This Easter morning  Let us pray for the Church and for the world. And let us thank God for his goodness

Dear Lord our heavenly father, we thank you for the truth of the resurrection

That in you there is a light that no darkness can extinguish

A hope that cannot be diminished

And a love even stronger than death

In your grace walk along side us Lord

And may your resurrection life power to shape our lives and prayers

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer

We commit to you all those who have been affected by horrific acts of war and terror

For those living in constant fear and uncertainty

We remember too all those suffering from the injustices of poverty and oppression

And all those who have been forced to flee their homes

 

We particularly remember the volatile situation between Israel and Palestine on the border of the Gaza strip.

We remember our charity of the month Borderlands Bristol as it works with people seeking asylum in the UK or who have become refugees from other countries.

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer

You show us your wounded hands, so we may reach out to mend the broken;
you show us your wounded feet, so we may walk with those the world passes by;
you show us your face, so we may know what our sisters and brothers look like.
Risen Christ: touch us with your compassion.

And move us to be answers to our own prayers

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer

 

We commit to you our church and St Pauls at this vacancy time and thank you that we have a new incumbent joining us soon. We ask that through this person both Churches shall be able to flourish together and be able to reach out to organisations and peoples within and beyond our parishes.

We also thank you that a new bishop has been appointed for the diocese and ask that as Bishop he or she will support all traditions of your church and its five marks of mission and be a strong force for good in Bristol and the wider world.

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer

Forgive us when we behave like dead people, and stay in the darkness of our tombs rather than come out into the morning light of your resurrection

As we prayed earlier, When like mary at the empty tomb  we fail to grasp the wonder of your presence

When like the disciples behind locked doors we are afraid to be seen as your followers

When like Thomas in the upper room we are slow to believe

Help us to love and give without fear

Be with us this week ahead and help us to live the resurrection life

 

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer

 

With these words we pray for ourselves and others that we know, some others known only to you

Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind or spirit, We think particularly of:

XXX

Give them courage and hope in their troubles and bring them the joy of your salvation

 

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer

 

On this Resurrection morning let us pray that those who have died may rest in peace and share in the Risen glory of Christ.

We particularly remember the many who have died tragically in wars around the world, at the hands of terrorists, and those who have taken their own lives. As Jesus wept at the tomb of his friend Lazarus we also commit to you all those who mourn for them

 

We think at this time particularly of:  XXXX

 

In the year’s mind we also commit to you   XXXX

And all those whose anniversary falls at this time

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer

 

May God in his infinite love and mercy bring the whole church

Living and departed in the Lord Jesus, the first-born of the dead

To a joyful resurrection and the fulfilment of his eternal kingdom

Accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, Our saviour Jesus Christ. Amen

 

Prayers by John Bean