
into your hands. 
Use me for your Kingdom
here on earth.
I want to serve you always.

Amen.

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