Readings and prayers for this week
(If you don't have a Bible handy, you can search for the readings on https://classic.biblegateway.com )
The Gospel reading for 17th January 2021, the second Sunday of Epiphany is John 1:43-end. The other readings are 1 Samuel 3:1-10; Psalm 139: 1-5, 12-18; and Revelation 5:1-10.
Sunday Something PRAYERS
MENEAGE CHURCH CIRCLE: PRAYERS FOR 17 JANUARY 2021
……..Waiting for the Bride picture
Collect - for the 2nd Sunday of Epiphany
Almighty God, in Christ you make all things new: transform the poverty of our nature by the riches of your grace, and in the renewal of our lives make known your heavenly glory; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Intercession Prayers
Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.
Lord, your call to Philip inspired him to encourage others to explore the wonder he beheld. As your Church seeks to follow you so may we invite all people to ‘come and see’ your glory……help us to intrigue others in your name, by them seeing something in us, that they want in their lives. Grant to us the imagination to see your living presence and to reflect that imagery into our communities. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord, Philip challenged Nathaniel’s prejudice and disdain. Overturn the ways we demean the value of others because of background, race, gender, sexuality, poverty or disability. Open our hearts to discover your image in unexpected places. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord, friends shared discoveries of your Kingdom. Bless those in whose company we can delight and flourish even in the challenging times of Covid; through reading, zoom, television or radio broadcasts. Restore in us the joy of life. We pray for America and a peaceful transition of Presidential power. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord, you saw Nathaniel from a distance. Be with all who feel isolated or removed from their normal surroundings through Covid or frailty……sustain us with your love. We ask for your healing on all those who are ill in mind, body or spirit. Empower those in places and times of conflict; from domestic abuse to war, famine and rape to the experience of freedom, justice and compassion. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord, you are always ready to greet us and call us home; draw to yourself all whose earthly life is over……………Bring us to delight in your eternity. Bless our NHS.
Merciful Father – accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.